UNIVERSITY of Chester graduate Dave Brailsford has been named this year’s BBC Sports Personality Coach of the Year.
The 48-year-old, who studied sports and exercise sciences with psychology at the university when it was known as Chester College of Higher Education, helped guide Team GB riders to eight gold medals for the second successive Olympics.
He also headed up Team Sky, which celebrated a historic Tour de France as Bradley Wiggins won in July.
The Rev Dr Lesley Cooke, Dave’s personal tutor during his time at the university and now dean of students, said: “Dave was completely dedicated to his cycling and had the same approach to his studies.
“He was always very focused, but also very generous – a lovely student. He has the kind of personality which makes you warm to him.
“At the time, I recognised his deep commitment and undoubted ability. I was not at all surprised to see his name come up in the upper echelons of cycling, and on behalf of everyone at the university, I would like to congratulate him on his achievements.”
Chester residents have been inspired to follow in the tracks of BBC Sports Personality of the Year Bradley Wiggins and take-up long-distance cycling.
That is according to Saltney firm Global Adventure Challenges, which has seen interest in events it organises soar by 160% following Wiggins’ success.
Now the company is advising those interested to get in the saddle quickly as places are filling up fast for next year’s challenges, particularly the route from London to Paris.
Managing director Peter Robinson said: “Next year is the 100th anniversary of the Tour de France and our July London to Paris bike ride finishes in the centre of Paris the day before the end to the Tour, so participants will get front row position to see Bradley Wiggins.”
For more details, visit www.globaladventurechallenges.com.
