Hackney race ace Tao is close to winning 2020 Giro d'Italia Maglia Rosa

In Hackney while watching one of our former and original youth member Tao Geoghegan Hart race and win the penultimate mountain stage of this year's Giro d'Italia. With one more flat stage to go tomorrow of this epic three week grand tour, then a short individual time trial (ITT) in Milan to decide things, many here believe our man is right on course to win the race overall. 

Good luck Tao, have a nice cycle ride tomorrow and enjoy the day from all at CC Hackney.

 

  ================================================================

Guardian Report:

Giro d'Italia: Hindley and Geoghegan Hart level at top after dramatic battle

• Pair set to fight for overall victory in Sunday’s final time trial
  
• Format favours Hindley, with both riders starting on same time
• 

•  Jai Hindley (left) will wear the pink jersey for Sunday’s final stage but is level on time with Tao Geoghegan Hart (right). Photograph: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images,

  Jai Hindley and Tao Geoghegan Hart are set to battle for Giro d’Italia glory on Sunday, after the penultimate stage left the pair tied at the top of the overall standings.

  Hindley’s Sunweb teammate, Wilco Kelderman, began Saturday’s shortened mountain stage in the pink jersey, but was left behind as Hindley and Ineos Grenadiers’ Geoghegan Hart fought a ferocious battle on the final climb up Sestriere. It was the British rider who prevailed, sprinting clear to take the stage win and ensure that after 20 days of riding, the two young rivals are locked in a dead heat. Kelderman is in third, but now 1m 32s behind the leading duo.

  Hindley will begin the final stage in the pink jersey as the Australian edged the two previous time trials by the narrowest of margins. It means little in practice, with Sunday’s final time trial into Milan set to be decisive.

  • William Fotheringham’s report will follow

  • ===========================================

  • 
    

Original CC Hackney member Tao Geoghegan Hart wins a stage of the 2020 Giro d'Italia!

 

Congratulations as original CC Hackney member (as a youth) Tao Geoghegan Hart wins his first Grand Tour stage at the historic Giro d'Italia last Sunday and moves to 4th in the GC. But will he go on to win the whole thing by this Sunday!? 

Text below taken from the BBC sports news report HERE

An emotional first win

Geoghegan Hart, 25, powered past Sunweb's Kelderman for the win in the final few metres of the category one summit finish, after the Dutchman's team-mate Jai Hindley had paced everyone up the long final climb.

Geoghegan Hart dedicated the victory to Nico Portal, Ineos' sporting director who died of a heart attack aged 40 in March this year.

"This is something incredible for me. I don't know about [the general classification], I haven't seen the results - but crossing the line first is something truly incredible.

"This one is for Nico Portal. We lost him this spring and it's been really difficult for the team - this season has had great highs and lows, in the Tour [de France] and for me personally, and also in this race.

"We just have to foster the Grenadier spirit in this team and keep fighting back like we know we can."

Is Geoghegan Hart a serious contender?

Despite his young age, the east Londoner has long been a part of the Ineos/Sky set-up as a domestique, but like so many of the team's riders he is capable of winning the general classification in stage races.

However, it appeared Ineos would have to settle for trying to win stages for a second Grand Tour in succession when race favourite Geraint Thomas was forced to abandon with a fractured pelvis.

The Welshman crashed when a discarded drinks bottle became lodged under his front wheel.

But this has been one of the most unpredictable Giros for years, and after spending at least a week more than three minutes down, Geoghegan Hart finds himself in contention.

His biggest strength is climbing, and as the race heads for a final week's racing in the ever-colder Italian Alps he stands a good chance of gaining time, especially on leader Almeida who is thought to be more effective in time trials, although the final stage of the race is an individual time trial.

Kelderman is clearly in a great position, given he is two minutes, 42 seconds ahead of both his third-placed team-mate Hindley and Geoghagen Hart, but Pello Bilbao of Bahrain-McLaren, Rafal Majka of Bora-Hansgrohe and Trek-Segafredo's Nibali are also in contention.

