British Cycling Awards Dinner, 2009

Story posted: 1 March 2009

Photos by Larry Hickmott

One of 2008's all-conquering riders, Hannah Mayho, receieves one of her awards from Charlie Jackson

Some of Britain's hardest working cyclists and cycling volunteers were recognised on Saturday 28 February at the annual British Cycling Awards evening. More than 120 volunteers and riders of all ages were recognised and rewarded at a glittering ceremony at Bolton's Reebok Stadium, which was compered by cycling 'voice' Hugh Porter MBE and sponsored by Leigh Day & Co solicitors who help British Cycling members all year round with their legal services.

Members of the Wednesfield Cycle Speedway Club. In 2008 Wedensfield won four national club championship titles and the overall club championship in the process

Opening the evening British Cycling president Brian Cookson said:

"2008 was the year in which cycling made a huge breakthrough into the public consciousness. Our challenge is to thrive and expand in this new era. More people than ever before now know more about our sport and want to get involved... and I know we can do it. I feel confident and proud to say that thanks to our volunteers who collaborate with our professional staff, the basis of our spot is stronger than ever. I hope you'll join me in congratulating everyone here to pick up an award tonight."

During the night, prize winners in national competitions from BMX, Cycle Speedway, Cyclo-Cross, Mountain Biking, Road and Track Racing were all congratulated with awards of all shapes and sizes. After picking up their awards, all winners met with British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake or board members Bob Howden and Charlie Jackson for photos.

The evening's awards were presented by double 2008 Paralympic gold medal winning rider Sarah Storey OBE; Sally Moore from sponsors Leigh Day & Co Solicitors; and Halfords product manager Andy Smallwood.

Sally Moore, a partner at sponsor Leigh Day & Co solicitors, presented many of the awards

Evening highlights

John Barclay, well known on the road racing scene for taking promising young riders to races in Europe to build their experience since the 1960s, was awarded British Cycling's Gold Badge of Honour. Many top names over the years have benefited from his support and expertise, and John has been involved in cycle sport since finishing his national service in 1949. He has also served as a regional official for nearly 50 years.

2008 National Cyclo-Cross Vets Champion Noel Clough receives his award from British Cycling chief executive Ian Drake

John and Doreen Mallinson were awarded the David Saunders Memorial Trophy for services to cycling. John and Doreen have been together for over 50 years and have been so involved in a variety of events and jobs, it has been said it's hard to think of anything they were not involved in!

The pair became involved in volunteering and organising cycling events in Lancashire after their son took up racing. Both long serving members of Ribble Valley CRC, they have long helped up and coming riders make it to the highest level. In the days before modern performance programmes John was head coach of the North West region talent squad. Doreen has a long history of officiating at the highest level, making appearances at many national championships. Sadly John couldn't make it on the evening due to illness to receive his award - we wish him a speedy recovery.

Doreen Mallinson collects her award from British Cycling board members Charlie Jackson (left) and Bob Howden

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Chris Hoy also received three awards, although he could not be there in person, but in a special message, he said:

"I am delighted to accept the Val Waterhouse Track Award, the Cycle Industries Golden Jubilee Trophy and the BOA Athlete of the Year Award. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who voted for me and has supported me throughout my career. To receive these three awards is a real honour and means such a lot, especially when you look back at who has received these awards over the years. I'm sorry I can't be there tonight to accept them in person, but thank you once again for all your support."

Volunteers: at the heart of the sport

The British Cycling Awards are British Cycling's opportunity to say thanks to the volunteers that are essential to the running of the sport. "Without these hard-working people," said Hugh Porter, "this sport could not be where it is today." In a video presentation about volunteers, Olympic gold medallist and Sky+HD rider Jamie Staff said: "It's a great time to get involved as a volunteer."

These awards demonstrate and give an insight into the amount of time and effort that volunteers put into cycling across a wide variety of roles. In the lead up to this year's Volunteer Awards, we spoke to many of the nominees and asked them about their volunteering. Aside from the practicalities - and many of them devote huge amounts of priceless time to other people's cycling - it was fascinating to hear about what motivates them and also about the satisfaction to be had in helping others. We've prepared four separate pages of comments from various categories of volunteers. If you've got time, they are all well worth reading. They are inspirational and humbling at the same time.

Volunteers 1 - Club Coaches

Volunteers 2 - Club Officials

Volunteers 3 - Event & Commission Volunteers

Volunteers 4 - Young Volunteers

James Varnish collects his 2008 National Masters 40-44 Sprint Champion award from British Cycling's Ian Drake

Also present on the evening was former British Cycling president Eileen Gray CBE. Eileen was a major force in women's cycling becoming recognised as an Olympic sport in 1984, paving the way for some of today's cycling heroines such as Nicole Cooke and Victoria Pendleton.

The evening was well received and a great social occasion, giving people a chance to reflect on the many successes and achievements of 2008. Congratulations to all the award winners.