YORK'S success on the cycling front has drawn expert observers from the land that produced the five times Tour de France champion, Eddie Mercx.

Bart Van Camp and Eddie Klijnen, from the Flemish Foundation for Traffic Science in Belgium, made a special fact-finding mission to York to see why the city is seen as a leader in providing cyclist training.

The visitors heard about York's achievements in road safety training from a Swiss colleague, and now hope to be able to persuade their government to invest in similar training for Belgian children.

Ken Spence, City of York Council's road safety officer, said: "York's comprehensive programme of professional cyclist training has contributed to falling casualties, while levels of cycling have increased, and this is a success story we are proud to share with anyone who wants to promote cycling, wherever, they work and live."

Bart and Eddie were the first international visitors who had travelled just to see the road safety training offered in York, but inquiries had been received from as far afield as Australia, the USA, Brazil and Ireland.

Coun Dave Merrett, the council's executive member for planning and transport, said: "Cycling is important to our transport strategy, as well as contributing to personal health and freedom for young and old, so getting the training on how to cycle safely is essential," he added.

Updated: 10:33 Saturday, February 23, 2002