13 August 2024
Throughout 2024 we will once again shine a spotlight on the brilliant effort volunteers make across all forms of cycling. We want to acknowledge the huge contribution volunteers make to cycling and recognise the wide variety of roles undertaken to activate, support, lead, and deliver at all levels.
Each month, we are taking nominations from across the regions and home nations. If you think someone deserves a mention, get in touch on social media, with your respective regional or national teams or via @BCLearningHub on X, formally known as Twitter.
This month we have event organisers, officials and coaches.
Name: Officials appointed to the National Road Championships
Martin Bridgwood, Willi Tarran, Scott Taylor, David Menzies, Kevan Sturgeon, Julia Gilbert, Trevor Reade, Colin Clews, Paul Mullan, Iain Walker, Carole Leigh, Ben Dobson, Phil Makinson, Bill Steele, Chris Naylor, Jon Taylor, Vince Petkevicius, Geoff Lloyd, Kay Lloyd, Dean Barnett, Mal Dixon and the rest of the NEG team appointed across the 3 events.
Region: National
Role: Officials at the National Road Championships - Commissaires, Judging team, Blackboard, Radio Tour, Sign on and NEG team
All of the above individuals were vital for the successful running of the National Road Championships this year, incorporating the Circuit, Time Trial and Road races. They gave their personal time to help at the event and went above and beyond to ensure everything ran smoothly. A special shout out to Geoff and Kay who located some emergency sandwiches after an issue with our supplier! We are all super grateful for the time and energy they gave to the event - a long week up in the North East, not without its challenges, but all individuals acted professionally and ensured that the best experience was delivered for our riders.
These officials worked with passion and integrity, holding up the core British Cycling values and are great ambassadors for the sport and us as NGB.
Find out more about becoming an event official
British Cycling Values: Passion and Integrity
Name: Tom Hutchison, Yomp Bonk Crew + University of Nottingham
Region: East Midlands
Role: Organiser and Organising Team
Tom, the Yomp Bonk Crew and University of Nottingham staff and students collectively came together to deliver a 2 day National B stage race. This race was called the Ronde van Wymeswold and encompassed 2 road races and 1 time trial. The race was a huge hit providing riders with a fantastic opportunity to come together at a very central location in England. The race attracted names such as Jo Tindley, Alex Dowsett, Ed Clancy and Robyn Clay to name a few.
The Chief Commissaire at the event, said "thanks to everyone for working well together and making for a great event without any major issues or crashes".
Read British Continental's report on the race
Find out more about becoming an event organiser
British Cycling Values: Passion, Integrity, Unity and Innovation
Name: Billy Geraghty, Alex Robinson
Region: North of England
Role: Coaches with Clifton CC and track coaches with the North of England Track Cluster
Both Billy and Alex are committed and enthusiastic coaches, they inspire young riders to challenge their limits on the velodrome through expert coaching and excellent interpersonal skills. The riders they work with on the Velodrome gain a great deal of confidence and knowledge from Billy and Alex and progress through the program to gain track accreditation and begin racing.
Parents and riders regularly comment on the progress they make and the fun they have while being coached by Billy and Alex. One parent said “Edith loved it and was thrilled to be moved into the intermediate group” Another parent said “it looked really well organised and you could tell that they were progressing”
Billy and Alex are a part of a bigger team that deliver the regional cluster sessions and can be relied upon to turn up and provide riders with really fun and challenging sessions. The riders, parents and British Cycling staff all appreciate the time and effort they put into the session. Additionally, both coach young riders at their club - Clifton CC and are highly respected there.
Find out more about the coaching pathway
British Cycling Values: Passion and Innovation
Name: Sarah Murray
Region: Wales
Role: Coach and Breeze Champion
Sarah has this year set up a Ladies and Girls Road Cycling and Racing Academy in North Wales, which provides a route for riders interested in racing and improving their rod cycling skills. The sessions culminate in a fun race night so the attendees can practice the skills they have gained.
Robbie George, Director of Development and Events at Beicio Cymru says about Sarah:
“Sarah has been instrumental in developing the Women & Girls racing academy in North Wales. Sarah has developed the idea, secured funding and is now delivering the sessions, which has led to a significant increase in women racing in the North Wales TT series, with 22 women trying their first TT. Huge thank you to Sarah from everyone at Welsh Cycling for providing such an amazing opportunity for women and girls, and we look forward to seeing how this initiative develops”
Da iawn (well done) Sarah for all your great work in getting more women racing in North Wales.
Read more about the Roadeeze sessions
See pictures of the Roadeeze sessions
