A 10-YEAR-OLD boy from Kidderminster who feared his condition would stop him from ever learning to ride a bike is now looking forward to his first family cycling holiday.

Declan Nangle, who suffers from dyspraxia, a developmental disorder that makes balance difficult, is one of just 10 people to be awarded the UK's first 'Real Yellow Jersey' for using cycling to change their lives and inspire others.

Parents Siobhan and Paul tried to teach Declan to ride a bike when he was younger, but and when that was unsuccessful, they looked for cycling lessons - however, Declan still had a lot of trouble learning to ride.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

“Declan has dyspraxia which is a developmental coordination disorder,” said mum Siobhan. “So things like physical activity, ball games and football he finds really difficult. It affects his balance."

Then in 2019, Open Trail received funding from the Big Bike Revival which enabled experts to go into Declan’s school - Foley Park Primary - and provide bike training for every child who needed it.

“This has been fantastic for us as a family and for him and his confidence," said Siobhan. "He can ride his bike with his friends. We’ve been delighted that he’s had the opportunity to do it.”

After being given a bike for his 10th birthday, Declan is now cycling every weekend.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

Mum Siobhan added: "Declan feels an amazing sense of achievement since learning to ride his bike. He has proven to himself that he can achieve anything with hard work and the right support.

"Declan can join in with his friends and family on bike rides and enjoy all the benefits of exercise which he felt he couldn’t take part in before due to his challenges with dyspraxia."

Declan said: "When I first started riding a bike, I was a bit scared about crashing, but that’s something I don’t have to worry about now. You learn to overcome your fear.”

The Nangles are now looking forward to a family cycling holiday to Center Parcs, and Declan has been awarded a Real Yellow Jersey by Cycling UK - handknitted in Tour de France yellow.

Kidderminster Shuttle:

In the Tour de France, the yellow jersey has been worn by the overall leader since its introduction to the race 100 years ago in 1919.

It is an iconic sporting symbol recognised throughout the world and held by only eight British riders in the tour’s 116-year history.

The Real Yellow Jerseys each took eight hours to complete and are a symbol of real cycling excellence

Jenny Box, Cycling UK’s head of development, said: “The Real Yellow Jersey is a symbol of everything that’s to be celebrated about everyday cycling and an encouragement for more people to get in the saddle – and Declan is the perfect recipient for it.

“He is a real cycling hero for us all – his commitment and personal journey to becoming a confident cyclist, is exactly what the Big Bike Revival is all about.”