A TEENAGER from the New Forest has won his first major youth cycling event.
Thomas Wilks, from Landford, emerged victorious in this year’s Youth Tour of Scotland, a premier race for youths in the UK.
In an enthralling race, the 15-year-old bested the opposition through windy conditions to take first place in the Youth A Open field.
The competition took place from April 10 to April 12 and featured riders from around the UK. With his achievement in the competition, Wilks solidifies himself as one of the UK’s current best prospects in cycling.
Wilks, who has been racing since the age of five, said he was both happy and shocked at his win at the prestigious event.
He said: “It feels good to win such a huge tournament, but of all the competitions I planned on entering this year, I never expected my first to be in the Youth Tour of Scotland.
“It’s a national event with 80 riders from all over the country, so for me to come out top of my group was surprising, but amazing nonetheless.”
Wilks also expressed much gratitude for everyone who helped him achieve success.
He said: “I want to say a massive thank you to my coach, Huw Williams, Beaston Cycling Academy and everyone who helped with organising the races.”
In preparation for the event, he trained for eight hours a week with a mixture of exercises set by coach Williams.
Wilks said: “I get set a variety of rides and even get some drills sent from online to do. Whenever possible, coach [Williams] also comes to my races to give some advice.
Thomas’s mother, Gemma Wilks, is joyed at the sight of her son’s success at the Youth Tour.
She said: "It has been his dream to compete at this level. His performances are getting stronger every time he competes, so you can see he’s put in so much work to be at this level.
“To see my son in this position and always motivated is delightful as a parent.”
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Wilks is eager to build on his success as he sets his sights on future competitions, including tours in the Isle of Man and Scarborough. For the talented cyclist, he hopes to make it to the professional scene one day.
He said: “I’ve always wanted to go pro. It will long and difficult journey, but this is something I can see myself doing as I grow up.”
You can follow Thomas’ cycling journey here: https://www.instagram.com/cycly_tom/?hl=en-gb
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