Tao wins his first professional bike race: Tour of the Alps Stage1

CC Hackney original youth member Tao Geoghegan Hart really has grown up. On Monday 22nd April 2019 he won his first professional World Tour bike race; beating some of the best riders on the planet to take stage one in the Tour of the Alps. He's certainly come a long way, his drive and enthusiasm is still there - keep it coming Tao! 

Well done and congratulations from all at CC Hackney.

https://video.eurosport.co.uk/cycling/tour-of-the-alps/2019/tao-geoghegan-hart-edges-chaotic-finale_vid1188711/video.shtml

Stage 1 Results
GBR  1  GEOGHEGAN HART, Tao (SKY)                                      3:30:48
ESP  2  ARANBURU DEBA, Alexander (CAJA RURAL - SEGUROS RGA)            
SUI  3  THALMANN, Roland (VORARLBERG SANTIC)                           
ESP  4  BILBAO LOPEZ DE ARMENTIA, Pello (ASTANA PRO)                   
KAZ  5  STALNOV, Nikita (ASTANA PRO)                                   
GBR  6  FROOME, Chris (SKY)                                            
RUS  7  VLASOV, Aleksandr (GAZPROM - RUSVELO)                          
POL  8  MAJKA, Rafal (BORA - HANSGROHE)                                
ITA  9  CARBONI, Giovanni (BARDIANI CSF)                               
COL  10 QUINTANA, Dayer (NERI SOTTOLI SELLE ITALIA KTM)

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/48015833

http://www.steephill.tv/tour-of-the-alps/ 

Back row left to right: Rowena Gordon, Daniel Passam, David Dryburg, Clem Berrill, Sean Gendinning 

Front Row left to right: Kyroah Pang, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Alex Peters

Tao Geoghegan Hart - 3rd place in Junior Paris Roubaix

07/04/13 - Roubaix Velodrome
Tao has made it to the podium in the junior version of the world's toughest one day cycle race; Paris Roubaix (also known as l'Enfer du Nord) 
Riding for British Cycling's GB squad, Tao's impressive result in northern France will go some way to healing the disappointment he must have felt after crashing out while in a good position in last years edition of this classic race.
In my experience 3rd place feels better than 2nd which is often so near but so far - from winning.  

Well done Mr T great show - clearly you are right in there at world level!

 Photo - Bede Geoghegan-Hart

 

Photo - Bede Geoghegan-Hart

more here

In good company...

2013 edition results:
1 Mads Pedersen (DEN)
2 Nathan Van Hooydonck (BEL)
3 Tao Geoghegan Hart (GBR/Hackney)
 
4 Damien Touze (FRA)
5 Edward Plankaert (BEL)
6 Oliver Wood (GBR)
7 Kristoffer Halvorsen (NOR)
8 Nino Honigh (NED)
9 Gustav Hoog (SWE)
10 Justin Oien (USA)
19 Scott Davies (GBR)
26 Jacob Ragan (GBR)
DNF Chris Lawless (GBR)
DNF Matt Gibson (GBR)
 
For British Cycling's report and results go here.  

Tao finishes his 'Italian job'

Hackney's Tao Geoghegan Hart finishes his 'Italian job' by anihilating the opposition. He collected winners jerseys in each category; Overall, Points & Mountains - that's what you'd call a good weekend at the office.

