Roy Swinnerton, owner of Swinnerton Cycles in Stoke-on-Trent and
household name in Staffordshire cycling, passed away peacefully on March 4, Cycling Weekly has been informed, aged 87.
A prolific track cyclist, in particular on grass, Swinnerton's achievements include victories in the Michelin Perpetual Trophy, the Brooks Bowl, the BSA Trophy, the Granta Trophy and becoming national half-mile grass champion in 1956.
He took over his father's bike shop in Fenton in 1954 and himself was father to a generation of cyclists; indeed all seven of his children went on to compete both nationally and internationally with many of his grandchildren doing the same.
A full obituary of Roy Swinnerton will be in next week's Cycling Weekly, on sale March 14.
NFTO Junior Tour of Wales future secured
The country's only multi-day junior stage race, the Junior Tour of Wales, has secured its future for the next three years thanks to sponsorship from Not For the Ordinary (NTFO), an amateur team based in Hereford.
Previous winners of the race include Roger Hammond, Johan Van Summeren and Dan Martin, with 2004's runner up Geraint Thomas recently describing it as his favourite race in his column for Cycle Sport magazine.
This year's race takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend of August 24, 25 and 26 around the village of Nantyglo, South Wales. More information is available on the race website www.juniortourofwales.org
Calling all Wheelers!
The Manchester Wheelers reach their 130th anniversary on July 7, 2013 and, to mark the occasion, will launch a 12-month celebration featuring a variety of race and social events.
With a list of former riders that includes the likes of Reg Harris, Dave Lloyd and Chris Boardman, the Wheelers are keen to hear from any ex-members who would like to share their memories and/or take part in the celebrations.
Among many events, a day of racing at the Tameside Cycle Circuit is currently scheduled to start the celebrations on July 14 with a gala dinner planned for November 2013 and the centenary year ending with a weekend of festivities when the Tour de France passes near to Manchester, over Holme Moss, on Sunday July 6, 2014. The Wheelers will also be presented with a display case at the National Cycling Centre which will be used to tell the story of their storied past.
Further details will be posted at www.manchesterwheelers.co.uk/130th or please email anniversary@manchesterwheelers.co.uk
Heroes Challenge UK
Not content with just riding from Lands End to John O' Groats, a twelve man team of armed forces and police personel and including Welsh rugby star Colin Charvis will complete the ‘Heroes Challenge UK' this May.
In addition to ‘LEJOG,' the team will climb Ben Nevis, Slieve Donard, Snowdonia and Scafell Pike, row across the Irish Sea in both directions, and finish off by parachuting into Swansea airport from a Hercules transporter aircraft, all between May 22 and 31.
Two of the team, Darren Carew and Peter Bowker, are amputees after being severly injured while serving in Afghanistan and both hope to raise over £100,000 for their chosen charity, Help for Heroes.
Read more about the challenge at www.heroeschallenge.co.uk
Richardson Rumble
Cambridgeshire will play host to this weekend's Richardson's Rumble sportive, the first event of the year from experienced organisers Wheels In Wheels Events Ltd.
Starting and finishing outside of Richardson's Cycles in St Ives, riders can tackle either a 67 or 100-mile route, with both taking in predominantly quiet roads. What the area lacks in large climbs it more than makes up for in scenery and if the wind is blowing you'll be in for a hard workout on the flatlands.
All finishers also receive free food and drink in the local cafe once they've crossed the line. Ride captains will take groups on the 67-mile route to help to pass on advice such as riding in groups, bike handling and nutrition during the ride to less experienced riders.
For more details visit the Wheels in Wheels Events website at www.wheelsinwheels.com.
Get in touch
We want to hear what's happening in your area - from racing results to sportives, recreational cycling to commuting. To submit your stories for CW's British news round-up, please email Nick Bull or Richard Abraham
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