Launch of Scottish Borders Cycling Partnership
Photo (L to R): David Winton, East Region Cycling Development Coach; Max Arthur, SBC's Sport, Health and Physical Education Manager; Colin Dumma, Race Organiser from Kelso Wheelers Cycling Club; Gary Willis, Scottish Cycling Performance Manager and Gary MacBeath, SBC's Assistant Active Schools Manager.
A new partnership between Scottish Cycling and Scottish Borders Council (SBC) was launched at the Border Union Showground in Kelso on Saturday 20 March 2010.
The event brought together 50 riders from across the Borders and other parts of Scotland to contribute to the celebration of the new partnership which aims to improve the infrastructure and services offered to local cycling clubs in the Scottish Borders.
The partnership is initially a two year agreement with the hope of it continuing into the future beyond 2012. A voluntary group representing key stakeholders and local cycling clubs will lead the project to help drive forward the sport in the Borders. They will focus on developing clubs, coaches, volunteers and performance as well as looking to increase opportunities and events - both competitive and non-competitive across the region.
David Winton the East Region Cycling Development Coach from Scottish Cycling commented: "The new partnership will allow Scottish Borders Council and the National Governing body to strengthen the Borders cycling infrastructure. It is hoped through club development, volunteer development and coaching, we can create far more cycling opportunities such as the one we have seen here today at Kelso."
To mark the occasion Kelso Wheelers Cycling Club staged a series of open youth criterium race throughout the day. The races were very competitive and most resulted in a sprint to the line. In the afternoon coaching staff from Scottish Cycling delivered a Racing coaching session which taught young riders the skills involved in racing.
Colin Dumma the Race Organiser from Kelso Wheelers Cycling club said: "I am delighted with the response from the riders and all of the partners involved. I am hopeful in the future that through the clubs involvement in the new partnership that there are many new opportunities created. I cannot thank Ron Wilson and the staff at the Border Union Showground enough - without their support we could not have staged this event today. I also have to pay tribute to the volunteers who helped Marshall today and to the riders for supporting the race."
SBC's Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Community Learning Councillor Graham Garvie added: "I am confident that this exciting new partnership will help us to build on the momentum that cycling has gained over the past few years in the Borders. With more and more people involved in cycling at some level - it is important that the appropriate support mechanisms and opportunities are made available to ensure the sport continues to thrive into the future. By working together in partnership, I am confident we will be able to do this effectively."