More here

Giro della Lunigiana 2013

Final overall classification

1. Tao Geoghegan Hart (Great Britain) in 10-11-02

2. Scott Davies (Great Britain) at 46 secs

3. Robert Power (Australia) at 1-04

4. Francesco Lorenzini (Toscana) at 1-30

5. Simone Velasco (Veneto) at 1-40

6. Matteo Fabbro (Friuli) at 1-40

7. Jonas Abrahemsen (Norway) at 2-19

8. Laurens De Plus (Belgium) at 2-19

9. Nikolay Cherkasov (Russia) at 2-26

10. Mads Pedersen (Denmark) at 2-39

Racing to third place in the Junior Paris Roubaix earlier this year

Long way, short distance, Tao pictured after a race in Liguria Italy with CC Hackney 2009 




Alex Peters - Joseph Alberti - Tao Geoghegan Hart - Clem Berrill - Kyroah Pang - Keir Apperley

  

UCI World Championships 2014

Two fiths of the men's U23 GB team, who are riding today in the UCI World Championships, come from Hackney.
Alex Peters and Tao Geoghegan Hart are lining  up for the midday start of the under 23 men's road race in Ponferrada, northern Spain.
Good luck today lads from all at CC Hackney; we know you'll give it your best and do a great job for team GB.

British Cycling's preview:
Under-23 men’s road race – Start time: 12 noon | Map and Profile
Scott Davies
Owain Doull
Tao Geoghegan Hart
Dan McLay
Alex Peters

The under-23 men will use the same course as the junior women in the morning, with ten circuits of the 18.2-kilometre circuit deciding the destination of the world title.

Great Britain’s squad comprises Scott Davies, who competes in his first worlds at under-23 level having finished seventh in the 2013 junior men’s event in Italy. Davies is joined by Owain Doull who finished fourth in prestigious under-23 Tour of Flanders and Dan McLay, who produced an impressive performance in the Tour de l’Avenir, sprinting to victory on stage three.

Tao Geoghegan Hart showed his form and ability at the Tour of Britain, the 19-year-old finishing 15th overall, while Alex Peters impressed in the British Cycling Elite Road Series, the Madison Genesis rider winning the opening round and finishing third overall.

Hackney lads confirmed - GB Team UCI Junior World Championships 2012

Two Hackney lads, Tao Geoghagan Hart and Alex Peters along with fellow Londoner Germaine Burton have been selected for the GB Team to ride in the UCI Junior World Championships in Maastricht this month. 

Good luck Tao, Alex, Germaine and all of the GB Team - may the force be with you - from CC Hackney, make it a London ting :)

 

Junior men road race

Sunday 23rd September

09.00 - 12.10 - Road Race Junior Men (129 km) Road race course

Germain Burton

Jon Dibben

Tao Geoghegan-Hart

Chris Lawless

Alex Peters

Will Stephenson

Junior men time trial

Monday 17th September
10.00 - 12.05 - Individual Time trail, Junior Men (26,6 km) Landgraaf - Valkenburg

Jon Dibben
Tao Geoghegan-Hart

Alex Peters and Tao Geoghegan Hart racing news

Riding for British Cycling Tao Geoghagen Hart has achieved tenth place in the final general classification of the 2014 Tour de l'Avenir. There's a chance that this lad from Hackney could be disappointed that he did not make it onto the podium. Make no mistake this is some result against an international field of 107 highly rated and motivated young men over a prologue TT and seven stages; most of which included some seriously testing alpine climbs including summit finishes of the highest order.

The team came away with a stage winner in
Daniel Mclay on stage three; Montrond-les-Bains to Paray-le-Monial.

We done Tao and GB from CC Hackney.

Cycling Weekly:
"Previous winners of ‘the l’Avenir’ include Greg Lemond, Nairo Quintana, Warren Barguil and Bauke Mollema and it’s established itself in recent years as a springboard for a lot of talent. Last year Simon Yates won two stages and Adam Yates finished second overall, and both went on to do quite well with Orica-GreenEdge…"

