Project aim

To provide a closed cycle racing and training circuit in Cornwall by funding the resurfacing of the track at the Wheal Jane mine site

About the project...

The Circuit

There is no cycle circuit in Cornwall where young riders can train or race in a safe environment away from the dangers of the open road. We as a club (One & All Cycling) have been using the track at the Wheal Jane site for a number of years for 'One & All Youth Academy Training'. However it is an incomplete circuit as a section of it is gravel.

The Plan

We approached the Wheal Jane board with a mind to raising money to have the gravel section covered with tarmac so that we could develop the circuit as a fully operation cycle racing and training circuit serving Cornwall and the South West. The board's reaction was a real delight and a surprise. They have agreed to fund the resurfacing to the tune of £50,000 and have asked us to raise £10,000 as a contribution to the resurfacing, for which we will be able to use the circuit for training during the week and at weekends. Additionally they will give us exclusive use of the newly resurfaced circuit to promote British Cycling sanctioned races during the week and at weekends.

The Benefits

This will allow us to promote youth racing and adult racing without incurring serious operational costs, and will also provide an excellent safe space for teaching children cycling skills and allowing young Cornish athletes to train and race in a dedicated environment. We have, as a club, discussed the development of cycling facilities, and this by far is the most immediate and inexpensive opportunity we will have. It is a fantastic opportunity for Cornwall to have its own closed cycle racing circuit that will not only benifit the development of cycling and cycle racing in cornwall, but will contribute to strengthening the race calendar in the south west region and will provide an excellent race facility for not only local clubs and riders, but for those from the wider south west, including Devon, the South Hams, Exeter and Somerset.

The Crowd Funder...

It is with this exciting news in mind and with these great people onboard that we have to seize the opportunity, and for this we need your help and support. We have a plan to have the circuit operational for the start of the 2016 season, and to this end we need to raise the £10,000 needed to resurface the gravel section of the circuit so that it is ready for racing. There are levels of donating for everyone so please have a look at the rewards to pledge your donation.

Please Support the cycle circuit...

We ask that you join with us in donating to the campaign and help to make this closed cycle racing circuit a reality. You can donate via Credit/Debit Card or Paypal, but if possible please donate via 'Go Cardless' which is a single one-off direct debit, as this method of donation charges us the least amount in the transaction fee, which means that we raise more money for the circuit.

It is with your enthusiastic input and action that together we can make this worthwhile sporting facility come to fruition, and realise a dedicated cycle circuit for Cornwall and the South West.

Best Wishes

Rod James (Chair of One & All Cycling)

Support from the Professionals...

Phil Liggett (ITV Cycling Commentator)

We are very lucky to have some incredible support from some great people from all walks of life, including local individuals, businesses and cycling clubs, but we are really excited for the donations and support given so far from some leading professionals in the world of Cycling!

Long time ITV cycling commentator Phil Liggett 'the voice of cycling' who has commentated on all the great Tour De France legend victories over the past few decades is very passionate about grass roots cycling and is very supportive of the circuit which he wants to see succeed. You can listen what Phil has to say about the circuit in his personal video message below...

Steve Lampier (Professional Cyclist - Team Raleigh GAC)

Cornwall has also produced some top flight home grown professional bike riders, and we are extremely proud to have their enthusiastic support for the Wheal Jane Cycle Racing Circuit. Helston's own Professional rider Steve Lampier, currently riding with Team Raleigh GAC, and winner of the 2015 British Cycling Elite Road Series, winner of the 2015 British Cycling Spring Cup, and frequently seen displaying his attacking style on TV screens in the Tour of Britain, has also voiced his support in the video below...

Chris Opie (Professional Cyclist - One Pro Cycling Team)

Likewise, Truro's Chris Opie, a pro rider with the prolific One Pro Cycling Team, and who has a wealth of podiums to his name, including winner of the 2010 GP Al Fatah, 2nd in the 2014 British Cycling circuit race Championship, along with a string of 2nd place finishes that are far too numerous to mention.

Chris can also be seen regularly racing on TV at the Tour Series, another Cornish top-flight cycling talent who lends his enthusiasm and support to the Wheal Jane Cycle Racing Circuit Campaign in a personal video message below...

Tom Southam (Sports Director - Drapac Pro Cycling Team)

And it doesn't stop there! Having top talented pro riders from Truro and Helston, we complete the trio with a professional talent that came out of Penzance! Tom Southam competed as a professional rider between 2003-2011 and he represented Great Britain under Dave Brailsford in five World Championships, as well as racing in UCI Pro Tour races.

Tom, who also has a masters degree in professional writing from University College Falmouth co-wrote the book 'Domestique: The true life ups and downs of a tour pro' with his former team mate Wegelius. After retiring from professional racing in 2011 Tom remained with Team Rapha Condor-Sharp as their press officer and as the team's assistant manager.

In 2014 Tom joined the Drapac Professional Cycling Team as Sports Director, and you can hear Tom's message of support for the Wheal Jane Cycle Racing Circuit Campaign in his video below...

A Royal Visit...

His Royal Highness Prince Edward the Duke of Kent visited Wheal Jane and was given a guided tour by site manager Mark Giddins and speaking with One and All club riders on the Wheal Jane Cycle Racing Circuit

HRH Prince Edward the Duke of Kent at the circuit

On the BBC...

The Wheal Jane Cycle Racing Circuit was featured on BBC Radio Cornwall. Listen to the full BBC programme on the James Churchfield breakfast show, with Len Pascoe, Rod James, Sam Medlin, Tristan Davies, Tanya Davies, and Bernard Ballard of the Wheal Jane Group…

Andrew Ridgeley Launches the Crowdfunder...

Gale force winds and heavy rain didn't stop cycling enthusiast and former pop star Andrew Ridgeley from turning out at the Wheal Jane Cycle Racing Circuit to give his full enthusiastic support to the project and officially launch the crowdfunding campaign. A great crowd of club cyclists also showed up alongside Andrew and President of the committee Robert Hartley - and after the ceremonial line-up and cutting of the tape, the group cycled a ceremonial lap of the circuit, after which refreshments were served for all in the Bissoe Bike Hire Cafe.

Andrew lives in Cornwall and is a very keen cyclist, and despite the very bad weather he turned up in full cycling kit and embraced the occasion with nothing but smiles and enthusiastic support for the project. A real star in the true sense of the word, and a great inspiration, especially for the young club members who were out in force to show their competitive cycling skills. A big thank you to Andrew for giving his support to the circuit.

Andrew Ridgeley and Robert Hartley with young club members

One and All club riders on the circuit

What will the money be spent on?...

The crowdfunding 'phase 1' will be to resurface parts of the circuit.

If we over fund then the project will initiate 'phase 2' and this will see the provision of facilities such as storage, toilets and changing rooms.

'Phase 3' will be an extension of the 1.4km circuit.

If you feel you can support the project then please click on the 'Pledge' button and donate what ever you can - donations start at £20 with a donation of £25 earning you a reward of 50% off 2 race entry fees. Each amount donated earns rewards should the project get fully funded.

Please do have alook at the 'Rewards' section on the right hand side where you can make your donation easily. And please share our fundraiser by twitter, facebook or email with friends, fellow cyclists, clubs and local businesses. It is a very worthy cause to benefit cyclists of all ages in Cornwall and the South West, promoting healthy activities and positive benefits for Cornwall and beyond.