Isle Of Wight Teenage Cyclist Sets Sights On Olympics

Keen Isle of Wight cyclist Harrison Hendy has joined the GB Cycling Team’s National Talent Pathway for road and track endurance racing, that could lead to Olympic glory.

The 15-year-old from Arreton is one of 18 boys to be chosen to join the prestigious programme; four of them will be awarded a place in the Olympic Development Squad in September.

Harrison started cycling on a balance bike at the age of two. At four he became the youngest person ever to complete the gruelling Isle of Wight Three Hills Killer challenge.

Since then, he has gone on to compete in road, track and cyclocross.

He travels the country to take part in regional and national competitions, with support from Wightlink Ferries through the Isle of Wight Council Talented Athlete Scheme, which Harrison joined in 2017.

Harrison also rides for Hupcc (Hup Competition Cycling), which supports him by providing bike frames.

The teenager will now receive coaching from British Cycling and attend regular training camps all over the country with other pathway riders throughout 2025.

“My dream is to become a pro cyclist so achieving a place in the National Talent Pathway is a big step towards this goal,” he says.

“Achieving a place in the Olympic Development Squad would be amazing, but I know that this will be very difficult due to the extremely high standard of the other riders and also the fact that I don’t live close to a velodrome which reduces my time on the track compared to others.

“However, I will continue to give it my all and will make the most of every experience offered to me.

"I love everything about cycling – whether it be competing at a national level or simply riding for fun with the friends I have made on the cycling circuit over the years.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me along the way.”

Sam Woodman, Wightlink Partnerships Marketing Manager added:

“We have known Harrison since he was just seven and it has been wonderful to watch him go from strength to strength with his cycling.

"His latest achievement is very well deserved and we wish him the best of luck for the year ahead.”