Three promising young cyclists hoping to turn professional are climbing through the ranks thanks to the legacy of a surrey cyclist. 

John Ibbotson, a former pro himself who became a successful cycling coach, died four years ago at the age of 27 from an unknown heart defect. 

A fund set up in his name helps finance young riders in pursuit of their dream. 

The fund, which holds regular events to boost its coffers, has links with the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) who support families and friends of those who have been affected by heart conditions. 

They encourage riders to undergo detailed testing before they sign up for the fund which arranges teams and accommodation for riders and coaches. 

Three riders benefiting from the scheme, run from Walton on the Hill, are Alistair Carr, 20, Dan Patten, 23 and Tom Copeland, 20, who has been with the fund for two years. 

Based in Brittany with division one outfit Brest Iroise Cyclisme (BIC) 2000, he has clocked up race wins this season, five top finishes and discovered he has the power to come through strongly in sprint finishes. 

In a recent race, Copeland said he knew he had victory in the bag. 

"I looked behind me with 50 metres to go and knew I had it, sat up for the celebrating letting the chasing rider edge a little closer just for good effect," he recalled. 

"Celebration when you win is a major part of how classy your win looks, but I did a good job of messing it up. 

"I flung my arms up and out, hit a small but well positioned bump in the road which made me slip forward on my saddle.  I didn't come off but it looks a bit uncomfortable.  The most important thing is that I cam across before the others. 

"It sent my confidence through the roof, knowing I can win in the final stages.  I'll have to work on my celebration though," said Copeland, coached by former Tour de France stage winner Sean Yates who is now working with the Astana team alongside Lance Armstrong. 

Patten is the only Brit on Swedish team Cyclesport-se-Magnus Maximus Coffee.com, a development squad run by former pro Magnus Beckstedt.

He had been racing in Belgium when he attracted the attention of the fund which also provides him with a mentor in renowned Britisn cyclist Roger Hammond. 

Patten said he is getting better every year and thinks he is more of an all-rounder at this stage. 

"Physique-wise maybe I am more of a climber, but over the past year I have been going particularly strong on the flat," he pointed out. 

"I may begin to know more as I do mountainous and stage races, I can recover well and often get stronger as races go on." 

A former athlete Patten knows he has to make a quick impression in cycling if he is going to make it. 

"This year I am developing more, always put the hard work in training and have not been afraid to mix it in races.  There is a lot of suffering involved. 

"I know if I take care of everything I can on and off the bike, when it comes to racing I will be there. 

"I'm not going to be holding back, whether that be going for the win or playing the domestique role, riding at the front, chasing things down or making the breaks. 

"If I am riding strong, doing my job for the team and being aggressive, it won't be going unnoticed," he added. 

The newest recruit Alistair Carr aced in France last year and this season moved to Brittany to join Clu7b Olympic Forgier. 

In 23 days of racing this summer he scored 12 top 20 finishes and seven top 10 results. 

"I have learned I need to be nearer the front than eighth if I am going to win," he said.  "I need to build up my strength and endurance to a level where I can get consistently good results. 

"Hopefully, from there I will be able to move onto a bigger set up next season with the aim of progressing to a level where turning pro is a reality rather than a dream." 

Sam Spooner-Green, Ibbotson's fiancé at the time of his death, runs the fund with his mother Sue and said they were proud of the boys and the work the fund does to keep John's name alive. 

Through the fund, riders are assisted in all areas, provided with a mentor and helped with daily living costs. 

All monies raised from fundraising events enable the fund to help young riders. 

Applications for 2010 funded riders opens next month.