Owyn Wallace is an U23, BC Cat 2 road racer and an expert mountain bike cross country rider who competes in events regionally and nationally. 

Owyn enjoyed riding bikes for as long as he can remember, starting with steady rides with his dad around local fields and cycle paths before moving house closer to Sherwood Pines. Immediately, he was cycling around the Pines most days learning all the trails before joining Sherwood Pines Cycling Club.

From 12 years old he started cycling regularly with the club and enjoying pushing himself to learn new skills and he enjoyed the challenge of trying to keep up with the adults.

Catching the bug at 12, racing nationals at 14 

Cycling at 12 with his dad Owyn caught the bug and riding with the club increased his love for the sport. At thirteen he started racing off road TTs once a week and then started cyclocross racing in the NDCXL. Getting his first CX bike was strange as he had never ridden drop handlebars but he was a quick learner and started to finish higher up the field. 

Following his first CX season, he raced MTB Cross Country in the Midlands XC League earning podium finishes in most rounds. This was a real confidence boost and he was selected for a National MTB-XC race earning a top 10 finish. Owen progressed to compete in the full National XC Series racing with national ranked top 20 U14 yrs. 

Claiming many wins and podiums at U16 level 

Owyn progressed to U16 Midlands and National XC Series with regular wins, podiums and top 10 finishes. Owyn then joined Arrow Cycles for MTB events and Derby Mercury for road racing. Road racing was a huge learning curve, however it was a refreshing change to mix up his season. Taking part in many MTB events and British Cycling’s RSR sessions broadened his racing knowledge and his talent was recognised to represent the East Midlands in the Inter-Regional MTB championships where he earned a great 3rd (skills category) and they won the team title. 

Owyn progressed well to Junior level earning many national XC top 5 and 10 placings and he used this time to develop his passion and race craft for road.

Turning health challenges into expert form

When Owyn joined the senior ranks at 18, he also had a lot of changes in his life; moving to Lincoln to start university and then unfortunately suffering with Glandular Fever and Pericarditis (inflamed heart lining), putting him out for a year and half. It was a very difficult time not being able to do what he loved but the hunger to race stayed and he was keen to train hard and come back stronger. 

With great support from family, friends and Arrow Cycles, Owyn returned to great form with regularly finishing with top 10 finishes in the expert category, and he was progressing well but narrowly missed promotion to the Elite category for that season. 

The feeling of racing again was fantastic and Owyn was over the moon to be back with good results. He also went on to gain his CAT2 road licence with numerous wins including two wins in E123 closed circuit races.

Taking his cycling career to the next level

During his final year of university Owyn was introduced to
Bryan Steel and the BS Academy and he was very keen to join and take his cycling career to the next level. Exciting times were ahead when Bryan Steel merged the academy with Beeston Cycling Club and Owyn was excited about the potential of the season ahead with his fellow U23 team mates. 

Covid struck and halted things, however not to be thwarted they have maintained their training and positive attitude. Bring on season 2021.