FEATURE: Billy Ladle’s Stellar Season Recognised at British Cycling Awards

Billy Ladle’s Stellar Season sees the 14 year old double National Champion follow in the footsteps of Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas to win the Youth Challenge and Stan Kite trophies

FEATURE: Billy Ladle’s Stellar Season Recognised at British Cycling Awards (by Kristyna Hunt)

14 year old double National Champion follows in the footsteps of Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas to win the Youth Challenge and Stan Kite trophies

YORKSHIRE youth cyclist, Billy Ladle, has been recognised with a host of silverware at the 2024 British Cycling Awards. The ceremony, held at The Point overlooking Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground, celebrated and commended those who have claimed national titles over the past year.

Billy has competed in over 100 road and track races in the under 14s category and the 2024 season culminated in him winning two national titles – National Track Omnium and National Closed Circuit. He fought off tough competition in both disciplines, with the added challenge of torrential rain during the closed circuit national race in Kent.

Billy, who rides for Secret Training, an innovative sports nutrition brand, also triumphed in the British Cycling Youth Closed Circuit Series, where young riders compete for the overall championship title over eight events across the country.

Billy was commended by British Cycling for his achievements at the awards ceremony on 26th October and was presented with the Youth Challenge and the Stan Kite trophies by para-cyclist Matthew Robertson. He follows in the footsteps of accomplished riders such as Mark Cavendish in 1999 and Geraint Thomas in 2000 to hold the coveted cups. An evening ceremony followed, where cycling legends including Dame Laura Kenny and Sir Bradley Wiggins were inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Billy is the third-generation cyclist in the Ladle family, cycling since his first birthday and competing since the age of four. He is coached by his father, Jonathan, who, along with his family, travel with Billy to races throughout the U.K. and Europe to help him reach his full potential as a cyclist.

Billy said, “I had a good start to the season after winning the first event in the Youth Circuit Series in Pembrey, and one of my highlights was winning the hill stage at the Isle of Man Youth Tour as climbing has always been a challenge for me.”

– Billy on the podium at the National Track Omnium (2nd Fin Burns, 3rd Josh McClune)

“Road and track racing are my passion so I am really proud to hold the national titles for both this year. The competition will be tough moving into the under 16s category but I am focussed on my training and I will see what the next season brings.”

Billy is now gearing up for the 2024/25 pre-season opener, Monsters of Track, at the Chris Hoy velodrome from November to January and circuit races will start early next year. He will aim to defend his national titles as well as travel to the Netherlands for the Youth Tour of Assen in July.

Follow Billy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/billys_cycling

– Billy at the British Cycling Awards with para-cyclist Matthew Robertson (below)