Elite cyclist Matty Cole is continuing to race up the ranks after powering ahead at the recent Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) race in Spain. Matty, a Year 13 student at Richmond Sixth Form College, secured 1st place in the Under 18 two-day race, a victory that puts him in second position in the UK rankings which is an amazing achievement.
Riders from all over Europe competed, including twelve Spanish teams and three British Teams. Matty raced 130 miles in two stages with a leg on a motorway, as well challenging terrain including some longer climbs through the Basque country. He came 9th on the first day and 2nd on the second day, putting him in 1st place overall.
Matty is taking a break from competitions until 18th June as he will be completing his A-level exams but he will continue with his rigorous training schedule to ensure he remains in top condition. Following his 2022 season success, Matty was signed up by the Zappi Junior Race team who he will represent throughout 2023.
Matty entered the competitive cycling field when he was fourteen. He has an enviable track record over the last four years and is looking forward to competing in a further 9 international races this year, travelling around Europe to Spain, Belgium, France, Wales and Italy
Matty said: “I’m super happy after winning the Spanish UCI and I hope that this will support my bid to be selected for the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow in August, as well as my aspirations to go on to a strong Under 23 team in 2024. I’m very thankful to have been given these amazing opportunities to compete internationally and I’m building up my strength and experience through these high-level, challenging races. I cannot thank the Trustees of Richmond School and Sixth Form College enough for their incredible support with funding to help cover some of the expenses needed for the international competitions.”
Matty is aiming to race professionally in the future. He has offers from Loughborough and Leeds Beckett Universities to read Geography but he plans to take a year out from his studies to focus on his cycling career first.
Jenna Potter, Headteacher, added: “This is terrific news for Matty. His racing is going from strength to strength and this is testament to his tremendous dedication and tenacity. We are looking forward to hearing how he gets on when his races resume at the end of June.”