Former Matlock Cycling Club rider playing the waiting game ahead of possible Tokyo Olympics selection

A former Matlock mountain-bike racer faces an agonising wait to see if his Olympic dream will come true.
Cameron Orr is waiting to hear if he has been selected for GB's Olympic squad.Cameron Orr is waiting to hear if he has been selected for GB's Olympic squad.
Cameron Orr is waiting to hear if he has been selected for GB's Olympic squad.

Cameron Orr, who used to ride for Matlock Cycling Club, is one of three riders shortlisted for selection for the GB squad to compete at the upcoming Tokyo Olympics.

But, with the viability of the Olympics taking place this summer still up in the air, Orr admits he is just playing the waiting game.

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“There are a lot of things unknown right now with COVID and travel restrictions in place,” he said.

“I am just training as hard as I can and I hope I make the Olympics.

“It would mean the world to me to put the GB kit on. You watch it on TV growing up and to represent the nation at the biggest sporting event in the world would be amazing.

“I hope it would also encourage young people from this area to get involved in cycling.

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“Matlock Cycling Club supported me when I was younger and it would be nice to give them something back.

“I am just playing the waiting game. I know I need to perform this year as I was injured last year, but hopefully I can get to race.

“I am trying to just take it day by day and not think about it too much. I will just see what happens when racing resumes.”

After five years as a rider on the GB U23 Performance Pathway Programme for Mountain Biking, the Bonsall-based rider is now preparing to make the step up to the elite level.

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Orr is also hoping to show what he can do at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022 and the World Championships in Scotland in 2023.

Orr said: “I would love to be able to maximise my potential and be able to race to the best of my ability; hopefully battling it out with the best in the world at the front of the biggest races in the world.

“I feel I will be in a good place in 2022/2023 with more maturity and experience of racing under my belt.”

But to make his dreams come true Orr now needs sponsorship help following a budget cut by British Cycling.

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“Due to the postponement of the Olympic Games the budget within British Cycling and especially the MTB Programme, is extremely tight,” he added.

“British Cycling are looking for riders to supply their own equipment (Bikes), and help contribute towards training and race camps in order to cover costs, which run into thousands and thousands.”

Contact Cameron on [email protected] if you would like to offer sponsorship help.

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