Les 10 premiers du classement général final

1  LOPEZ Miguel Angel COL COL 23h54'28" 00"
2  POWER Robert AUS AUS 23h54'58" 30"
3  RIBALKIN Alexey RUS RUS 23h55'12" 44"
4  FOLIFOROV Alexander RUS RUS 23h55'19" 51"
5  VERVAEKE Louis BEL BEL 23h55'43" 01'15"
6  LATOUR Pierre-Roger FRA FRA 23h56'53" 02'25"
7  BUCHMANN Emanuel GER GER 23h57'44" 03'16"
8  SILVA Joaquim POR POR 24h00'05" 05'37"
9  MAISON Jérémy FRA FRA 24h00'22" 05'54"
10 GEOGHEGAN HART Tao GBR GBR 24h03'24" 08'56"

Back on home turf Tao's peer and long time training partner Alex Peters is preparing himself for the 2014 Tour of Britain (ToB) This starts in Liverpool on Sunday 7th September and finishes in London seven days later. Alex was invited to ride the 2014 Tour de l'Avenir as well but he declined to take part because of Madison Genesis's (his team) commitment to the ToB and it was felt that attempting to do both would be too much at his age. 

Alex Peters before the 2014 Prudential Ride London Classic

 

Having spoken to Alex recently he has said that he is keen to impress after taking part and learning a lot in the 2013 edition. This year the race has been up graded to UCI 2. HC (Hors Category) this is higher than Tour de l'Avenir with World Tour teams taking part. It means Alex will be riding with some of the best cyclists in the world; established hard nuts from the likes of Giant-Shimano, Movistar & Team SKY. 

Good luck Alex we'll keep an eye on the results and check the ToB stages on ITV.  

The name on the new Genesis 'Zero' carbon fibre road bike - ready for ToB

 

Tao selected by British Cycling for the European Track Championships

 CC Hackney's Tao Geoghegan Hart.

gogo Tao


Great Britain Cycling Team for the 2012 Under 23 UEC European Track Championships
U23 Sprint
Peter Mitchell
Callum Skinner
Kian Emadi
Rebecca James
Victoria Williamson
Junior Sprint
Matt Rotherham
Danielle Khan
Junior Endurance
Jonathan Dibben
Sam Lowe
Chris Latham
Tao Geoghegan Hart
Lucy Garner
Elinor Barker
Amy Roberts

Tao does an Italian Job

The first time the Italians have seen this sight familiar to us - most likely its one they'll have to get used to.

Tao Geoghegan Hart won the opening stage of the Giro della Lunigiana in Italy today, clocking up another win in a stage race in GB colours and donning the leaders jersey for the overall. It's his first win in Italy - let's hope the first of many. Click on the link below for further details and an excellent video of Tao being delivered to the final climb by Germain Burton.

Read more at http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/540264/tao-geoghegan-hart-wins-opening-stage-of-giro-della-lunigiana.html#0uoL886Foz3CHx1S.99 

Tao Geoghegan Hart grabs national silver in the Junior Points Race

 

National Junior Men's Points Race

GOLD Owain Doull Hargroves Cycles 35 pts
SILVER Tao Geoghegan Hart CC Hackney 32
BRONZE Jonathan Dibben Hargroves Cycles 30
4. Samuel Lowe Raleigh RT 28
5. Christopher Latham Planet X 27
6. Robert Lambton Brooks Cycles 22
7. Daniel Pearson Port Talbot Wheelers 22
8. Matthew Haase Cardiff JIF 13
9. Mark Stewart Discovery Junior CC 10
10. Zachery May Cardiff JIF 8

Well done Tao from all at CCH, great ride Mr T.
BC report here.

Tao Geoghegan Hart - nominated Hackney Young Sports Personality of the Year 2012

 Tao riding for GB in the 2012 Junior UCI World Championships

CC Hackney's long time member; GB International Tao Geoghegan Hart (born and raised in Hackney) has been nominated for the 2012 Hackney Young Sports Personality of the Year. This is being held on Wednesday November 7th at the Hackney Empire. Given his achievements this year and the palmares I can't see anyone else from Hackney matching him unless... 

