FOREST cyclist Jack Reed has been offered a place as the only youth rider – he's 15 – on Team Qoroz, the south west bike acadamy's U23 squad.

This is a step into the big league for Jack and means he'll be part of a dedicated race team competing in 'Premier calendar' races around the country.

The team also rides abroad during the season, pitting themselves against Europe's best young riders.

The whole squad is supported by Qoroz bikes from Eastington, near Stroud, which specialises in bespoke titanium bikes. As part of Jack's sponsorship he'll be given a top of the range Qoroz 'Race won' bike and all his kit.

Jack, who is ranked nationally 25th at U16, says: "I saw an article on the Qoroz team about 12 months ago in Cycling Weekly. It showed them training near Exmoor, they have some really good riders who also seemed to be having fun while they took the training seriously.

"I decided then that they would be my target for when I was about 17 or 18. So for them to approach me when I am only 15 is fantastic. Being in the team for the next season will give me great experience, and the thought of hopefully being there with the team as they grow will be amazing and a dream come true.

"I am still learning, but I have stepped up a level this season. I feel a lot stronger and I can't wait to get this winter's training behind me so I can hit the season running in March next year." 

Dad, Chris, says: "This is clearly a fantastic opportunity for Jack, He has worked so hard this year. His performances in the races against the men at Castle Combe have clearly not gone unnoticed, but for an U23 team to offer a place to a 15 year old is something special.

"He has concentrated on competing in Cat 4 and 3 mens races in the last four months and has been prominent in all the races, finishing consistently in the top 10." 

Jack uses Wednesday's delivery of the Review as part of his training by riding around delivering 300 copies in Ellwood and Milkwall and he'd like to thank the people of both villages for their donations to his cycling fund in the run up to Christmas.