British Cycling has launched a new cycling hub in Manchester aiming to make cycling more inclusive and provide increased opportunities for all-ability riders across the region.

The hub will encourage people with a disability to get involved with cycling and ensure that those with the potential to achieve at the highest level receive the support they need to succeed.

The hub, which will primarily use Tameside Road Circuit and the National Cycling Centre as a base, will bring people together on a regular basis to engage in coach-led cycling and competitive racing activities. The sessions will be delivered by British Cycling and other partner organisations, providing opportunities for all-ability cyclists.

As part of this, British Cycling will be delivering Para-cycling Sessions. These sessions will give riders a chance to get involved with cycle sport, helping them to keep fit, have fun and improve performance through coaching and support from British Cycling Go-Ride Coaches. The sessions are also the first step onto the Great Britain Para-cycling Team performance pathway.

British Cycling’s Coaching, Education and Development Director, John Mills, said: “British Cycling is working hard to ensure that there are a whole range of opportunities for people of all abilities to get into cycling. Through the success of riders like Dame Sarah Storey, Jody Cundy and many others, there is no shortage of inspiration out there.

“Our para-cycling programme is one of the best in world cycling, however we want to inspire greater participation across all levels of disability cycling and by bringing lots of opportunities together through the hubs, we aim to make cycling a more inclusive sport.”

Over 20 riders took part in activities at Tameside Road Circuit this weekend, which was the first in a new series of coaching sessions. British Cycling Go-Ride Coach, Simon Wilson, hosted a Para-cycling Session on Saturday morning, with a range of bikes used, including road bikes, hand cycles and trikes.

Dr. Margaret, volunteer administrator from Tyson Manchester Amputee Fitness Initiative, said: “The session was really good fun, the cyclists all hugely enjoyed themselves. It was fantastic for them to have the freedom to ride around the traffic-free circuit here in Tameside and to learn from the coach.”

A second session on Saturday saw riders from Salford Deaf Childrens Society and the T21 Network - a down syndrome support group - take to the circuit. The young riders got involved with fun technical games, as well as small races to test their skills.

British Cycling aims to launch another hub in Kent later this year, with one additional hub opening each year from 2015.

Find out more about the opportunities to get involved in the North West.