Also expected in the house will be fellow GB international, and another young Hackney cycling ace; Alex Peters. He is bound to find a warm welcome at the Empire, Alex is a proud former CC Hackney cyclist and winner of this prestigious award in 2010. Riding for Mosquito Bikes in 2012, our lad is said to be joining a new professional racing team for 2013.

Alex Peters Stage 3 during the 2011 Tour l'Ain

International Tao Geoghegan Hart & 1st category status for Rhys Howells

Tao Geoghegan Hart has made his mark at international level by achieving a fine fourth place in the European Youth Olympic Festival cycling Time Trial event; the race of truth. 
Our lad was 0.7 of a second away from a bronze medal - ouch - perhaps a pair of deep section wheels would've made the difference and lifted Mr T onto the podium? Sometimes it can be about the bike as well.
 

Riding in British Cycling Talent Team colors and given leave by CCH from this year's London Youth Games, Tao found his regular racing trips to Belgium a good grounding for this excellent result.

THURSDAY 4th August 2011

Rhys Howells, noted and well known for his esoteric brand of teamwork during races, finally got to where he wanted to be at last Thursday's Hog Hill Summer League event; 1st place and 1st category in one night. Punctures ruled out two of Rhys's breakaway companions leaving one rider left to deal with. Foolishly this guy decided to attack with one lap to go, Rhys clawed his way back on the way round to cruise past the 'bye now' spooked 1st looser to win.

Diversity progress - 2021 - sport for all or status quo (prejudice and/or racism?)

February 4th 2021

I've found myself compelled to write this post in a week when it was revealed that more well known sports people have been receiving ignorant and intimidating abuse via social media because of their skin colour. Professional footballers including Manchester United FC's Marcus Rashford MBE have spoken out after being subjected to attacks. This is while the Government and the media platforms used let it go on, or act way too late. Meanwhile former Arsenal FC legend Ian Wright saw a guilty pleading perpetrator escape a criminal sentence. Apparently sending death threats to Ian was not deemed a serious enough offence by the Irish & Tralee district court judge - David Waters.

I want to relay the sentiment of French pro rider Kevin Reza. As the only black rider on the race during the 2020 Tour de France, he stated 'I haven't seen a lot of solidarity' *Correct me if I'm wrong but so far we've not seen any high profile professional cyclists demonstrating support for the Black Lives Matter movement (BLM) for example. However there's a suggestion that ex CCH member and 2020 Giro d'Italia winner Tao *Geoghegan Hart went further by taking both knees and raising a fist for the cause. If so, well done Tao.

Since setting up CC Hackney in 2007 I've seen too many young cyclist of colour come and leave the sport after it has to be said, experiencing a negative atmosphere when beginning to participate, especially in road and track cycle sport. "The vibe isn't good" I've been told this (or words to the same effect) to my face more than once by my outreach riders. As a white british man I've observed an unwelcoming environment towards our youth members. It's quite a bit depressing to be reporting this but on the plus side I've got reason to believe actual positive change is on the way. Sport England are set to encourage and back BC (British Cycling NGB) with funding to go ahead and make real progress regarding this matter. (And not before time.) I gather from BC's Eastern Region staff that this sector are keen to lead and be the best in the country at bringing on the change needed here. Our local Lea Valley Velopark is coming under new management this spring - public funds for public good - Better GLL (in waiting) have it in their mission statement and are accountable to fully serve the whole community.    

Covid restriction withstanding, in due course CC Hackney are ready to play a key role in collaboration by utilising our reach here in East London. By joining forces, putting our experience in the field to effective use. Like everywhere right now we're waiting for the unlock from Covid to be able to get on with the job at hand and do our bit for social mobility and societal change. Bring it on; sport for all. 

 

Holding truth to power. 

I began by highlighting the open racism displayed online these days, as if it's ok to do it and that there'll be no repercussions or criminal convictions for offenders. Now in the spirit of liberating openness that came along with BLM last year and British Cycling's own performance coaching mantra; "for best results we must work in the truth and be honest with each other" I'm talking about the boardrooms of institutions, charities and business that are just about always populated by privileged white people, holding the strings of influence, finance and power. 

