EXCITING prospect Rob Hogg celebrated news of his latest funding with a superb third place in a Category 2/3 race at Bath’s new Odd Down racing circuit.

The 16-year-old member of McKinley’s 1st Chard Wheelers has secured a grant from the Somerset sports charity, TS5C, for the second year running.

And Hogg again showed it’s money well spent by beating many top adult riders around the 1.5 kilometre track.

Hogg, who won Young Sports Performer of the Year at the 2013 South Somerset District Council Gold Star Awards, will use the money on travelling costs and race fees.

His winter training schedule will see him compete weekly in the Newport City Track League at the Welsh National Velodrome.

Hogg is one of 15 youngsters to receive funding.

Alan Gloak, the Chairman of TS5C, said: “We are committed to supporting young athletes in Somerset, both able and non-able bodied.

“We have potential Olympic and Commonwealth medallists in our county, and it is important that they are being provided with funding. “The costs of training, specialist equipment and attending competitions are daunting for any family, yet essential if a young person is to achieve their full potential in their sport. “TS5C grants make an important contribution in meeting these costs.”

Hogg and clubmate Jacob Board are now in full preparation for the forthcoming Springtime Pursuits series in Devon and the national level ‘junior’ racing season.

n The Newport Velodrome hosted the first of the annual ‘Icebreaker’ series of race meetings – a events which attract the best riders from across the country.

A trio youth riders from McKinlays 1st Chard Wheelers took part. All three are very new to track racing but performed exceptionally well.

Emily Attfield reached the Under-16s ‘points’ race final and Rowan Ellis, one of the youngest under 14s, rode strongly to reach the ‘scratch’ event final.

Under-14 Joe West continued his impressive run of form on the boards, reaching both the ‘points’ and ‘scratch’ finals in his age group.