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Volunteers who make an extraordinary commitment to help inspire more people to ride bikes, are to be recognised alongside Wales’ top cycling stars in a glittering awards ceremony backed by Double World Champion, Becky James.
Cycling has achieved unprecedented success in the last twelve months, with outstanding medal-winning performances from Welsh athletes on the world stage including world titles for Becky James and Elinor Barker, and a heroic performance by Geraint Thomas MBE at the 2013 Tour de France.
Back home, more people are riding a bike than ever before with a 25% increase in cycling clubs registering with Welsh Cycling, and a surge in membership since Welsh riders Geraint Thomas MBE and Mark Colbourne MBE clinched gold at the London 2012 Games last summer.
The awards will recognise the achievements of Welsh athletes from grassroots to elite, as well as the commitment made by club volunteers, organisers and coaches who go the extra mile and make a difference to the sport.
Cycling clubs in Wales and members of Welsh Cycling are being invited to nominate their local cycling champions, who will be awarded at a special ceremony in Cardiff on Friday, 4 October, hosted by ITV Wales’ Nick Hartley.
Launching the Awards, Double World Champion, Becky James, said: “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help and support of the cycling community in Wales.
“It’s the volunteers and coaches in cycling clubs who put in a lot of time and dedication to help young riders reach their potential, and most importantly allow everyone to enjoy cycling.
“I’m so pleased to be able to help launch the 2013 Welsh Cycling Awards where everyone from grassroots to elite will be recognised for their achievements in cycling.”
Tickets will be available for the event, which offers an exciting opportunity for local businesses with an interest in cycling to meet some of Wales’ most successful athletes and network with key members of the cycling community who will drive the future success of the sport.
Representatives of Welsh Cycling, British Cycling, Sport Wales, and the Welsh Assembly Government will be attending, as well as a raft of clubs, members and cycle retailers, and key dignitaries from organisations who support matters that affect cycling in Wales.
Chief Executive Officer of Welsh Cycling, Anne Adams-King, said: “This is going to be a hugely exciting opportunity for local business to engage with one of the fastest growing and popular sports in Wales and the UK, with opportunities to meet some of the rising stars of cycling in Wales, as well as key people who are at the heart of cycling and its future development.
“It’s also a terrific evening to share and celebrate the outstanding commitment our volunteers make to the success of this sport on a daily basis, and hear some of the unsung stories that are happening behind the scenes which are making a real difference to the success of Welsh Cycling.”
Nick Smith, Chair of Welsh Cycling said: "This is a terrific opportunity for Welsh Cycling members to get together as a team and celebrate. Much of our nation’s success is built on a superb club structure and the selfless volunteers that make the sport work on a day to day basis; as we move forward post the Independent Review it is important we move forward together as a team and we support and acknowledge those that make our sport in Wales work.
I hope that clubs and individuals will support this event as I would like it to become an annual event that all cyclists in Wales would like to attend".
Welsh Cycling are looking to engage with a headline sponsor for the event, with a company or organisation that would benefit from the extensive media interest that the event will generate across Wales and the wider cycling community, and to the hundreds in attendance on the night.
Corporate packages are available with options to purchase tables and award sponsorship. Welsh Cycling members will be able to purchase individual tickets from £30 with options for clubs to purchase tables for members. The evening will include a welcome drinks reception and three course meal.
Corporate clients and memebrs looking for further information or to purchase tickets, can contact Welsh Cycling on 01633 670540 / 07808 609266 or email rebecca.ransom@welshcycling.co.uk
2013 Welsh Cycling Awards - Nomination Pack
