Top riders give Youth Academy a thumbs-up

dubai — UAE Team Emirates riders Vegard Stake Laengen and Yousif Mirza said that the launch of the UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy will be a shot in the arm for professional cycling in the country but cautioned not to expect results overnight.

The UAE Team Emirates Youth Academy was launched at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Tuesday and is set to be part of the Dubai Sports World summer cycling programme.

The three-week initiative, which runs from July 8 to 29, targets boys and girls in the age group of 11 to 16. The start coincides with the Tour de France, the world’s most prestigious cycling race.

The coaching clinics will teach youngsters the basics of indoor cycling, using professional training bikes in a purpose built, airconditioned studio. Each session has been designed in collaboration with UAE Team Emirates staff and the team’s top riders.

“The youth academy for me is a big idea and I was stunned to hear that they are planning for a new path for the next generation. We will need some more time to see Emirati kids taking up the sport though,” said Emirati cyclist Yousif Mirza.

“For cycling, you need for time. At least, we have a start and maybe if we have 100 students then we will have 10 taking up the sport seriously. We need such type of events more and more. In Yas Marina Circuit, you now have a day for cycling. So, we need more of such things because this sport is dangerous. So, cycling tracks are a must as no parent would want their kids to ride a cycle on the road,” he added.

Meanwhile, newly-crowned Norwegian National champion Laengen said: “I think this is a very good step because when you want to have professional riders, you need to start when they are young. It is a long way to go. Like myself, I started when I was 15. This team is one of the top teams in the world so it is a huge step for young kids.”

james@khaleejtimes.com