Bailey takes step toward Olympic dream (From Stourbridge News)

Bailey takes step toward Olympic dream

12:50pm Saturday 14th November 2009

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BOROUGH cycling star Matt Bailey has capped off another excellent year with selection to the British Olympic Development Programme.

The 16-year-old, who won the Junior Tour of Ireland back in July, will get coaching on the road and track from national squad coaches in Wales and Manchester.

Success in the programme could see the Dudley College electronics student selected for the Olympic Academy next year.

He said: “I’m really pleased, it’s a great way to end another good season for me.

“Last year I was in the running to make the programme but just missed out so it’s great to get in this year.

“I’m going up to Manchester next week for a medical and it will be a lot of hard work from then on.”

Bailey’s selection means he will get the chance to race abroad against top class opposition and he is the first member of Halesowen Cycling Club to achieve ODP status.

He is aiming to qualify for the Junior World Championships, which will be staged in Italy next year.

He added: “Most of the camps will be at weekends so there is time to fit studies around that.

“It is always a balancing act.”

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