A MORAY SCHOOLGIRL has received a gold medal in recognition of her achievements in the Scottish Cycling best all-rounder competition.
Elgin High School pupil Georgia Mansfield, 16, earned the medal and accompanying certificate after finishing quickest from all the Scottish Youth girls who raced in at least two 25-mile and two 10-mile time trials this year.
It is the second time the former Mosstowie Primary pupil has won the award which is calculated over all races, with Georgia averaging an incredible 21mph – despite having only just turned 16 this year. Now in her fifth year at Elgin High, Georgia’s head teacher Andy Simpson commented: “Everyone at Elgin High School is very proud of Georgia’s achievements.
“She loves her cycling and has shown a real sense of commitment to the sport as well as a high level of self-motivation – something that is demonstrated by the regular and intensive training that she has done for several years.
“None of her circle of friends are involved in cycling which is further testimony to her personal drive and determination. She has achieved some outstanding results over the past two seasons and fully deserves this award.
“She receives excellent coaching and support from Peter Ettles and other members of Forres Cycling Club who believe that she is an outstanding talent with potential to perform at a higher level. Georgia’s dream is to become a professional cyclist.”
Georgia will need a huge amount of support if she is to fulfil this dream. She is fortunate in that a wide ranging group including representatives from Moray Wheelers, Forres Cycling Club and her parents have collectively united to support Georgia in achieving her goal.
If she is to have a chance of realising her ambitions, however, she will need a lot of financial support to cover her travel and accommodation costs and also funds to help her purchase equipment of a standard and quality that will enable her to compete at the highest level.
It is for that reason that this support group hope to raise some local sponsorship which will be paid into a trust fund used to pay for the financial costs incurred by Georgia in support of her dream.
Sheila Scott from Moray Wheelers said: “The success of promising young local sports girls and boys is very much dependent on the support and generosity of local companies.
“I hope some local companies in Moray will support us in giving Georgia a helping hand.
“If anyone would like to help please contact me on 01343 862930 and I will be more than happy to provide you with further information.”