CYCLING: Dad's not all as Kev eyes a win streak.Byline: BY COLIN RENTON KEVIN BARCLAY has been aiming for the top ever since he was bitten by the cycling bug. The Glenrothes High School pupil was first attracted to the sport when watching the Tour de France peloton
The peloton (from French, literally meaning ball and related to the English word platoon), field, bunch or wend Wend Any member of a group of Slavic tribes that by the 5th century AD had settled in the area between the Oder and Elbe rivers in what is now eastern Germany. They occupied the eastern borders of the domain of the Franks and other Germanic peoples. its way up L'Alpe d'Huez - one of the most gruelling features of the world's biggest cycle race. So inspired was young Barclay that two days later he rode up the mountain on a hired mountain bike. He recalled with a laugh, 'That was 1997. It's not easy riding up there when you are eight years old.' Now 16, this level-headed youngster has his eye on other peaks starting next month with a British track title in Newport. Barclay won a silver medal in the points race last year and is aiming for the top step on the podium this time around. He is also targeting the Youth Commonwealth Games Commonwealth games, series of amateur athletic meets held among citizens of countries in the Commonwealth of Nations. Originated (1930) as the British Empire games, the series is held every four years and is patterned after the Olympic games; women have participated in Australia later in the year. Barclay is no stranger to success having won Scottish age group titles on the road, track and in cyclo-cross. And last month he underlined his talent when he held off a strong field of adult riders to win the points race at the Edinburgh Grand Prix Grand Prix n. pl. Grand Prix Any of several competitive international road races for sports cars of specific engine size over an exacting, usually risky course. . But there was nothing unusual in that. He has been winning against grown-ups for more than a year now, as his father Graham - himself no slouch slouch v. slouched, slouch·ing, slouch·es v.intr. 1. To sit, stand, or walk with an awkward, drooping, excessively relaxed posture. 2. To droop or hang carelessly, as a hat. v. on a bike - can testify. Barclay senior has had a fair amount of success in his career but was on the receiving end for the first time in a 10mile time trial at Freuchie last year when Kevin clocked a faster time. The elder Barclay said, 'Nowadays I am pleased when beat him, which I still manage occasionally in time trials and on the track. 'But, to be honest, I am more pleased when he wins on the track because am looking to his future.' Striking the balance between cycling and school work is important to Kevin, who acknowledges the Tayside and Fife Institute of Sport has to play in mapping out his future. While his dad and the national coach Graeme Herd draw up the training and racing plan, the Institute provides an adviser who offers guidance for his career on and off the bike and in aspects of fitness and nutrition. No wonder Kevin is providing his rivals with plenty food for thought. |
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