My 2021 British Cycling Handbook arrived in the post. Published in pages 4 & 5 is the BC Directory which is interesting and open. It's great to see that women are so well represented here but hard to tell regarding disability representation. A benchmark has also been set here for another year when a person of colour will also represent in British Cycling's boardroom. 

Roll on.       

 Optics matter.

8th February 2021

Since publishing this piece, British Cycling have announced their new Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group

At last I see evidence of serious intent by British Cycling to get change done. I'm looking forward to seeing how this initiative will support the community outreach work CC Hackney has been doing over the years; inclusive to all including Hackney's black and afro-caribbean residents.

----------------------------------------

*Tao Geoghegan Hart

"I would love to see more cycling as a sport in London and more diversity in cycling, I hope I can inspire a few kids in Hackney to dream big." 

*Tao’s media release 18th February 2021:

 ‘What are words without actions?’

Keir Apperley - Lead Coach and Manager CC Hackney

Osiglia Italy 2009

  Alex Peters - Joseph Alberti - Tao Geoghegan Hart - Clem Berrill - Kyroah Pang - Keir Apperley

Thanks to generous funding from the Stuart Feakins Trust and further support from the Youth Opportunities Fund, a four day CCH trip to Italy went ahead that produced many useful results and outcomes. On Sunday 6th September four youth riders (Alex Peters, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Clem Berrill & Kyroah Pang) and their two accompanying coaches (Joseph Alberti & Keir Apperley) took part in the focal point of this trip: the 9th Delbono Memorial road race in Osiglia, Liguria.
The last 10km included a special sprint point or prime and two hefty climbs. Around 150 started, all CCH riders finished in good positions with four riders in the top forty. Hackney's youths took the top three places in their category, their youngest taking the best young rider award and the squad was 4th in the team rankings.
CCH were well received and enjoyed a warm welcome that they are planning to reciprocate when the invited group come to London next year.

"The idea was to introduce our talented young riders to the passion of continental Italian cycling and increase their interest in cycle sport for the future." 

Keir Apperley 

Original Kit launch day - original youth section.

Tuesday, 26 May 2009, Hackney Central.

CCH's original Kit launch day, modelled by the youth section of that time.

Back row left to right: Rowena Gordon, Daniel Passam, David Dryburg, Clem Berrill, Sean Gendinning 

Front Row left to right: Kyroah Pang, Tao Geoghegan Hart, Alex Peters

Keir Apperley, Gary Lingard, Kyroah Pang, David Dryburg, Clem Berrill, Mick Smith, Daniel Passam, Rowena Gordon, Sean Glendinning, Alex Peters, Tao Geoghegan Hart

 

 

 

GTR Haggerston Park - Bike Yard East Bike Day

Sunday April 17th 2009
Haggerston park provided plenty of space for a 200m track that was placed at the eastern end by the school wall. There was a blustery breeze and bright intermittent sunshine. Temp. 17c. The riding surface was excellent according to our chief track inspector Dan Bachelor who declared it 'clean cut, level & fast'.
After registration the days action began as usual with a warm up session and then the first round of flying lap time trials. Easily out numbering CCH's youth section a strong contingent of local youths were in attendance. After setting preliminary times they lay in wait for their second attempt for a faster time. Mean while adult rider Andy Maun nailed the fastest time of the day at 21.69 seconds beating into equal 2nd place CCH youth riders, 14 year old Tao Geoghegan-Hart and Nahshan Blondell by one second at 22.69. Guest on the podium was Dan Bachelor with a time of 22.87.
Happily for the local youth section they all managed to improve on their first runs after taking sound coaching advice and a good breather.
The ten lap Hare & Hounds: Four adult riders; Oliver Schick, Patrick Field, Dan Bachelor & Andy Maun were the chasing hounds after the youth-full hares; Tao G-Hart, Nahshan Blondell & Alfie Maun. The hares had just over half a lap head start on the baying hounds. Sadly for the old dogs their chase went the way of the chewed bone and the hunters became hunted with the duo of Tao & Nahshan combining well to leave behind Alfie to catch the hounds with three laps to go. In the end Tao's strength & experience was to much for Nahshan who settled for second place with a 'burning chest'.

