British number one to start town’s bike ride

The British number one for the past two years, Jade Nicholls’ next challenge will be the Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride in April.

Registration is still open and there are four routes to choose from - the Sergison, a 11.5 mile family fun route, is long enough to be interesting and short enough not to be too taxing. The Cavalier route is the most popular in the Greater Haywards Heath Ride and is 19 miles.

The Highwayman is 41 miles of scenic Mid Sussex and where the real riders get going and the Wiggins way black route, a 75 mile route for serious cyclists.

Jade said: “I’m honoured to be starting the bike ride, which is a fantastic community event.

“But it’s also an opportunity for younger aspiring cyclists to test themselves to maybe become the Wiggins of the future so we keep the Olympic flame burning.”

Jade’s father was a keen cyclist in his time, which made the decision to accept the invitation to fire the starting gun all the more easier.

Local athlete Jade trains in Crawley and Broadbridge Heath Leisure Centre in Horsham, where she also works part time.

Jim Knight of the bike ride team said: “We’re delighted that Jade can start the ride for us.

“She’s gaining a big reputation and is such a great competitor that we can’t think of anyone who will motivate our riders better - she’s going to be brilliant.”

Jade has been representing England and Great Britain since 2006, when she won her first vest as a junior, and was English Champion in 2011 and 2012

For the coming year she has a few medals in her sights. In June she will be competing in the European Team Championships in Gateshead, followed by the World Championships in Moscow in August.

Then it’s Glasgow Commonwealth Games in 2014 followed by the Rio Olympics two years later.

Raising money for defibrillators the Greater Haywards Heath Bike Ride and has teams competing from twinned towns Bondues in France and Traunstein in Germany.

Places are still available and you can also ride for another charity.

For more information or to register visit www.hhbikeride.co.uk

You can also register in person at Haywards Heath town hall in Boltro Road or call 01444 455694.