Pendle Olympic gold medal hero Steven Burke joins Burnley College team

Oympic cycling hero Steven Burke has joined Burnely College sports and fitness team as an elite cycling coach.
Steven Burke has joined the Burnley College team. Photo: Richard TymonSteven Burke has joined the Burnley College team. Photo: Richard Tymon
Steven Burke has joined the Burnley College team. Photo: Richard Tymon

The Pendle cyclist, who claimed Gold with his fellow GB cyclists in both the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Olympics, will be sharing his talent with students in an elite cycling academy, running alongside their academic studies, to help them reach their full potential.

He will also lead a ‘Cycling with Steven Burke’ eight-week evening programme, open to the public to improve their performance and achieve their cycling goals through a professional training programme including strength and conditioning tuition.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Steven was awarded an MBE for his services to cycling and has a Pendle cycle track named after him, as well as a golden post box installed in his honour in his home town of Colne and golden gates at his former primary school.

During a 14-year career he has travelled the world, achieving success in both track and pursuit cycling events before announcing his retirement from competitive cycling last year.

He said: “I’m really excited about joining the talented team at Burnley College and working with their amazing students, developing their talent and supporting them to reach the next level of cycling performance.

"There could well be another Olympic cyclist right here at Burnley College and I’m hoping that I can help them to reach their full potential.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The students I’ve already seen certainly share that determination to be the best; that commitment and that positive mindset which can make them gold medallists.”

Steven added: “I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the very best sports scientists and coaches over my career. I’m hoping to use that experience to help other keen cyclists – who may be passionate about their hobby or want to improve their performance – through individual training and the Cycling With Steven Burke programme.

“However, my training will not solely be focused on getting on two wheels and cycling. There’s so much more behind elite success, including strength and conditioning training, nutrition, learning about the need to rest, targeted training and mental preparation.”

Ashley Alderson, manager of Fitness Evolution, the award-winning on-site fitness facility at Burnley College and head of the college’s successful Elite Athlete programme, said: “We’re excited to welcome Steven to the Burnley College family and our team of sports and fitness professionals.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“As the Number 1 College in England, we share many of the amazing attributes which have led him to reach the very top of his sport: determination, commitment, focus and resilience.

"These qualities are clearly shown by our Elite Athletes who are already competing at regional, national and international levels within their chosen sports and this year we have more than 50 students – on A-Level and Vocational courses – who are taking advantage of professional strength and conditioning training; nutritional advice; the latest fitness testing technology; sports psychology and physiotherapy.

“With Steven’s support, I am confident that we will see Burnley College students taking their place on the podium at future Olympic Games and consolidating our position as a centre of sporting excellence in the UK.”

Related topics: