(i)GCSE PE students took on Bangkok’s Happy & Healthy Bike Lane at dawn — and delivered performances to be proud of, headwind and all.

As Bangkok began to stir in the early morning light, a group of IGCSE PE students were already preparing for something genuinely special. The Happy & Healthy Bike Lane (HHBL) — a 23.5 km dedicated cycling track beside Suvarnabhumi Airport — perfect weather, perfect conditions and students who were ready for the challenge ahead.HInto the headwind

The session began with an 8 km ride to the start point — a location handpicked by Mr Kelly, whose careful route selection would prove its worth. As students rolled to the start of their 15 km time trial, they were met with a strong headwind — the kind that tests not just legs, but mindset. Fortunately, Mr Staley had come prepared. His advice was clear and well-evidenced: adopt a low riding position and conserve at least 20% of your energy for the work ahead. Students listened, tucked in and trusted the process….well some of them did, some questioned their life choices!

The first 4 km of the time trial played out against that persistent headwind. Small groups formed naturally, with students supporting one another through the resistance. Ms Ferguson, encouraging and ensuring every student had the support they needed to keep pushing through.

Turning the Corner

Then came the moment the whole morning had been building towards. As riders turned the corner, the wind — so unforgiving on the way out — became their greatest ally. With the gusts now at their backs, a Mr Myers in full flight, something clicked. Effort that had been absorbed into the headwind was suddenly converted into speed. Those who had heeded the advice and held something in reserve found themselves flying.

Well — almost everyone. A special mention must go to Mrs Richards, who found herself facing an unexpected hazard of a rather unruly bike called ‘The Captain’.

Mrs Richards discovered no working gears, which made the remaining 15km an excellent unplanned additional workout: which she accepted with good humour.

Why this Matters

The cycling assessment is one of a select group of IGCSE PE coursework activities, alongside competitive swimming and track & field, where grades are determined by measurable, time-based performance. There is no subjectivity; there is no adjustment. Your time is your grade. For students, that means every second of preparation, every training session, and every tactical decision on the day translates directly into a real and permanent result.

Students now have time on their side. Those who wish to return to the HHBL later into Year 11 — camera in hand, ready to film themselves completing the 15 km time trial — have that option open to them as a potential coursework submission. The PE department encourages every student who took part to reflect on their performance, consider what focused training could look like between now and then, and think seriously about whether a second visit could be their best one yet.

A brilliant morning. A great group of students. And proof that sometimes the best classroom is a 23.5 km cycling track at sunrise.

With thanks to Mr Kelly, Mr Staley, Ms Ferguson, Mr Myers and Mrs Richards.