Hollie Vayro, from Darlington, will take part in the competition after she entered into the World EDR Championships in Italy.
The 18-year-old, who has been mountain biking since she was seven or eight, explained how she got into the sport.
She said: “My mum used to ride horses and my dad used to motorbikes, but they ended up stopping. My dad knew a mechanic, who mentioned mountain biking to him, and said ‘why don’t you try that?’. My mum and dad then started mountain biking, which was then passed down to my brother and me”.
The apprentice bricklayer recently competed in at the World EDR Championships in Italy, where she secured a wildcard entry from British Cycling to compete with the elite riders.
She explained how that came about: “I entered the open race in Italy because I didn’t have any points. I was a bit unsure as to how you got in if you didn’t have any points and hadn’t done one previously. My family and I then found you could apply online through British Cycling, so you would wear an England jersey and then you were able to race in the elites.
“So, I just thought I would put in an application. It was a shot in the dark really, but I’m really glad I did it”.
Hollie said she is really excited about representing Darlington College and the North East in the French Pyrenees, and said her dream is to compete in mountain bike World Cups and World Championships.
The 18-year-old is currently undertaking an apprenticeship in bricklaying at Darlington College, which she started in September 2023.
Will Curry, senior lecturer in bricklaying at Darlington College, recalled the first time he met the mountain biker.
He said: “The first time I met her was at the open college event we hold every year, this is an open-door event to allow future students to try their hand at various trades.
“Hollie has exceeded all expectations in her journey so far within the apprenticeship framework. She’s got a great attitude and a real aptitude for bricklaying. Her dedication and hard work are truly impressive, which was proven when she recently competed in the World Skills regional bricklaying competition which she won.
“Her attention to detail is excellent along with being constantly accurate, to the point where out of a possible 125 points Hollie gained 121 points. Bearing in mind in this competition she was the only female apprentice bricklayer”.
Hollie is the only girl in her class at Darlington College, and said she hopes to inspire young girls.
She said: “You don’t see many girls in bricklaying, so I am really happy to be completing an apprenticeship in it. And I would say to little girls who are maybe a little put off because it is a male-dominated industry, don’t be. Women can be bricklayers too”.
It was a sentiment echoed by Mr Curry: “The construction industry, including bricklaying, has historically been male dominated. However, we at Darlington College have recognised the greater need for inclusivity, and a push to encourage more women to enter and succeed in these trades. Hollie is a prime example of this”.
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Mr Curry and Darlington College also sent a message of support to Hollie ahead of her competing in the French Pyrenees this weekend.
He said: “Everyone at Darlington College will be wishing her all the best and I am sure as always, she will commit 100% to every challenge she faces.
“Good luck Hollie!”
