George Mills-Keeling on the road to success

The talented teenager has just chalked up the most significant victory of his young career, claiming the No.1 spot and national champion’s jersey at the TLI national under-16s championships at Oulton Park.

Having recently returned from the Isle of Man youth tour, where he claimed 15th, the 15-year-old stormed to success in Cheshire in a field of 20 in his under-16 age category.

It is the latest, yet the most significant, win of his career. George’s father Jon, a keen amateur cyclist, has plenty of faith in his son’s ability and is enjoying seeing him fulfil his potential.

The Oldbury Wells student, who hails from Chetton just outside Bridgnorth, first hopped on to a bike at the age of eight and, from 11, was a member at Wolverhampton Wheelers Cycling Club, based at the Aldersley Stadium velodrome.

To back his natural ability, Mills-Keeling has been taken under the wing by one Andy Tennant, a multi-European and national champion and member of the Wiggins team – the race outfit founded by Sir Bradley Wiggins.

And the influence of 30-year-old Tennant, from Shifnal, is crucial in the youngster’s development.

“When Andy was George’s age he was nurtured by one of my best friends,” said dad Jon.

“My friend has stayed in cycling and now George and Andy regularly train together on the roads. I think Andy sees a bit of himself in George at that age.

“He offers to help and gives advice, it’s inspiring for George. There aren’t many young riders that have that chance.”

Developing his performance in the road discipline is the next step for Mills-Keeling, who will soon enter the junior age category – featuring riders aged 16-18.

Jon is keen to find a suitable road team for George where he can progress in this crucial stage of his development.

George began his early stages in cycling on the circuit at Aldersley. His dad, who took an eight-year break from the sport after his son’s birth, took eight-year-old George to Aldersley with a £99 ‘Tesco bike’, and the youngster soon caught the bug. Mills-Keeling, who has two younger siblings, Fred, 10, and Henry, nine, has already won five regional events this year – three at Sundorne and two in Stourport – while the national jersey takes pride of place.

“It was the first time he’d rode in the national event,” added Jon. “It was a good standard.

“Now it’s about trying to get him into a team so he can begin racing on the continent, in the likes of Spain and Belgium, and make a real go of it.

“You need a team around you on the road. To have more support, it’s taking it to the next step for him.

“Each year he’s been getting better and better. It’s a tough sport, there’s still that niche feel about it.

“George rides with several groups in training, he does most of it on the road. We go to Mallorca a couple of times a year and ride together on a training camp but it’s not very structured.

“He’s balancing his mock GCSEs around training at the moment but it’s all good for him, he’s always wanted it and never been pushed.

“The win was his biggest and most significant one. He’s now got the national jersey to ride and that’s worth a lot more to him than the £50 prize money.”