Leading local cyclist Will Draper has recently achieved a British record for indoor rowing!

The Tromode Woods teenager was only 17 when he achieved the Concept2 rowing machine standard of 22min 7.5sec for 6,000 metres in mid-December.

He then had to wait over the festive period while Concept2 ratified the lightweight men (under 75kg) record.

’I’ve been varying my training over the winter months to improve strengthening and conditioning, rowing is great for cardiovascular fitness,’ said Will, who has achieved top-three positions at various age levels in British cycling nationals on no fewer than four occasions since 2010 - the year he started racing properly.

’As well as maintaining my cycling, I have also been doing a lot of running, but it was only after I produced a decent time for a 2,000 metre row that I decided to go for an age group record.

’I went for 6,000 metres as it is not as hotly-contested as some of the other distances, but it was a bit naive of me as I had never gone beyond 2,000m. To be honest it was a bit grim.’

The previous record was 22min 22.5sec, and Will lopped 15 seconds off that on December 15 at Crossfit IoM in Kirby Farm Industrial Estate.

As he only turned 18 on January 14 he still qualifies for the same age group for the rest of this year, so he says he may go for another record ’just for fun’ before next December.

Will and elder brother Nathan’s cycling careers have been heavily influenced by the likes of Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh. The latter’s parents, Jackie and Peter Kennaugh Sr, helped the Draper boys get started in the sport after Nathan suffered a knee injury playing football.

Will was short listed for the 2018 Commonwealth Games team and admits that he is disappointed not to be travelling to Australia’s Gold Coast in a little over one month’s time.

’I think the team could have benefitted from a couple of juniors like myself, who would have been strong for the first half of the road race and therefore showcase the Isle of Man from the start, with Cavendish and some of the older riders ready to bring a medal home towards the second half of the race.

’But as my age restricted me to the track and my qualifying standard came on the road, it simply didn’t work out. Hopefully next time.’