Cycle sport in Scotland is growing at a huge rate, and as it does Scottish Cycling is having to adapt and grow with it.
This has also meant a growing and changing team and across the summer a number of new staff members have joined the small workforce, who, along with the thousands of members and volunteers, keeps cycle sport alive and kicking in Scotland.
In July, Gillian Lambie replaced Jennifer Pearson as communications officer. Jennifer, who had been with Scottish Cycle for over three years, left to pursue a new job in Dubai.
Gillian graduated from an honors degree in Multimedia Journalism this year and has experience across journalism, social media and content management in print, radio and video. Her role will be to continue and develop the communications within the organisation as well as with the members, clubs and the media.
Shortly afterwards, Ashley Chesham joined the team – this time as an addition in an exciting new position. Ashley is now an Education and Training Coordinator, working with coaches, officials and volunteers. The role will also incorporate administrating the MBLA and Mountain Bike Leadership Awards as they head into a key transition phase.
Ashley had worked as a swimming teacher and a rugby coach, and then went on to take a competition coordinator role at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year. Her new role will be key to developing the volunteer workforce at cycling events.
The summer also seen a change in Sprint Coach at Scottish Cycling as Kevin Stewart moved onto British Cycling; his position was replaced by David Daniell who had previously worked as a track coach with Glasgow Life.
David will be a huge asset to the athletes in our performance programmes bringing his experience from his own days as a competitive cyclist. In 2010 David won a silver medal in the men’s keirin at the Commonwealth Games.
Our regional development officer for the North Region then left to work as a Community Sports Hub Officer; Donald Hall had been with Scottish Cycling for two years and had been crucial in the development of the five new regions.
A smooth transition then took place, with James Bracher taking up the reigns. James has an army background and has excellent experience in leadership and team management. He has both an SMBLA Mountain Bike Leader Award and Military Mountain Bike Instructor Award.
Last but not least this summer, a new National Events Officer was appointed – Sarah MacIntyre joined the team in September after Janette Hazlett left the position. Janette had been a wealth of knowledge within the office, however continues to be a familiar face in the cycling community in Scotland.
Sarah, who is settling into the role, has a very strong events background and worked for Glasgow University, organising and coordinating a number of large sporting events before coming to Scottish Cycling. She also had positions working at the Glasgow 2014 Games, Edinburgh Marathon, the European Curling Championships and the World Junior Curling Championships. As a gold medal winning curling athlete, her perspective will be fundamental in her new role.
With new staff members, who have brought with them new experience and ideas, it is an exciting time for Scottish Cycling as the sport continues to develop.
If you want to get in contact with any of our staff, please find their contact details here.
