A TYLDESLEY contingent of cyclists have made sure the Ashes come home this winter after playing their part in a series win against Australia.

Max Evans, Adam Watson and his older sister Laura played their part at the ISCF Cycle Speedway World Championships in Adelaide to secure wins for Team GB’s junior men and senior women.

Astley and Tyldesley club member Jakub Kosciecha was also instrumental in the victory with his fifth-place finish in the junior individual final.

Max, 15, who rides for Astley and Tyldesley, qualified for both the under 16s and under 18s finals to help his team win the Ashes Test match.

Adam, 18, also part of the men’s junior team, and Laura, 23, who compete for the Sheffield Stars, qualified for their individual finals after achieving a top 10 finish to get there like Max.

Laura said: “Being able to travel to Australia, putting on the GB shirt and competing in the team is always a great experience and brings me such pride.

“As a sportsman, you never experience an atmosphere like it anywhere else.”

Adam added: “Racing in Australia is an unreal experience and being able to race for GB is a huge honour and privilege.”

Astley and Tyldesley club member Mick Knowles also made it to the veterans’ individual final, with Marcin Jakubiak, Tomasz Wlodarczyk, Przemek Binkowski and Kuba Kosciecha also competing at the tournament.

The cycle speedway events put competitors against each other on a short oval 90-metre dirt track on a bike with no suspension and just the one gear.

Max, Adam and Laura all have received investment from the borough’s Believe Talent Fund, which is part of Wigan Council’s Deal for Communities, and gives financial support for athletes such as travel costs, accommodation and training.

The fund, which offers grants up to £500 to people in Wigan and Leigh, is managed by Inspiring healthy lifestyles.

Wigan Council’s cabinet member for communities Cllr Chris Ready said: “Max, Laura and Adam’s achievements in Australia sum up what this fund is all about.

“We are extremely proud that they have been able to represent their country and their borough at such a high level.”

They were joined by other Astley and Tyldesley club member Jakub Kosciecha, who finished fifth in the junior individual final.

For more information about the Believe Talent Fund and how to apply visit inspiringhealthylifestyles.org/wigan/ and search for ‘Believe Talent Fund’.