Cycling: Funding boost for Edinburgh’s Finlay Young

EDINBURGH cyclist Finlay Young has been tipped to become a future British Olympian after receiving funding as part of the Bank of Scotland Local Heroes initiative.
Young is aiming to compete at the Chris Hoy Velodrome (pictured) at Glasgow 2014. Picture: PAYoung is aiming to compete at the Chris Hoy Velodrome (pictured) at Glasgow 2014. Picture: PA
Young is aiming to compete at the Chris Hoy Velodrome (pictured) at Glasgow 2014. Picture: PA

The 20-year-old, who competes in road races and on the track, will receive a cash injection of £1,000 towards training and competing and is one of only 82 youngsters selected from across Scotland.

Young attended the launch of the scheme at the Emirates Arena, Glasgow, one of the key stadia for next year’s 2014 Commonwealth Games.

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There he rubbed shoulders with Olympic gold medallist Katherine Grainger and Commonwealth champion Robbie Renwick.

Young is aiming to compete at the Chris Hoy Velodrome (pictured) at Glasgow 2014. Picture: PAYoung is aiming to compete at the Chris Hoy Velodrome (pictured) at Glasgow 2014. Picture: PA
Young is aiming to compete at the Chris Hoy Velodrome (pictured) at Glasgow 2014. Picture: PA

And ex- Boroughmuir High School pupil Young reckons his recent recognition will be just the confidence boost he needs ahead of a hectic 2013 season.

“It is really important to me to be part of this and get recognition for the hard work I have put in,” said Young – who also received practical sessions on how to deal with the media, how to make the most of social media and career development advice at the workshop.

“The funding is brilliant because cycling is such an expensive sport to get into in the first place.

“It can be really difficult travelling all over the place, travelling to Europe and all over Britain so this is really going to benefit me.

“I think I am knocking on the door of Commonwealth Games qualification. It is not really up to me, I will do everything I can in my power to be there and train as hard as I can to get there but it is about competition and there are other people wanting to do the same.”

• As part of Bank of Scotland’s London 2012 legacy, Bank of Scotland Local Heroes, in partnership with SportsAid, will provide support and funding to 82 emerging Scottish athletes in 2013. Over 220 Local Heroes have benefited from the programme since 2008. Follow Scotland’s future stars at facebook.com/bankofscotlandlocalheroes