Specialized and Herne Hill Velodrome are collaborating to bring off-road trails riding to the youth of South East London.

Over the summer holidays, a select group of riders will take part in an Off-Road Trails Academy run by Specialized and Herne Hill Velodrome. The goal of the scholarship is to spread the joy of cycling to underrepresented youth aged 11-16 in SE London; empowering them to develop new skills, learn more about the sport and cycling industry in a fun and safe environment.

Beginning with two launch events, on 1st June and 16th July, open to anyone aged 11-16 from BAME communities, will highlight the benefits of what we are trying to achieve to local youth and charity groups. These sessions, run by Specialized ambassadors, the Specialized UK Team and Herne Hill Velodrome, will feature a big afternoon of riding, learning and understanding cycling, and showcase how fun cycling can be.

Everyone has the same chance to be chosen for the summer academy, which will see riders building their off-road skills over the course of six weeks. We want the riders to leave at the end of the programme happy and confident on their bikes, which they can keep, hopefully allowing them to enjoy cycling for the rest of their lives. The final session will be in Surrey with Trail Academy.

We'll hopefully kickstart your journey as a rider for many years to come!

Drinks and food will be provided on the launch days, all you need to bring is you, we'll provide everything else for riding a bikes. The sessions will be run by qualified and experienced coaches from Herne Hill Velodrome and lead by inspiring ambassadors from the global bike brand, Specialized.

Sign up for the launch event on Wednesday 1st June