30 November 2023
Throughout 2023 we will continue to shine a spotlight on the brilliant effort volunteers do for 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 @BCCoaches on Twitter.
This month we are focusing on two passionate volunteers who are all about giving back to cycling!
Name: Anne Massey
Region: Central
Role: Breeze Champion
Anne had gathered so much from riding with Breeze for a couple of years that after a point, she felt the need to offer something back and trained to become a Breeze Champion in 2019. Since then, she has been able to offer a ride on an almost weekly basis and has become hooked on cycling.
Anne is known for her rides that offer something a little bit different, with some participants describing them as “mini holidays” because she takes them to new places. In addition to offering rides that gently encourage riders to push themselves, Anne also regularly runs 6-week beginner courses.
As well as her love for cycling, Anne has a love for photography and often combines these passions by making time to stop for a few photos on each ride, and then writing a blog to record where she has been. These blog articles have steadily grown with over 840 written and shared!
Well done to Anne who focuses her Breeze rides on enjoying the outdoors, the seasons, the scenery, and the social contact! If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Breeze Champion, check it out the link below for further information.
British Cycling Values: Passion
Name: Joel Barnett
Region: East Midlands
Role: Lead Marshall at Notts & Derby Cyclocross League
Joel Barnett took on the role of lead marshal at the Notts and Derby Cyclocross League round at Markeaton Park and was crucial to ensuring the event was adequately marshalled and that marshals fully understood the important role they had to play. While Joel’s main focus was keeping the course clear and safe for the riders, he was also interacting with spectators and issuing instructions to fellow marshals.
About his contribution to the sport, Joel’s brother told us:
"He demonstrates exactly what is needed from the cycling community currently, which is giving back to the sport when not racing and helping provide opportunities for others to race".
People like Joel, and the wider marshal team, are essential to events happening and if you’d like to understand more about what is involved, check out the details below.
