A BRICKLAYER is building a future in sport after becoming British cycling champion for the second time and competing on the world stage.
Darlington College apprentice Hollie Vayro has just returned from the World EDR Championships in Italy where the Team GB member finished in the top 30. Last month she also became British champion in the enduro discipline for the second year.
Enduro Downhill Racing is mountain biking’s equivalent of a car rally with each racer facing multiple descents across a day while having to pedal themselves back to the top each time.
Hollie, of Gainford, one of only two female bricklaying apprentices at Darlington College, also recently won the apprenticeship award for her efforts at work, in the workshop and classroom.
The 17-year-old works for her father’s building firm, MV Building Services, hoping eventually to take over the family business and build her own home.
She began cycling 10 years ago encouraged by her mother and as a family friend was a world cup mechanic, she took up racing six years ago. Her mum, dad and brother also race.
The world championships were staged this year in Val de Fassa, Italy, involving five stages of competition. Hollie was up against the world’s best adults and finished an impressive 29th.
“It was the first time I have raced abroad and I really enjoyed it,” she said. “I hope to race more abroad next year. In this country I became British national champion in the U21s for the second time running and my aim is to win the worlds one day.”
Hollie has been laying bricks since she was 12-years-old.
“I used to help around home with bits and pieces and now work for my dad doing brick and stonework. I’m hands-on and practical and love building things and being outdoors,” she said.
Now studying a two-year level 2 bricklaying apprenticeship Hollie is considering continuing to the level 6 managerial qualification which would help her if she decides to run the family business.
Her lecturer Will Curry said: “Hollie has strived to improve her skills from day one. She is currently supporting her employer on a stone build housing development in Barnard Castle. She always applies herself, continues to want to be stretched and challenged and is producing work way beyond her age group. With that mindset I’m sure she will do as well at cycling as she will professionally.”
For more information on opportunities at Darlington College visit darlington.ac.uk.
