Jack aiming to sprint for success in Colne

Nineteen-year-old Jack Thomas, a mechanical engineering apprentice at Fort Vale, is gearing up to compete in his first Sprint for Success race on Colne Grand Prix night on Tuesday.

Sprint for Success is sponsored by Fort Vale and this is the first time the global company, which has facilities at Nelson and Simonstone, has had one of their young apprentices competing.

Jack, from Barnoldswick, rides for Pendle Forest Cycling Club and has been a keen cyclist all his life.

He started competing a year ago and he’ll be racing in a category higher than he normally does in the Sprint for Success.

Jack, who’s rising to the challenge, said: “I’m excited and nervous now the race is getting closer.

“It’s encouraging to know that I have the support of Fort Vale and it’s great to be an apprentice for the company sponsoring the race for young riders.”

The race starts at 7pm in Colne town centre with the Parade Lap and Youth Race with Cycle Sport Pendle at 6-15pm and the cottages.com Colne Grand Prix at 8pm.

Fort Vale’s Managing Director, Ian Wilson, said: “Our passion for cycling runs right through the company from our management team to our young apprentices, some of whom, like Jack, are interested in competitive cycling.

“This is the third year we’ve sponsored the Sprint for Success race but the first time that one of our talented apprentices has competed.

“We’re very proud that Jack will be racing and we’ll be out in force to cheer him on!”

Colne Town Council’s Head of Events, Coun. Ash Sutcliffe, said: “I urge people to come and visit to enjoy the thrill of street racing and to support riders in all three races on what’s a very fast circuit.

“It’s a free event and there’ll be a mini cycling village in the town near Colne Library with marquees and stalls showing how you can make the most of cycling in Pendle.

“Lots of Colne businesses will be staying open late, to make a fantastic night of it.”