Star cyclist launches ace club

A former winner of the famous Paris-Roubaix cycle race – who’s also a multiple Swedish national champion – was the guest of honour at the official launch of Road Cycling Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.
Swedish star Magnus was special guest at the club's launch.Swedish star Magnus was special guest at the club's launch.
Swedish star Magnus was special guest at the club's launch.

Magnus Backstedt, former pro cyclist and Tour de France winner, was an inspirational visitor at the official opening of the club, staged at Kilsyth Lennox Golf Club.

Around one hundred members and guests from neighbouring cycling clubs were treated to an evening with Magnus, who now competes internationally 
in triathlon events.

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He provided a colourful insight into the world of professional cycling, answering questions and talking the guests through video footage of some exciting 
racing moments.

Established earlier this year RCCK now has 40 members from the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth area riding regularly each week and competing in races.

And recently the club came 4th and 5th at the Kinross 10 mile team time trial against some formidable opposition.

On Saturday morning Magnus took a coaching session with RCCK members on the infamous climb of the Tak ma Doon Road in Kilsyth.

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It’s safe to say that by the time the session was over the cyclists not only gained a valuable insight into what it takes to become a top climber but also how hard they have to work to achieve that.
Magnus, unperturbed, described the Tak ma Doon road as a “great hill to work hard on” and encouraged club members to spend some time on it training over the 
winter season.

Club member Mark Kennedy, who organised the event, said: “It was such a thrill to have Magnus agree to come along and formally launch the Club, and a privilege to learn from his experience 
and insight.

“Our members will remember the evening and coaching session for 
years to come.”

For membership information contact [email protected]

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