For most of us the idea of being sponsored to ride a particular brand's bicycles is mere fantasy, so the latest press release from Raleigh had us raising an interested eyebrow. It seems the Nottingham-based bike firm are looking for ambassadors ahead of the 2015 season - and applications are invited not only from elite-level racers, but from anyone with a passion for cycling and a way with social media.
In Raleigh's own words:
"Following the launch of our 2015 range of road bikes, we are once again looking for a talented pool of athletes to achieve great things on our bikes.
Whether you're looking to become an elite road or track racer, time trialist, a long-distance endurance athlete, cyclocross star, or you can simply wow people with your singlespeed skills, this is your chance to show us what you can do.
Our support package will depend on the type of riding you do but it will include at least one racing bike for the year plus a selection of components and accessories from our brand partners.
Applicants must be 14 or over and will receive bikes and equipment, as well as a boost to their public profile that comes from being associated with one of the most well-respected brands in cycling."
Singlespeed...skills? Apparently so. Ben Hillsdon, Raleigh Marketing Manager, explains further:
"Through this programme we're able to support local cyclists and grassroots cycling and invest back into the cycling community, all of which is very important to us.
"We're looking for talented people with the passion, drive, and above all, the right personality to make it onto our Rider Support programme. If you think that's you, or you know someone that fits the bill, we want to hear from you."
Raleigh currently sponsor a host of cyclists across a range of disciplines, including UCI Continental Team Raleigh, while alumni include Barrie Clarke and Lizzie Armitstead, and this sounds like a fantastic opportunity to benefit from the company's know-how. There are a few conditions attached, with applicants required to meet the following criteria:
Riders must...
- be 14 years or over as of 1st January 2015
- be UK based
- have demonstrable race results from 2014
- have an outline race calendar for 2015
- be a member of a cycling team or club
- commit to providing written and photographic reports on a regular basis
- have permission of a parent or guardian if under 18.
Nothing too onerous there, although if your 2014 racing palmares is looking on the skimpy side then you may want to sort out a race licence and start practising those victory wheelies for what's left of the season.
As for the application process, it's as easy as falling off a fixie. Simply head to the online application page where a brief interrogation awaits you.
The application period will end on Sunday October 5th 2014, with successful riders being informed in November.
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