North Yorkshire Cyclist Archie Whittemore Shines in European Road Race Debut

A talented young cyclist from North Yorkshire is making waves in the world of competitive cycling, thanks to the support of a local housebuilder. Archie Whittemore, just 17 years old, has recently completed his first European road race, a significant milestone for any budding cyclist. His journey has been made possible by a £350 donation from Mulgrave Properties, which helped cover his travel and accommodation costs for the event.

Archie's Journey

Archie, who hails from the village of Tholthorpe near York, is currently racing with the Harrogate Nova Race Team. He has been cycling since he was just four years old and has already made a name for himself in track cycling, having been crowned the Under 14 Yorkshire Circuit Champion in 2023. This year, he is focused on road cycling and is determined to turn professional. On the weekend of 30 and 31 May, Archie participated in the Gipuzkoa Klasikoa, a challenging two-day race in northern Spain that attracted over 160 young cyclists from across Europe. Competing in the youth category for first-year riders, he finished an impressive 24th in his classification, showcasing his potential on an international stage.

Support from Mulgrave Properties

Mulgrave Properties, a local housebuilder known for its developments in Yorkshire, has played a crucial role in helping Archie pursue his dream. The company is based in Dunnington and has recently completed the Maple Court development in Tholthorpe, where Archie lives.

Debbie Foster, Sales Director for Mulgrave Properties, expressed pride in supporting local talent:

“We have been so impressed by Archie’s ambition, commitment and determination in pursuing his dream of becoming a professional cyclist.”

With the financial backing from Mulgrave, Archie was able to focus on his training and participation in European races, which are essential for gaining visibility from professional cycling teams.

Race Highlights

The Gipuzkoa Klasikoa was no easy feat. The race covered more than 100 miles of hilly terrain, testing the endurance and skills of all participants. Archie completed the race in four hours, 38 minutes, and 38 seconds, finishing 71st overall. Here’s a breakdown of Archie’s performance across the stages:

• Stage 1: Finished 96th after keeping pace with the leading group for the first 20 miles.

• Stage 2: Achieved a personal best in a three-mile time trial, finishing 90th.

• Stage 3: Completed a challenging 67-mile stage, securing 71st place overall.

Archie reflected on his experience, saying, “Overall, I’m very happy to finish my first ever UCI race after some tough events. The European races are where you can step up to the next level in terms of getting seen by the bigger professional teams.”

The Road Ahead

Archie’s ambitions don’t stop with just one race. He aims to compete in 14 major races during the 2026 season, with eight of those events taking place in Europe. These competitions are crucial for young cyclists like Archie who are looking to attract the attention of professional teams. He understands that the financial support he receives will significantly influence his ability to participate in these events.

“Without the support of Mulgrave and other sponsors, I would probably only be able to compete in two European races max, so this could make a massive difference to where my career goes.”