Editorial
A new Olympic cycle has started and
as we plan for the next four years in the run up to Rio, we have been reflecting on the success of the past four years – not only on the podium, but at every level of the sport.
The Go-Ride programme delivered over 400,000 opportunities for young people to participate in cycle sport over the past four years and the number of young members at Go-Ride clubs is soaring. This is demonstrated by the increase in young people taking up British Cycling membership - topping 11,000 for the first time.
This level of participation is hugely supported by the network of coaches and volunteers at Go-Ride clubs across the country, which has dramatically grown in size and enthusiasm. Over 7,000 coaches have undertaken training with British Cycling since 2009. Boosted by thousands more club volunteers getting involved in vital roles, this has provided a real opportunity to take the quality of our sport to the next level.
The volunteer programme has gone from strength to strength. Our Go-Ride conferences have built real momentum. This March, we experienced record attendance levels, with over 500 dedicated volunteers taking part in the conference.
Over 60 per cent of riders on the road to Rio in 2016 are young adults who have graduated from Go-Ride clubs, including current and prospective Olympic champions such as Laura Trott, Jason Kenny, Tao Geoghegan Hart and Lucy Garner. This level of success is testament to all of you who are working hard to make our sport happen.
And now, as we look forward to the next four years in the run up to Rio, we ask for your continued commitment and dedication, to help us build on that success and make cycling history once more.
Thanks again for all your support and here’s to the next four years of cycling.
John Mills (Coaching, Education and Development Director)