The 'Devil' a ten lap elimination race, all riders together. This contest was won by Dan Bachelor after an exciting spin that culminated in a final sprint out between Dan B', Oliver Schick, Tao G & Ned Maun. On the last bend Tao gave all to win against Dan B' at the front but instead lost his grip to chew grass - great crash! Thankfully nothing was broken, well done Tao for making the action extra and seriously challenge Dan Bachelor who held his nerve to sweep past and scoop the winners glory - cheeky devil.
.
A good day of racing then and special thanks to Bike Yard East for providing the space and the prizes.

Next GTR event: Well Street common Festival Sunday 17th May 2009

Diversity development - Hackney Citizen news article published this week...

Hackney Citizen news article published this week...

Cycling club and local restaurant team up to fund new bikes for refugee riders

Dominic, James, Zemi, Haben, Henry, Neil, Seyit, Keir, Ricardo & Okubit 

By Hackney Citizen | April 23, 2019

The club held a launch event at Venerdi this month. 
Photograph: courtesy of Cycling Club Hackney

Cycling Club Hackney and Venerdi restaurant have worked in tandem to kit out local refugee riders with new, high-quality racing bikes.

The move is part of the club’s Aspiring Rider Development Programme (ARDP), which helps its young cyclists compete at the highest level.

The scheme includes a group of refugees who have been riding with the club for over a year, as well as other youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The club made the announcement as it launched its new bikes and kit outside Venerdi, a popular Italian restaurant on Chatsworth Road, earlier this month.

Cycling Club Hackney’s manager and lead coach Keir Apperley said: “We feel that we are at the cutting edge for positive change that leads towards increased BAME participation in cycling. 

“ARDP is about setting up an environment that is attractive to sports cyclists from all backgrounds and circumstances.

“I believe that this project will create a sense of belief that we can make the difference and effect change for young riders who would otherwise think cycling as a sport is not for them.”

Apperley (centre) with his Eritrean protégés.
Photograph: Cycling Club Hackney

Apperley has worked in grassroots cycling for over 10 years, coaching the likes of Tao Geoghegan-Hart and Alex Peters, both Hackney riders who have gone on to ride for Team Sky.

Geoghegan-Hart, 24, yesterday celebrated his first professional victory in the opening stage of the Tour of the Alps in Austria, as part of a team that includes four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome.

Apperley added: “Our riders need to know that there are possibilities to go to the next levels and even all the way to the top, breaking through any false ceilings there may be along the way.

“ARDP staff and coaches are on hand to help them develop their confidence, language and communication skills.”

Haben Gebrehiwet, who came to the UK from Eritrea, says his new bike is transformative: “It means a lot to me. I want to say thank you to the sponsorship project, to Venerdi and to Keir as well, for all the hard work.

“With this new bike, I will try to race in long races, more than 100 kilometres. I wish one day to be a professional cyclist with their help.”

Fellow ARDP member Okubit Tereke, also from Eritrea, received a race bike too.

Both bikes have been rebranded with Venerdi logos, after the restaurant got involved to help finance the purchases and resprays.

Cycling Club Hackney is now hoping to start an ARDP refugee cycling team.

If you want to get involved in the club, Apperley runs outreach sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays at Kingsmead Housing Estate, as part of the Concourse Project.

The club is also running a Spring series of races at Lee Valley Velopark – the next is on 27 April, followed by one on 8 June.

It is also preparing for its 12th annual ‘big ride out’ on Sunday 5 May.

For more information, head to cyclingclubhackney.co.uk