ON your bike! That's the message to youngsters keen to compete in this year's Merseyside Youth Games. For the local heats for the cycling final at Wavertree Sports Complex on May 15 are to be held at Sherdley Park.

The qualifiers take place on Saturday May 8 and are organised by St Helens Council's sports development team, Merseyside Sport and the British Cycling Federation.

The first and second placed boy and girl in each age category will go through to the final. The event is open to anyone aged between 11 and 16, but sports development officer Jake Collin said: "This event will hopefully encourage people to get the bike out of the shed and come down to Sherdley Park for a day of fun. Helmets will be provided.

"The event has three elements - a 100m time trial, a skill test and a cyclo cross. Cyclists will be put into three categories, under 12s, under 15 and under 16."

All cyclists will be entered into a free draw for a £2509 mountain bike, which has been donated by Saracen cycles. For an application form contact Jake Collin on 455443.

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