A TALENTED cycling team visited Exmouth last week to persuade youngsters to improve their health and fitness by bike-riding.

Team Qoroz, a well-known under-23 team run by the South West Bike Academy, spoke with Community College students about all aspects of cycling as a sustainable form of travel and for leisure.

The visit was organised as part of Devon County Council’s Cycle Devon Project which was launched last year with the aim of improving access to local cycle networks in Exmouth, Exeter, Newton Abbot, Tavistock and Barnstaple.

Its further aim was to encourage more people in the county to take up the exercise on a regular basis.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “Alongside our aim of making Devon a premier destination for cycling tourism, we’re committed to encouraging more people who live in the county to take up cycling or cycle more often.”

He added: “The Team Qoroz riders are one step away from becoming professional in their sport, and it’s very inspiring for the students to hear from young people of a similar age.”

Team Qoroz, who have recently secured a new sponsorship deal with local law firm Ashfords, have made a successful start to their season.

Notably, this has included rider Ben Stockdale’s win at the prestigious Perfs Pedal Road Race in Hampshire.

Tim Heal, from Ashfords, said: “We believe fitness through responsible cycling is really important.

“It is fantastic to see talented riders going into schools to encourage children to take up the exercise.

“We have an active sports law department at Ashfords and feel it is imperative that businesses like ours support initiatives such as this that benefit the local community.”