Islington Cycling Club plan to celebrate their third birthday and continue their expansion by establishing a junior section later this year.

The club launched three years ago today (Thursday) with just seven cyclists – but has grown rapidly to become the borough’s largest sports club with more than 500 members.

There are now nine weekly social and training rides, men’s and women’s racing teams and four open events – 100km audax, 200km audax, 10-mile time trial and road race – each year.

Now Islington want to run specific sessions for eight to 16-year-olds, with off-road training and development of racing skills supervised by British Cycling accredited coaches.

Club secretary David Shannon explained: “Creating a pathway for young people in central London to take part in our exciting sport is long overdue.

“We’re aiming to create an inclusive programme that supports riders who want to compete to a high level, as well as those riders who simply want to have fun learning.”

The club are seeking sponsorship from local businesses, with a view to starting the junior section in the autumn, and anyone interested should contact David at secretary@islington.cc

Islington are also holding ‘The Italian Job’ on June 12 – a 100km ride which starts and finishes at Finsbury Park and is open to members and non-members alike, with a cost of just £7 per cyclist.

For an entry form, or to find out more information about the club’s other rides and events, visit islington.cc