Students from Preston’s University of Central Lancashire cycling team are preparing to take on the best in the UK.
AdvertisementUCLan’s side will be one of four university teams taking part in a varsity race in London in October.
The team ride in front of 5,000 strong audience at the Lee Valley VeloPark.
They must overcome fellow universities Glasgow, Loughborough and Southampton to progress in the competition.
Olympic cyclists are also at the Revolution Series event which has been running for twelve years.
Josie Linsel, UCLan Students’ Union Activities and Participation Officer, commented: “It’s brilliant that the UCLan Cycling Team has been invited to take part in this elite race series and it shows the standard to which the team performs.
“To compete at such an event is a great opportunity earned by the cyclists and one I am sure they will enjoy.”
FACE Partnership MD James Pope said: “We are delighted to be introducing a varsity race into the Revolution programme this season. As always, we want to ensure that the racing we put on is as exciting as possible and I can’t think of a more intense rivalry in sport than between British Universities.
“Olympic Champions Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton were both BUCS track cycling record holders so we are expecting high ‐quality performances from these teams.
“It is great to be able to expand on our support of the future stars of British cycling by inviting these students to demonstrate their talent and race alongside such prestigious names in UK sport.”
It is the first time universities have been able to enter the competition, which has six rounds including three races in Manchester.
The first round in London takes place on Friday 24 October.
Students are being offered cheaper tickets to see the event via the Cycling Revolution website.