Thomas Miller Investment Support Talented Young Cyclist

Thomas Miller Investment (Isle of Man) Limited (“TMI”) is pleased to announce its support of Jake Kelly, 16, one of the Islands leading junior cyclists.

Jake, is currently the Isle of Man U16 Champion and has been a member of the Olympic Talent Team since October 2010.  The Talent programme, which is based in Manchester, consists of 28 riders (which includes boys, girls, BMX, Track, Road and Mountain Bike) aged from 14-16 years selected from across the UK.  Jake is following in his brother Joe’s footsteps, who is one of the youngest members on the Olympic Academy Programme, the same programme previously attended by Mark Cavendish.  Jake recently rode in the very competitive Kermis races on the cobbles in Belgium, finishing 10th in his first race and 2nd the following day.

TMI have agreed to support Jake’s progression.  Jake has to regularly travel off the Island to attend training camps and competitions in the UK and Europe and it is hoped that this will be aided by TMI’s sponsorship.

This is not a new venture for TMI as they are currently involved in supporting Grace Reid, a 15 year old diver from Scotland and a member of the GB Junior Development Squad.  All eyes are on the 2012 Olympics where Grace is hoping to compete in the Women’s Synchronised 3m Springboard.

Christopher Smith, CEO of Thomas Miller Investment (Isle of Man) Limited, commented, “Having seen the benefit of supporting Grace, we wanted to replicate that on the Island.  The Isle of Man has some superb athletes all in need of a little extra support, but Jake really stood out for us.  Having only started racing competitively at the age of 13, he has demonstrated tremendous dedication and commitment to get to where he is today.  The support system surrounding Jake, from his family to the Isle of Man Sport Institute, is second to none and we have high hopes for Jake’s future.  We understand the cost and commitment involved in sport at this level, especially living on an island and we are only too pleased to be able to remove some of the burden.”

Simon Kelly, Jake’s father, said, “We are delighted by the level of support that Thomas Miller Investment has shown.  It is a true recognition of Jake’s talents and couldn’t have come at a better time.  Later in the year Jake will find out if he has been successful in getting accepted into the Olympic Development Programme.  This will involve a lot more travelling and perseverance.  Jake is really looking forward to moving up into the Junior category where he can concentrate on road racing which he is more suited to, as is the Isle of Man!”

Jake has recently received his GSCE results and will be heading back to Ballakermeen High School in September to continue with his A levels.  His ultimate goal and dream however remains focussed on the sport, with ambitions to progress to the British Cycling Olympic Academy (Mens U23 Endurance) and to graduate into a professional team.