In the rugged shadows of the great Cumbrian Blencathra there came the familiar sound of tyres scuffing across granite rocks followed by hoots of laughter, suddenly a blur of purple shoots past carrying its speed further down the jagged windswept trail. Then it was gone just as quickly as it arrived, straight into the crags with aplomb towards the bottom of the Northern Fells.

A lot of us made our first steps in this sport as youngsters and have watched it grow around us. From being ferried to races fore and aft by our families and friends who shared our trials and tribulations to us all hitting the motorways in packed cars and vans ready for our weekly two-wheeled adrenaline fix. Every now and then a currently unknown yet talented young rider pops up on a local team’s radar completely out of the blue, at the right place and the right time, racing as a lot of us have done before with the support of their family. A rider who would benefit from being supported with a bit of back up to allow them to just go out there racing and enjoy themselves.

So without any further ado I would like to introduce you all to The Development Racing Team’s newest member, young Tom Nelson, the Cumbrian Rocket!


Tom’s born and bred in the Lake District and what better place to start his two wheeled addiction than being surrounded by all of those age-old mountains and fells. After his father got him a scramble bike when he was just four years old, and despite it being equipped with stabilisers from being too big for him, Tom went straight off ripping up the local fields with no looking back.

Later he started watching bike videos online and spectated at local downhill races before dabbling himself after taking muse from his mates Harry Vaillant and Sam Brayton, Adam’s brother. Despite being one of the youngest riders in the men’s Youth category, a mere 14 years old, he’s gone out there and shown that he can hold his own against them.



So The Development Racing Team have taken him under their wing with some help and support from the legend that is Frank The Welder and his bombproof FTW Industries downhill frames. Tom will be competing on the British Downhill Series, Northern Downhill Series, Borderline Events and selected rounds of the Scottish Downhill Series. Aiming for top tens this season as he gets to grips with the Youth category guys and will then be gunning for top fives next season. He’s one fast whippersnapper!



Tom would like to take this time to thank all of the team’s sponsors for their support, firstly to Frank Wadelton for the fantastic frame, Berghaus Outdoor Wear for keeping him warm and dry in the typical inclement British weather. Michelin are keeping his Sun-Ringle wheels rolling on the best rubber around, with Hayes components and Goodridge hose keeping his braking under control. SDG, Burgtec, Thomson and Oury grips will be keeping all contact points in check whilst Mozartt guides and Rideworks chainrings keep things secure down below. Up top Urge helmets and Ride 100 Percent will be protecting his noggin!


So please welcome Tom Nelson to The Development fold and cheer him on at the races, he’s one of the big purple blurs!

See you all on the hills!

You can follow The Development Racing Team's exploits here.