Zack Stobbs - Cyclist

So sad. Thinking of his family, friends & teammates at this very sad time.

It is with immense sadness that we report the death of Shane O’Brien, a first-year junior with us.

Shane tragically died yesterday in a training accident in Ireland.

Shane was a talented rider who had a bright future ahead of him, and was a kind-hearted, gentle and positive young man. We were honoured to have him as a member of the team and he will be forever in our hearts.

Our thoughts at this devastating time are with his family, friends, teammates and all who were lucky enough to know him.

Solo 2 hour training ride today with a few sprints to switch on my legs for tomorrow's race.

It's a 5am start to get down to Clitheroe for Clayton Spring Classic Handicap Road Race 2026.

The race starts at 10am for 15 laps of the 3.9 mile Bashall Circuit which has a 200m long uphill finish......

There are 7 Otley Race Team riders in the race so lets see if we can get a few of us in a breakaway.....

Here's a preview of the 2026 event - https://thebritishcontinental.co.uk/2026/02/19/2026-clayton-spring-classic-handicap-preview-and-startlist/

And here's a bit of footage from 2019 - https://youtu.be/Fc29ayMSlO0?si=JKxJx_QhNXAZ8OYt

Huge thanks to my sponsors and supporters for making it possible: Whitley Bay Rotary PPProtect Dub Scrub Alan Gibson Ascent Roofing & Building AeroFin Performance Purple Pedal Photography

Huge thanks also to the race team sponsors Chevin Cycles LTD Santini Cycling Wear MAS Design Consultants Ltd BBS Natural Stone Ltd Nuffield Health Bike Futures

Another great turn out of Otley Race Team riders at Yomp Bonk Crew E1234 handicap race last weekend.

We all spent time at the front pushing the pace and closing down breaks before all 3 groups came together for the last 20 mins except 3 riders who got away.

Then it got tactical with everyone wanting to save energy for the final laps, so the 3 leaders got away leaving the bunch to contest 4th overall.

Another solid race in my legs as I prepare for my first proper road race on Sunday.

Huge thanks to the team sponsors and my own sponsors and supporters:

Whitley Bay Rotary
PPProtect Dub Scrub
Alan Gibson Ascent Roofing & Building.
Purple Pedal Photography
AeroFin Performance
Mountain Fuel Sports Nutrition
Chevin Cycles LTD
MAS Design Consultants Ltd
Santini Cycling Wear

Next race: 22.2.26. Clayton Spring Handicap E1234.

Nice to get 2 races done yesterday in mixed conditions.

P6 in the CAT3/4 race followed an hour later by the E123 'Barrel Chase'......

The 'Barnsley Barrel' was given a 6½ lap headstart and the group had to chase him down which meant a fast pace to stand any chance of catching him.

I got stuck in and really enjoyed riding with my Otley Race Team mates.

The 'Barrel' held on for the win, followed by 2 chasers and I finished in the bunch sprint for 4th.

Legs & lungs felt great and it was awesome being back on tarmac again after 5 months of mud!!

Thanks to Will @ Yomp Bonk Crew for putting on the races.

Thanks to Mam @ Captured Forever - Photography by Tina & Bernard for the photos.

Next race: 15th Feb.

Whitley Bay Rotary
PPProtect Dub Scrub
Alan Gibson Ascent Building & Roofing
AeroFin Performance
Mountain Fuel Sports Nutrition

Early start for a trip to lovely Wakefield....

First Junior circuit race in Otley Race Team colours.

Good luck to my Otley team mates.

Huge thanks to my supporters:

Whitley Bay Rotary
PPProtect
AeroFin Performance
@

Just 2 weeks until my first Junior road race with Otley Race Team.

Training was derailled a little last week with a cough & cold but I still managed 6hrs on the bike over the weekend......

I'm feeling much better so let's crack on with the hard work.....

I'm also pleased to announce that Whitley Bay Rotary have supported me with a grant towards my 2026 race kit. It's really generous and will help a lot.

Rotary International do a huge amount in local communities and I feel very proud that the Whitley Bay group have supported me again.

I look forward to coming along to another meeting and thanking you all in person and tell you how I'm getting on.

https://whitleybayrotaryclub.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/whitleybayrotary/

Please support my race team sponsors if you can....