The cycling season is winding down for Lauren Bate-Lowe and after another hugely successful campaign, the St Helens teenager is adamant there is no danger of her resting on her laurels over the winter.
Bate-Lowe was in action at the Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games in Manchester over the weekend and was in nearly unstoppable form – walking away with four gold medals.
First up she roared her way to victory in the girls one lap time trial on Friday before beating Scotland’s Amber King in the sprint final 24 hours later.
And the 16-year-old rounded out the UK’s largest multi-sport event for elite level, school-age athletes in style on Sunday as she teamed with Leanne Hall to triumph in the team sprint before finally claiming Team Track Skills first place.
Barring a couple of Revolution Series events, Bate-Lowe will now head into winter training but she believes that succeeding at the School Games has set her up perfectly for the future.
“It feels amazing to win gold medals at the Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games – it’s a really great atmosphere and I think it’s a brilliant achievement to get gold,” said the Cansfield High School pupil.
“It’s such a big event and it’s a Commonwealth Games- type environment which should really help me in the future.
“It’s a really good experience because when you move up in the sport, the multi-sport competitions are what you’re going to come across. It’s a really good learning opportunity.
“I could have gone faster in the one lap time trial but I had a bit of an off start. Considering everything, including that I had a big week of racing a couple of weeks ago, I’m more than happy with it though.
“There isn’t really much coming up for me now, the season is almost over. I’m just going to focus on getting stronger and getting my fitness up for the season next year.
“There’s not that much racing available for me but I train hard, and win at the end of the year.”
Even before the Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games, Bate-Lowe had been having a stellar year, picking up two British titles and a silver medal at the Youth & Junior Track Championships back in August.
She came out on top in the 500m time trial and individual sprint at U-16 level before finishing an impressive second in the Junior sprint.
And following her banner year, the Black Line Club rider is now aiming high in the long-term.
“My season has been really good – the National Championships went really well and I came away with two national jerseys and a silver,” added Bate-Lowe.
“I got two national records as well, so I was really pleased with that. I was a bit worried about how I would carry that form through to the School Games but I’ve done well.
“My long-term goal is obviously to reach the Olympics as well as the World Championships. I’d love to be world champion one day but the ultimate aim is to be Olympic champion.”
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