Will Gilbank may be only 17, but this Hertfordshire high school student is already very much on the competitive cycling map..
Competitive cyclist, Will, already has a huge portfolio of cycling achievements under his belt.
A member of the Lee Valley Junior Team, he races race road, track and cyclocross and, as a youth, has also been selected to attend the British Cycling Regional School of Racing, for all three disciplines.
In just the last couple of years, he holds the accolade of the Eastern Region Circuit Champion and came third in the Eastern Region Cyclocross Series in 2021, and also won the London Youth Track League in 2022. Last year, he finished the season ranked third nationally, for all under 16 racers.
This year, he has won a round of the National Junior Road Series, and won a silver medal at the National Track Championships. Will has competed abroad, with three UCI races in Belgium and Holland, and is now classed as a category one cyclist, which he staggeringly achieved in just under a year.
Will wasn’t initially a cycling whiz, watching his twin sister pedal off before him.
“She was a quick learner, while I didn’t master the skill instantly. In fact, I watched my sister take to it, while I went frustratedly round in circles. After the 2012 Olympics, my dad really got into cycling, and after becoming enthralled by the likes of Bradley Wiggins, I too, became hooked. After riding the local roads with my dad, we decided to check out Lee Valley, and that’s when I started racing- I was 11, and on my mum’s old Carrera bike.”
“I am so lucky to be doing what I love, I don’t think I will ever get sick of competitive cycling. I am fortunate to have been sponsored by Highway Cycles for over a year now. I currently ride the Trek Emonda SLR 7, which is great for free speed, and super aggressive racing. The training schedule is pretty hardcore now, five days a week, for around 20 hours, or so. I usually train all weekend, and have to be truly dedicated. Training doesn’t give me the same pleasure I get out of racing, but I know that the hard work has to come first.”
With many factors, including safety concerns and lack of confidence in their cycling ability, deterring some young people from starting their cycling journey, Will had some valuable advice.
“I think sometimes young people aren’t aware of the availability of cycling clubs in their area. The recent World Championships, in Glasgow, has really helped with a positive uptake from female cyclists, with the likes of Katie Archibald really leading the way as a positive role model to young girls.”
He adds: “I do think many younger people are discouraged by the lack of cycling infrastructure in the area, especially as the nights draw in, and it’s potentially dark after school. If more was invested in safer cycle routes and paths, leading to key locations, such as other towns, then more would be enthused.”
To continue following Will’s progress, visit: Gilbank Racing – I enjoy riding and I race to win!
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