Mark Beaumont - Cyclist

World record cyclist Mark Beaumont gives inaugural lecture for Glenalmond's talented athlete programme

Mark Beaumont, Scotland's record-breaking round-the-world cyclist, was the inaugural guest lecturer for Glenalmond's newly launched 'talented athlete development programme.'

He used his speech to give our top performers tips on how to succeed in professional sport.

Mark Beaumont at Glenalmond College

Addressing twenty Glenalmond boys and girls, Mark said: "During your teenage years it is crucial to build up your mental confidence to be able to take on the big challenges later in your life. Knowing how to ride a bike is the smallest part of what I do, it's the other things that I do that make me successful."

He urged the youngsters to concentrate on those additional attributes that would help them be successful, like setting small achievable targets; keeping focused during difficult moments; being smarter about their training and understanding the need to work with the wider community as well as sponsors and the media.

Olivia Jackson, who plays Midlands representative hockey for Glenalmond, said: "It was really interesting to hear how Mark had planned his adventures and how he'd kept himself going during the difficult times he encountered. He gave us some really valuable advice."

Mark is currently training for and planning his next big global adventure, details of which will be announced in the next few months.