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British Cycling is bidding for millions of pounds to induct 100,000 people into cycling as part of Sport England’s target to bring at least half a million into sport before 2012.
British Cycling’s bid, believed to be for £20 million, would see the organisation increase the number of coaches and resources for schools, cycling clubs and groups.
"Sport England want to get half-a-million more people into sport by 2012,” enthused future British Cycling chief exec Ian Drake. “We think we can deliver 20 per cent of that – we are talking about 100,000 more people cycling by 2012.
"We think that we could make the single biggest contribution to the legacy of London 2012 in terms of mobilising the nation.
Drake, who becomes chief exec from January 1st next year, added: "The sport has undergone a tremendous transformation in the last eight years. We have grown by 10,000 members in three years.”
The announcement comes shortly after Olympic cyclist Chris Hoy was named Sports Personality of the Year, which Drake mentioned: "It’s fantastic – as it is to have had four cyclists among the 10 nominees for the award.”
"We have one of the best talent systems in the UK, if not the world. We now have top riders emerging who first took part on races on a playing field with our coaches who spotted they had talent."
Thanks to Eurosport.
