Isle of Wight cyclist Joe Staunton is on track for more success after Wightlink extended its position as his sponsor.
Joe is embarking on a 2-year national coaching programme and will spend time at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, where he will receive assistance from GB Cycling Team coaches and receive specialist mentoring. Joe is among just 23 people selected from hundreds of applicants to become a British Cycling Scholar.
The only rider on the Island to hold a Category 1 elite licence, he will be taking part in top-level road cycling races across the country. Joe is the first Island rider to reach such a level within the British Cycling system for 15 years.
In 2020, Joe achieved a place on the Isle of Wight Council’s Talented Athlete initiative which is supported by Wightlink. He was also a member of the Wightlink-Wight Mountain Cycle Race Team for a number of years, before leaving the team last year to take up a place with the south coast-based elite team Primera-TeamJobs.
On the renewal, Joe has said:
“I am delighted my sponsorship with Wightlink has been renewed.
“I’m also really enjoying helping the ferry company promote the Island as a destination for cyclists and lovers of the outdoor life and working closely with British Cycling and partners to develop the sport”.
Wightlink’s Commercial Director Phil Delaney adds:
“We’re really pleased to continue our support for Joe as he steps up to the next level of cycling, while also helping to develop future talent within the world of cycling through his work as a coach.”
As well as travelling to the mainland 2-3 times a week to compete in track and road races, Joe is also busy preparing for the Island Games this summer. As captain of the road cycling team, he is working to strengthen the team with the aim of bringing back medals from Guernsey, where the games are being held.
Cheaper fares would be a better idea for Islanders.