FUTURE Chris Hoys and potential Victoria Pendletons got to taste track cycling in Halesowen.

Halesowen Cycling Club held its annual Free Wheeler Fun Day on Saturday to give youngsters their first experience at Manor Abbey.

The aim is to encourage youngsters aged between three and 14 to visit the track and enjoy a fun day out. The event was well attended with no restrictions on what type of bikes were ridden.

The day gave an introduction to safe cycling for beginners with supportive encouragement from Halesowen’s accredited coaches and there were also races for the more experienced riders.

The club’s careful enthusiasm has seen several riders go on from this stage – whether to enjoy cycling as a social pastime or to compete successfully in national events and go on to represent GB on the international stage.

Club chairman Dave Viner said: "Our volunteers did a great job making everyone feel welcome. You do not have to be another Sir Chris Hoy to ride at Manor Abbey, the track is ideal for fixed wheel track bikes but also road bikes and, as three-year-old May proved, a balance bike without pedals. We also have athletics, tennis and weightlifting sections.”