Ryan Lawson proudly continuing a family cycling tradition stretching back more than 60 years

Ray Lawson was a multiple Tasmanian junior champion and represented the state at Australian championships in the mid-1950s before son Ken followed suit, claiming seven national titles including a record-breaking five in 1982.

Ken’s daughter Emma won two national team pursuit silver medals and the 2009 Launceston Wheel and now coaches brother Ryan who has wiped the floor in under-17 races across the state this summer and is in his third state team.

And when he claimed the 500-metre time trial amid a clean sweep at the Launceston Carnival, he was keen to share it with his Pop who had claimed the same title on asphalt at York Park two generations earlier.

Also coached by Matt Gilmore, another member of a distinguished Tasmanian cycling dynasty, 15-year-old Ryan said he is proud of the heritage.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” he said.

“It’s great to be able to do what they did and experience the same thing. They rarely talk about it much but I love asking them about their races and am learning so much.”

After a fourth place in the 500m and fifth in the sprint last year, the Riverside High School Grade 10 and Launceston City Cycling Club member is optimistic about his chances in his final year as an under-17.

“I’d like to get among the medals but it’s hard to judge because there’s a lot of competition.

“I’m just going in to have some fun and try for some PBs and whatever happens it’ll be good experience to learn from.

“I’d love to see where it takes me but at the moment I’m just enjoying riding my bike.”

Also enjoying him riding his bike are Emma, 26, Ken, 54, and Ray, 79.

“I love watching Ryan race, it gives me a real lift,” said Ray. “I think he has got great potential and can go a long way in the bike game.

“He’s trained hard, worked hard and deserves what he has achieved.”

Ken, who amassed 26 state and national titles in a career curtailed by glandular fever, added: “I get so nervous watching him. It’s hard as a parent because your personal emotions become involved, the adrenaline kicks in and you’re riding it with them.

“How far someone goes is up to the individual and the level they want to take it to. Where he goes is his choice but whatever your children achieve you are proud of them.”

Gilmore was also keeping a lid on predictions but said Ryan had shown impressive form in the National Junior Track Series.