TALENTED cyclist Jack Reed has been offered a place on Team Qoroz for next season.
Team Qoroz is the South West Bike Academy. Founded in 2006, it seeks to develop the careers of the top young riders in the region in a team environment.
Jack (pictured) was offered a place for 2011 after recent meetings with team manager David Walters.
The teenager from Ellwood will get a sponsorship deal to provide him with all his kit, including a top of the range titanium racing bike.
Jack will be the only youth rider in the team.
His dad Chris said: "This is the next step up for Jack.
"The team's senior riders compete in premier calendar races around the country, as well as riding abroad against some of Europe's best.
"For Jack to be part of such a progressive team is a fantastic opportunity.
"For an under-23 team to offer a place to a 15-year-old is something special."
Jack's story is already remarkable.
Like most young boys he was a football fanatic – good enough to play in goal for Cardiff City's junior sides – until he watched the Great British cycling team dominate at the 2008 Olympics.
He joined the Newport Velo Youth Club and the Forest of Dean Cycling Club and immediately dedicated himself to his new sport – doing odd jobs around his village and having several paper rounds in order to save enough money for a deposit on a racing bike. By the end of last season, he was ranked 25th in the under-16 national rankings and sixth in the under-15 rankings. He also competed regularly in category three and four men's races, consistently making the top 10.
The wannabe-Mark Cavendish said: "I saw an article on the Qoroz team about 12 months ago in Cycling Weekly and it showed them training near Exmoor.
"They have some really good riders who also seem to have fun.
"Being in the team for next season will give me great experience.
"I am still learning, but I have stepped up a level this season and I feel a lot stronger.
"I can't wait to get another winter's training behind me so I can hit the season running in March."