World Champion returns for homecoming celebration - and to inspire pupils at his old school
Will says he wants to spend time with all those who've helped and supported him this weekend
Last updated 25th Sep 2023
Devon cyclist will Tidball is having a homecoming celebration this weekend after becoming world champion.
The 23 year old, who won the elite scratch race in Glasgow over the Summer, has this week also returned to his former school to help inspire pupils.
He said: "I went to my old school (Exmouth Community College) just with the idea that if I inspire one person to chase their dreams - it doesn't have to be as a professional cyclist, it could be anything really.
“It was just for them to realise that these people they might aspire to be like aren't actually any different from them - they come from the same upbringing they have."
Will - who is normally based near to the Team GB base in Manchester - is inviting anyone who wishes to join him at the event at 11am on Saturday at Exmouth's The York pub.
He said: "I wouldn't be where I am today without everyone who's helped me to be honest - things like helping me with cycling shoes and my school for taking me to the velodrome for the first time.
“Also, the local bike shop for the amount of times I've come in with a bike just before a race that's not ready to use and they've helped me out last minute. Obviously family and friends too."
Will, a two-time European and British Champion also rides on the road for Cornwall-based team Saint Piran cycling team who he says have helped him become a more complete rider.
"Saint Piran have been really good and supportive of me this year,” he said.
“Obviously I'll still do some road racing (next season) but the priority will probably be the track so the whole road season will be based around the Olympics.
"It's very easy to see me on the track and just assume that happens overnight - but it doesn't.
“It happens from all these experiences in races that I've had on the road all year, giving me the depth and the volume in my legs.
"Saint Piran have been great in facilitating that and also being able to not take me to races when there are races on and I have to focus for World Champs."
Will hopes to represent Team GB at the 2024 Olympics in France and says he's doing all he can to be chosen.
He reflected: "It's probably one of the only teams, being a World Champion, means that you are not guaranteed to be at the Olympics. I think there's seven of us that have been World Champion in the last two years and the other one that isn't was the Olympic champion in Toyo - so I'm in good company.
"It does mean that if I do go, I have every chance to get a gold."