DETERMINED young riders have powered their way to silver in the finals of an interschool’s cycling championship.
Staff and students at Darlington School of Mathematics and Science went head to head with teams from Carmel College, Darlington, Haughton Education Village, Bishop Barrington School and St John’s School, Bishop Auckland, to finish in second place at the first area Wattbike indoor cycling challenge.
Comprising of one boy and girl from each year group and two teachers the teams each took turns to cycle one kilometre with maximum points awarded to those finishing in the fastest times.
Vying to take first place the DSMS team were narrowly squeezed into runner up position by closest rivals Carmel College, Darlington, who hosted the event.
DSMS PE teacher Michael Hillary said: “This is the second year that we have been part of the Wattbike challenge.
“It’s a great chance for our students to have a go a something a little bit different.
“It is a very physically intense challenge and our riders really worked hard pulling together as a team.”
Developed in association with British Cycling and used by World and Olympic champions, the Wattbike is designed to replicate the sensation of real cycling and uses the latest in digital technology to monitor speed, cadence and distance to track the cyclists’ progress as they race.
The inter schools challenge is an annual event organised by Darlington Borough Council’s Local Motion team to increase cycling among secondary school pupils.
Local Motion communications officer Laura Kane said: “The Wattbike challenge forms part of our work in schools to encourage young people to be more active.
“This is our first ever grand area final which is the culmination of a series of challenges in schools across Darlington and South Durham.
“The students really love being part of the competition and they really give it their all.”
DSMS student Shannon Trenholme, 15, of Darlington added: “We have all been practising at school for the challenge. It has been pretty tough, but a great way to keep fit.
“We finished second last year so were hoping to go one better but it’s been a really good experience.”
