Making a difference in the community
Nicofe’s commitment to investing in continuous improvement is well documented and there are many ways in which we drive best practice in order to support customer operations. At the same time, we also recognise the importance of our social responsibility and are committed to supporting community initiatives that align with our own values and where our investment can make a tangible difference.
One such initiative is our involvement with Halesowen Cycling Academy and in this brief update I want to talk a little about the academy and its successes this season. Now in its 10th year, the academy supports junior and under-23 riders in pursuing their ambitions in road and track cycling. Nicofe helps by supporting in areas such as coaching, nutrition, clothing and travel so that all riders are better equipped to realise their potential.
As this season draws to a close, there are many events and achievements to report on. Academy teams raced abroad in a number of prestigious races in Ireland, France and Belgium, as well as competing in full UK race calendar – and there were some outstanding individual performances.
At the four-day Ras Mumhan in County Kerry, for example, the U-23 squad finished a hard-earned fourth out of 28 teams, with three riders in the top 30 individual spots. A short while later in the hotly-contested Junior Tour of Ireland, the academy’s five-rider team won 7th in the team competition, with four riders placing in the top 32 individuals.
Staying in Ireland, the U-23s took the team prize at the Newry three-day event as well as the individual points jersey, while in France a five-race tour of Normandy including the Elite Nationale Challenge Mayennais delivered some very respectable top ten finishes – and a lot of valuable racing experience.
Meanwhile, at home the racing was just as exciting. The Marches three-day event which takes place close to the Welsh border is one of the UK’s few stage races and this year after some tough racing in demanding conditions the team managed to take the individual title.
The academy also organised its own very successful event near Malvern as part of the national under-23 series of road races, as well as running a series of road races in the West Midlands area to underpin the local calendar and give riders of all abilities racing opportunities.
While the academy prides itself on supporting a strong team ethos, there were some exceptional individual performances this season that deserve a special mention. So we’d like to give a big pat on the back to Ben Arey, Henry Howlett, Rose Lewis, Piers Mahn, Luke Mannings and Ryan Oldfield for their impressive achievements this year.
Finally, chapeau to all those behind the scenes who make everything happen, to the coaches, administrators, physios and advisers who give their time, and to all the riders for giving everyone such a great season of racing – we’re delighted to be able to support all your efforts!
