British Cycling provides direct support for Welsh talent

As of next month, Welsh cycling's talent program will be directly funded by British Cycling, reports News Wales. The move ensures the Wales Talent Team and its Olympic Talent coach will receive the same funding opportunities as other talent teams in Great Britain.

Said Welsh Cycling chief executive Peter Sommers: "This will mean that our young cyclists will have the same chance to achieve their goal of reaching the British Cycling Olympic Development programme as all other cyclists on other talent teams.

"Thanks to the Sports Council for Wales agreement, all funding saved from Welsh Cycling not having to financially support the talent team programme will be re-invested into grass roots development. This will enable us, amongst many other developments, to employ a new performance development coach to work alongside club coaches in developing young Welsh riders between the ages of nine and thirteen."

Previous Olympic Talent Coach for Wales, Stuart MacDonald, will fill a new position with British Cycling as their South West Olympic Talent Coach, while Julian Winn will now take on MacDonald's previous role, whilst continuing in his capacity of monitoring and supporting selected junior and senior riders.