OLYMPIAN Sir Chris Hoy has backed riders from Halesowen Athletics and Cycling Club.

Stourbridge rider Charles Walker is among three West Midlands cyclists to gain sponsorship from the multiple gold medallist, who is supplying HOY frames this season.

Walker is a second year junior who last year won two races and had several runners-up places against senior riders.

He travelled to Manchester recently to meet Hoy – winner of six Olympic gold medals – and receive his frame in person together with fellow juniors Patrick Fotheringham and Sam Dighton.

All three are Halesowen Athletic and Cycling Club members and are this year receiving a comprehensive sponsorship package as part of the club’s newly founded academy scheme.

Dighton and Walker led a 14 strong group of club riders to north Wales last weekend clocking up 125 miles on the Sunday leg which took them over some tough Welsh hills in the Bala area.

Meanwhile, 13 year old school boy Jamieson Blain, riding for Halesowen A&CC, secured first overall in the under 14 section of the Wooly Mamil race series held on the Stourport Sports Circuit when he took his third win last Saturday.

Blain is certainly displaying a great talent in circuit racing and is keen to obtain his junior racing licence which will enable him to take part in road races when he reaches 16 years of age. Club mate Simon Wyllie, 12, crossed the line in a very fine third position.