A talented young cyclist from Trawden is preparing for the biggest race of his career as he takes his place among some of the nation’s top riders at Tuesday’s Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix.
Eighteen-year-old Declan Oldham will make his debut in the Fort Vale National Open Race on Tuesday 16th June, when the prestigious event returns to Colne as the opening round of British Cycling’s Lloyds National Circuit Series.
Widely regarded as one of the highlights of the British cycling calendar, the Colne Grand Prix attracts elite riders from across the UK and beyond, with competitors tackling the town’s fast-paced 830-metre closed-road circuit around Colne’s one-way system.
For Declan, however, the occasion is about much more than simply lining up on the start line. It is the opportunity to compete at the highest level in front of family, friends and supporters on roads close to home.
Riding for Hope Factory Racing, Declan has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in British cycling. Competing across road racing, cyclocross and mountain biking, he regularly records top 10 finishes at regional and national level and has achieved top 10 placings in both national mountain bike and cyclocross competitions.
This weekend he will be competing at the prestigious Nocturne cycling festival in the heart of London before turning his attention to Colne and what promises to be a memorable evening of racing.
Cycling has been a part of Declan’s life for as long as he can remember, inspired by his father Paul, who also raced for Hope Factory Racing. The company remains closely connected to the Oldham family, with Declan currently working at Hope in the mornings building wheels before dedicating his afternoons to training.
His rise through the ranks has been rapid. In 2024 he competed in the Colne Grand Prix Support Race and delivered an impressive fourth-place finish, earning the opportunity to step up to the National Open Race against some of the sport’s most established names.
This year’s field includes Olympic medallist Oliver Wood, former National Champion and criterium specialist Matthew Bostock, and reigning Colne Grand Prix winner Matias Malmberg.
Despite the calibre of opposition, Declan is relishing the challenge. He said: “It’s quite special really. To be able to do such a big event so close to home is a good opportunity.
“I am excited for Tuesday, I am really looking forward to the race and it will be really good to see everyone there.”
Having friends, family and local supporters lining the streets of Colne is expected to provide extra motivation for the young rider as he tests himself against some of the best cyclists in the country.
The Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix promises another spectacular evening of elite racing, with the Bradson Construction Youth Race beginning at 5:45pm, followed by the Fort Vale Nuclear Support Race at 6:25pm. The Fort Vale National Women’s Race starts at 7:20pm before the Fort Vale National Open Race brings the curtain down on the evening at 8:20pm.
For local cycling fans, all eyes will be on one of their own as Trawden teenager Declan Oldham takes the next step in his sporting journey on one of the biggest stages in British cycling.
The Fort Vale Colne Grand Prix is organised by Colne Town Council and CDPP (Cycling Development Pendle Partnership).
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