Derbyshire schoolboy moves one step nearer to career in pro cycling

Ben Marsh (15) from Codnor Park, who studies at Ockbrook School, has been passionate about the sport from a young age and dedicates more than 20 hours a week to a gruelling training regime, as well as competing in races and time trials all over the UK.

Great Britain Cycling has identified Marsh as a hardworking, skillful bike racer who has potential to develop into a successful world class athlete in the future.

The programme will offer support and development opportunities to take his skills to the next level through increased training.

Marsh said: “It is a real privilege to be invited as a guest onto the Great Britain Cycling Team Apprentice Programme. It recognises my enthusiasm for track and road cycling and commitment to training extremely hard to achieve my dreams.

"I would love to one day race professionally and participate in events such as Paris Roubaix and Tour of Flanders.”

Jeff Shipway, Headmaster at Ockbrook School, paid tribute to Marsh’s hard work.

“We are delighted for Ben,” he said. “He’s a hardworking pupil and it’s inspiring to see how passionate he is about cycling for Great Britain. Ockbrook School has had many students over the years succeed in professional careers within acting, screenwriting, sport and more; we’re here to support him every step of the way.”

Ben started racing with Heanor Clarion when he was nine-years-old, before joining Matlock Cycling Club.

In 2018, he became a member of Worx Factory Racing Youth Team, which is made up of riders from across the UK.

The cycling enthusiast is the current U14 boys champion of the Derby Youth Track League and successfully earned fourth place at the 2019 British Cycling National Omnium final.

The Apprentice Programme helps the most promising riders become the stars with the GB cycling team.