A cycling charity set up to honour the life of a promising young cyclist is riding from strength to strength.

The Lewis Balyckyi Trust Fund was set up in memory of Lewis, who was tragically killed while out on a training ride two weeks before he was due to move to France to join a semi-professional cycling team.

The charity supports young riders hoping to succeed in the tough world of European bike racing, and gives them the opportunity to train and race in Europe in order to reach their potential.

Read more: Tragic Lewis died doing what he loved

Funding for the charity comes from the Lewis Balyckyi Glasdon Crit Series, a now well-established mid-week racing fixture for the north west.

Having just completed a fourth year at the UCLan Sports Arena, the series was once again well supported, with 1,000 riders travelling from as far as Carlisle to race over the 18 weeks.

The successful 2019 cycling season has shown how far the fixture has come since it began as a single race on Blackpool Promenade in 2012.

Kevin Balyckyi and Janet Reed of the Lewis Balyckyi Trust Fund said: “To date, the charity has helped 23 riders, with seven gaining full-time pro contracts, and one becoming World Champion in two disciplines – an incredible achievement which we are very proud of.

“We were able to fund seven riders in 2019, largely due to what we received from the Crits, and we have high hopes of several of these going on to bigger and better things.”

Philip Greenwood, Managing Director of Glasdon who sponsor the Crit Series, said: “As headline sponsor over the past four years, Glasdon are proud to watch the trust grow, and assist young cyclists in reaching their goals.

“As a socially responsible company, we look to contribute to charitable causes within our community, and the Lewis Balyckyi Glasdon Crit Series is a fantastic local event.”

Read more: News from local charities

For more information visit the Lewis Balyckyi Trust Fund website.