WHITE ROSE YOUTH LEAGUE

- sponsored by Polaris

The Brighouse Circuit Races were the setting for the launch of the winner’s jerseys for the White Rose Youth League series held in Yorkshire. This was the first opportunity for the young riders taking part to see the jerseys which will awarded to each of the age group winners.

Jerseys modelled by some of the White Rose Youth League competitors.

For the first time since the series commenced, jerseys are being awarded in addition to cash prizes for the winning boys and girls of the overall series in the age categories U10, U12, U14, and U16. The jerseys themselves have been provided by the Youth League’s main sponsor POLARIS with nine additional cycle shops generously sponsoring two jerseys each.

Polaris have supplied all the jerseys and the WRYL wish to thank them and the other sponsors for the incredible boost which they have given to youth cycling in Yorkshire. It is thanks to them that the winning riders will be able to proudly stand on the podium wearing a fitting reward for their efforts, just like their cycling heroes!

Initially held only on the Richard Dunn Circuit at Odsal, Bradford, the series now also runs every Wednesday of the summer at an alternative circuit thanks to the successful addition of the Wombwell go-kart track in 2007. The league continues to attract an increasing number of entrants of all ages, from Yorkshire and surrounding areas. If you want to catch the series here are the 2008 Race Dates

Polaris supported the event by providing the Kids Leon Yellow Jersey as winners jerseys for the leading riders in each age discipline.

Land's End to John O'Groats Charity Cycle Ride for Cardiac Risk in the Young

Polaris are pleased to announce they will be sponsoring 4 riders in their attempt to ride LEJOG in aid of the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).

James, Nigel, Tom and Graham will be wearing Satellite Jackets, Adventure shorts and Leon Shirts whilst riding 939 miles in 10 days.

They aim to raise £10,000 for the charity and if you wish to contribute, or find out more about the ride, please visit http://www.lejog4cry.co.uk/

Good luck guys from all at Polaris!

IAN MARSDEN - PRE-PARALYMPIC BRONZE MEDALIST & GREAT BRITAIN CHAMPION

Ian Marsden was a member of the British Powerlifting Team and won his first Powerlifting Championship in 1989. This started a major chain of wins culminating in taking World Championship titles in 1992 and smashing three World, four European and six British records.

Ian suffered from a spinal injury and became wheelchair bound. He dreamed of competing at International level again and discovered handcycling which enables wheelchair bound cyclists to compete at high speeds via specially designed handcycles.

Ian represent Great Britain in the Pre-Paralympic Games in Rome in 2004 and came home with a Bronze Medal to add to his long list of achievements.

Ian is now graded No. 1 in the UK, winning the National Time Trial Championships and the National Leaders Jersey for the second consecutive year.

Polaris are proud to sponsor Ian who wears our Vortex Jacket, Pro-Bib Tights, Bonehead Hat and Kir Royale Sunglasses amongst other items.

News

Ian is just back from Switzerland having taken part in the European Handcycling Circuit, Round 3, 21Km Time Trial.

He set off at 17.55 with two of his teammates in front giving him a good target to chase down along the course. The time trial course went around a large lake, back through the town then to the finish back where they had started.

Losing a bit of time on one part of the course, due to missing a sharp left turn and going straight on, the rest of the race went without incident. Ian came 6th over all in C Division.

For the past few years C Division has been split into C1 and C2, with C2 riders kneeling on their bikes, and C1 riders sitting with their legs outstretched. C2 riders have a clear advantage with speed and power. However, the UCI this year decided that fewer divisions would be better so combined the two. Hopefully in the future, everyone will be in the longseat position with their legs out in front, making it fair for everyone.

You can read more about Ian at www.ianmarsden.com