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Engineering student Harry gears up for cycling success

24 March 2015

 

Professional cyclist Harry Tanfield aims to build on his recent race success as he combines his cycling career with engineering studies at Teesside University.

The BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering student recently smashed a 12-year record previously held by Olympic gold medallist Chris Newton, who also studied at Teesside University.

Harry, 20, from Great Ayton in North Yorkshire, said: 'I have been cycling from the age of 12 and racing at a national level since I was 14. 'I chose Teesside as it offers the course I wanted to do, it's close to home and from a practical point of view, the logistics of cycling and racing professionally work better with me studying at Teesside as I'm keen to continue cycling full-time. Civil engineering appealed to me as it's the engineering discipline I am most interested in.'

Harry, who is involved in the University’s Elite Athlete scheme, added: 'The scheme is very beneficial and the support I get is world class. Everything is catered for, from strength and conditioning to physiological testing and injury support. The financial help also supports me in getting to races and with equipment costs.' Having previously been involved in Great Britain under-16 and under-18 development programmes as a youth and junior rider, Harry has since joined professional team JLT Condor presented by Mavic, competing around the world.

He added: 'I've just returned from racing and training in Australia during the winter months, which was really good and my calendar this year has some international events which I am excited for. 'I had some good races in Belgium last year, winning multiple road races and also in the UK winning a lot of regional and national events. I also finished fifth last year in the under-23 British Cycling National Time Trial Championships.'

He added: 'This year so far I've completed one time trial, taking the course record which for the past 12 years was held by Chris Newton, a former world champion on the track and Olympic gold medallist. I've got a two-day race in Devon and four-day race in Ireland over the Easter holidays and I'm in reserve for a five-day race in France.

'My cycling career highlight to date has been signing with a continental professional team, JLT Condor and my aim is to win as many races and eventually progress to a higher level team such as pro-continental level in the future.' He added about his studies: 'I'm thoroughly enjoying the degree, especially the structural design lectures, designing beams and columns and other structures. The course covers a very broad range of topics. If I'm not doing university work, then I'm usually riding my bike.'


 
 
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