Children get on their bikes to take on a world champion's challenge

Martin Slack

WORLD downhill mountain biking champion Steve Peat set a challenge for Sheffield schoolchildren yesterday as part of a scheme which aims to make cycling more popular.

Peat launched the Bike It project at Meynell Primary School in Wadsley Bridge by setting a target time for youngsters to beat on a bicycle linked up to a computer.

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The computer allows participants to ride through a simulated half-mile course, monitoring their progress against the champion as they go.

National cycling charity Sustrans is behind the project, and the virtual mountain biking experience will visit more than 20 schools over next few weeks.

The school which clocks the fastest time will win a visit from Peat, who is originally from Chapeltown, north Sheffield, and the fastest boy and girl will each get a new mountain bike.

Peat said: “It’s great to be involved with the Sustrans Bike It project. I have always encouraged young people to get into this great sport.

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“To be involved in this way is a big bonus for me. The more young people get on their bikes at an early age, the better it is in my eyes.”

It is hoped the scheme will encourage more youngsters to take up cycling.

Peat won his world title in September in Canberra, Australia.

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