Welsh Cycling has today revealed the finalists in the 2014 USN Welsh Cycling Awards, supported by Griffin Mill with unsung heroes and champions of cycling from across Wales making the shortlist.
After a successful summer of cycling in Wales which included the Pearl Izumi Tour Series, British Cycling National Road and Time Trial Championships and the Tour of Britain and also the performances of our elite athletes at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, Tour de France and UCI World Cup Series’ the judging panel were faced with a challenging set of nominations.
Colin Docker, Director of British Cycling, Ann Bevan, Senior Officer at Sport Wales and Karl Bickley, from USN UK formed the panel. Wales' Commonwealth medallist feature in the line up, as well as recent downhill world champion Manon Carpenter. A growing base of volunteers across the cycling disciplines has also shone through in the nomination and shortlisting process.
The 2014 finalists are:
Services to Commissairing
Emma Tilston, Wrexham Road Club
Gary Lock, Cardiff Ajax
Liz Slater, Dambusters
Club of the Year
Maindy Flyers Youth Cycling Club
Abergavenny Road Club
The Bike Doctor
Event Organiser of the Year
Bill Owen, CC Abergavenny
Jo Phillips, Maindy Flyers Youth Cycling Club
Simon Paton, British Downhill Series
Unsung Hero of Cycling
Jason Carpenter, Dragon Downhill
The Maindy Mums, Maindy Flyers Youth Cycling Club
John Wheat, Newport Social Cycling Club
Coach of the Year
Garrie Tillett, Cardiff JIF
Julie Allen, VC Melyd
Stuart Meek, Cardiff JIF
Colin Thornton Memorial for Junior Performance
Ffion James, Abergavenny Road Club
Taylor Vernon, GT Factory Racing
Joe Holt, County Cycles Road Team
Manon Lloyd, Epic Scott Women's Road Team
Paracyclist of the Year
Lauren Booth, Newport Velo Youth Cycling Club
Matt Ellis, Newport Velo Youth Cycling Club
Rhiannon Henry, Para-T
Club Cyclist of the Year
Graham Edwards, Abergavenny Road Club
Richard Harris, Cwmcarn Paragon Cycling Club
Seb Frost, Team Skene/Don Skene Cycles
Elite Cyclist of the Year
Elinor Barker, Wiggle Honda
Owain Doull, An Post – Chain Reaction
Manon Carpenter, Madison Saracen Factory Team
Outstanding Performance of the Year
Geraint Thomas MBE, Team Sky
Rachel James, Abergavenny Road Club
Elinor Barker, Wiggle Honda
The Lifetime Contribution to Cycling Award, sponsored by USN, will also be awarded on the night to an individual who has made a lifelong contribution to cycling in Wales.
The evening will be supported by Welsh businesses Griffin Mill, Cwmtillery Glass, S&D Sealants and Kilsby and Williams as well as Welsh Cycling’s official nutrition partner USN UK all keen to see the sport of cycling grow in Wales.
Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive Officer of Welsh Cycling said:
“We have had a fantastic twelve months of success for Welsh cyclists in competition, but the cycling community in Wales has also thrived and continued to develop and support the sport here in Wales.
I know the panel had to make some tough choices during the judging process, but we thank the Welsh Cycling members for their contribution to cycling all year round.
The shortlist of finalists is a credit to Welsh Cycling, clubs and fellow members. All those nominated should be proud that they have been recognised by the Welsh cycling community for their commitment to the sport.”
The winners will be announced in a ceremony at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday 18 October 2014. Tickets are available for the 2014 USN Welsh Cycling Awards, which will include a welcome drinks reception, three course dinner, and the awards presentation and are priced at £35 for Welsh Cycling members.
Contact Helen Showdery at Welsh Cycling for more information helen.showdery@welshcycling.co.uk or 01633 274691 or click here.
