Wales has played host to hundreds of cycling events this year, organised by members who have a passion for cycling and supported by hundreds of volunteers and officials who want to give back to the sport.
At the 2014 USN Welsh Cycling Awards taking place Saturday 18 October 2014 supported by Griffin Mill the volunteers, organisers and officials will be recognised for their contributions over the last twelve months.
Event Organiser of the Year
Simon Paton, Bill Owen and Jo Phillips are shortlisted for Event Organiser of the Year, each organising memorable events across Wales.
Simon Paton, organiser of the Shimano British Downhill Series brought the National series to three Welsh locations; Antur Stiniog, Llangollen and Bike Park Wales. Each round attracted over 300 competitors and hundreds of spectators to watch the downhill spectacle. The series’ attracts the some of the world’s best downhill mountain bikers to the best trails in the UK.
“The terrain in Wales is perfect for downhill. Antur Stinog, Llangollen and Bike Park Wales offer some of the best trails in the country, they have everything. The series attracts world champions – like Manon Carpenter and Gee Atherton so we will definitely be coming back to Wales next year!”
Bill Owen, 2013 Event Organiser of the Year, continues to organise events of the highest standard for CC Abergavenny and in 2014 brought the British National Road and Time Trial Championships to Monmouthshire. Held as part of the annual Abergavenny Festival of Cycling, the championship event saw Sir Bradley Wiggins, Lizzie Armitstead and Peter Kennaugh battle on the Welsh roads to be crowned national champions.
Bill set the standard for future events, forging partnerships with local authorities and businesses to embrace cycling in the area. Many competitors and visiting teams hailed the event as the best British Championships of all time.
Jo Phillips of Maindy Flyers, organiser of the British National Youth Circuit Series Round Six at Llandow Motor Racing Circuit in the Vale of Glamorgan ensured that hundreds of youth competitors from across the UK enjoyed the one day, two day racing spectacular this summer. With national champions competing and all fields packed, there was strength and depth in the competition.
“Putting on events is a lot of hard work, but the pleasure I get from seeing the young cyclists having the opportunity to ride the bikes and compete against each other makes it all worth-while. The children really enjoy it and have a lot of fun, whether it’s at a national event or at the Maindy Flyers Mini League all that is important is that the children are having fun.”
Services to Commissairing
Ensuring the fairness of competition is the priority of our commissaires and events across Wales. Trained by British Cycling, commissaires support hundreds of events throughout the year, from weekly cycling leagues, to national series and championships.
Many commissaires also support cycling volunteering at events, organising their own races or support their club and members. In 2013, Dave Kerfoot-Robson was recognised for his services to commissairing, with runners up Colin Simmons and Ken Williams and Glyn Evans also positively contributing to cycling in Wales.
The shortlisted nominees for the 2014 USN Welsh Cycling Awards, supported by Griffin Mill, once again show the commitment of commissaires in Wales. Liz Slater, Emma Tilston and Gary Lock have shown dedication to supporting races in Wales.
Liz Slater, from Llandrindod Wells, has been a commissaire for more than 15 years and regularly officiates at mountain bike, road and cyclo cross events all year round. As well as officiating at many events, Liz organises the Welsh Cyclo Cross League, now in its tenth year and has continued to grow year on year. Liz is always on hand to offer support to other volunteers and supports many at their own events in Wales, and is most happy when at a cyclo cross course, on a mountain side or in a following car enjoying cycling events.
Gary Lock, of Cardiff Ajax, has been a commissaire for many years and has continually shown commitment to events running well with the safety and enjoyment of those taking part always a priority. Gary engages with event organisers, providing advice and guidance before the event and is quick to respond if there is a need to make amendments to ensure a safe and successful event. He takes into consideration course layout, timings, category groups and race schedules helping organisers where possible. Helping others get the most out of cycling is what Gary finds most rewarding as a commissaire.
Emma Tilston, Wrexham Roads Club, got in to commissairing when there was a shortage of volunteers in North Wales, and she thought why not? Relatively new to the role, Emma has shown dedication assisting at the Edgeworks Cycle League at Marsh Tracks, Rhyl throughout the summer and also supporting additional events on weekends. Emma is always on hand to assist young riders new to the sport, and offers advice to all competitors when needed. Seeing the young rider’s progress through the season is what makes it all worthwhile for Emma.
If you are interested in becoming a commissaire or want more information on event organisation, get in touch with Welsh Cycling by emailing info@welshcycling.co.uk
The winners will be announced at the 2014 USN Welsh Cycling Awards on Saturday 18 October at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff. You can view the shortlist here.
