The Cycling Academy's new Continental Apprenticeship Fund has been launched with a donation from our favourite podcast, The Cycling Podcast. Founded in 2013 it has become essential listening for followers of the sport, bringing to life the incredible world of professional cycling and the travelling circus of the Grand Tours. The podcast was founded by the late Richard Moore, Lionel Birnie and Daniel Frebe. Richard was a Cyclist, turned journalist and best selling author who starting racing with the Edinburgh Road Club, representing Scotland on the road. Over the last ten years the podcast has become an must listen for fans of professional road racing and riding bikes. If you caught their rather special Tour d'Ecosse series, our directors James McCallum and Peter Ellen gave an interview to talk about the work of The Cycling Academy and our ambitious plans for young riders.
Each year the podcast sells handmade mugs and cups, celebrating The Giro, The Tour de France, The Tour de France Femmes and The Vuelta . These are crafted by American ceramicist Stacy Snyder with proceeds from their sales donated to organisations that support young rider development. This year proceeds from those sales goes into our Continental Apprenticeship Fund, a new initiative enabling businesses and partners to directly support young athletes on their journey to an elite road racing career.
For young Scottish riders their first trips to European road races are a key part of their development. With peletons twice the size of British races, and world class fields, it's often a baptism of fire. The Cycling Academy frequently races against U19 teams with World Tour backing and more resources than many senior British teams. We go into competitions staffed by volunteers trying to make every penny count.
Despite that we work to animate races, leave a our mark and educate our riders. The Continental Apprenticeship Fund enables business and partners to support young riders to experience European Road races and learn their craft at the heart to the sport.
If you'd like to partner us and contribute to the development of our young people please get in touch. You can read more on our adventures here
A big thanks to Lionel and Daniel for your kindness and look forward to you reporting on the exploits if our alumina in the not to distant future.