Polish national time trial champion Marcin Bialoblocki inspired Minehead’s young cyclists when he joined them for a training ride on Saturday morning to mark the opening of new premises for local business Exmoor Bike.

Poland-born Bialoblocki, who lives in Bridgwater, is known as ‘The Machine’ and recently broke the National 10 and 25 mile time trial records in the same weekend.

And he took time out of his own busy training schedule to involve himself in a training session with the children of junior cycle club Minehead Merlins.

Marcin and the youngsters were then jojned by older riders, visitors from North Devon Wheelers, several coaches and parents and Minehead Cycle Club members on an hour’s ride.

And when they returned to Exmoor Bikes for burgers and coffee supplied by Mark Gibbs on the opening of his extended new shop, Marcin signed autographs and took part in a competition against the children on a turbo trainer installed in the new shop.

“It’s fantastic for the children to meet someone like Marcin who is competing at such a high level,” said Mark Gibbs, owner of Exmoor Bike, which has been supporting the Merlins since the club’s formation.

He hopes his new premises on Mart Road which boasts a large floor space and includes a bike repair centre will act as a central hub for the cycling community.

“I’d like to think customers will come for a coffee and a chat and to catch up with other riders,” he says, adding that the new cycle path from Dunster Beach to Blue Anchor should bring more cyclists to the area.

Barnaby Wright, coach at Minehead Merlins with three children who are members, comments: “The children were thrilled not just to ride with someone of Bialoblocki’s calibre, but to get the chance to talk to someone who is such a good role model for the sport.”

The event brought to an end to a busy summer season for many of the Merlins, who have been racing from Torbay to Bath and beyond with plenty of medals coming home across all ages.

They will resume training on Saturday November 5 at 1610 with one last road style session, before heading to Hopcott the following week for a mountain bike adventure.

New members are welcome, and details can be found on the club’s Facebook page or the British Cycling website.