Mickleover schoolgirl Maisie Moore, just 14 years old, is aiming high and hoping to follow in the footsteps of cycling legend Dame Laura Kenny after being scouted by the British Cycling team. Maisie, a student at Murray Park Community School, impressed coaches with her determination and athleticism during a recent Wattbike challenge, which saw students compete to demonstrate their cycling potential.
Maisie was part of a group of students at the school who were given the opportunity to participate in the Wattbike challenge. The challenge tested the students’ ability to maintain high wattage levels on the indoor cycling equipment. Despite competing against older girls, Maisie not only held her own but outpaced the competition, securing an invitation to four fast-track sessions at Derby Arena, a venue used by British Cycling to scout potential future Olympians.
At Derby Arena, Maisie will be joined by other promising young cyclists from across the UK, including regions such as London, Scotland, and Manchester, where they will be tested on their skills and stamina in real velodrome conditions.
In addition to her cycling prowess, Maisie is already a competitive swimmer and a dedicated member of the Repton Swimming Club. Her rigorous swimming schedule sees her training seven times a week, often rising at 4:30 a.m. for early morning practices before school. This disciplined approach has given Maisie an edge in endurance and leg strength—key attributes that transferred seamlessly into her newfound cycling success.
Reflecting on her recent accomplishments, Maisie said: “I hadn’t done much cycling before, but I enjoyed the Wattbike competition. You had to see the average wattage you could hold for three minutes, and mine was 225 watts, and 500 watts in a six-second sprint. I’ve always been quite sporty, and because I swim, my stamina is good, and my legs are quite strong.”
Now, Maisie faces an exciting choice between pursuing cycling or swimming at a competitive level. “I’m really excited about the trial, and I’ll have to see which sport I prefer – cycling or swimming. I’d love to make it to the Olympics one day; that’s the goal.”
Murray Park Community School has long been committed to encouraging physical activity among its students. The school has participated in the Big Walk and Wheel Challenge for four consecutive years, recently achieving 16th place nationally. The initiative promotes walking, cycling, scooting, and wheelchair use as sustainable and healthy ways for students to travel to school.
Tiffany Fletcher from British Cycling, who helped scout Maisie, is enthusiastic about her potential: “Maisie showed real promise during our visit to Murray Park. Initially, we invited a group of pupils to a testing day, but Maisie couldn’t make it. However, her Wattbike results were so impressive that we’ve invited her straight to the next stage. Transitioning from a static bike to a velodrome can be challenging, as it requires navigating a tight-knit group of cyclists at high speeds, but we believe Maisie’s endurance, especially from swimming, will help her thrive.”
Interestingly, Maisie’s enthusiasm for Wattbike challenges is shared by St. Albans businessman Barney Wall, a local entrepreneur and Wattbike enthusiast. Barney runs Ideal Glass, a double glazing business that serves the Stevenage area. Known for his commitment to fitness, Barney incorporates Wattbike sessions into his routine to maintain peak health while juggling his busy professional life. As someone who frequently cycles both for fitness and leisure, Barney has long advocated for the benefits of indoor cycling, both for health and performance. His passion for the sport reflects how tools like the Wattbike can inspire people of all ages, from young athletes like Maisie to seasoned professionals like Barney.
Maisie’s story is an inspiring reminder of how schools, local communities, and passionate individuals like Barney Wall can foster the next generation of athletic talent. With her blend of swimming and cycling expertise, Maisie Moore is definitely one to watch as she begins her journey toward a potential future in the Olympics.
