Cycling Weekly is once again looking for the cycling clubs and individuals across the UK that make the cycling scene what it is. Every year we present a Local Hero and Club of the Year award to the people nominated by you. This is your chance to get the recognition for the hardworking people who provide you and your local scene with the opportunities to ride.

The Local hero award goes to the individuals who have given up their time so that others can ride or race. Previous winners have ranged from event promoters to marshals, coaches, club officials and custodians of the record books. All have one thing in common, they're dedicated to their local scene, and revered by those around them.

If you know someone who deserves this accolade, you can nominate them via this form. It'll take just a few minutes to fill out and, if they win, they'll be featured in our special awards issue in December.

Our Club of the Year title has been awarded to the groups who are more than just a cycling club. They're a focal point of their local cycling scene and a part of their local community. All clubs have demonstrated a passion for getting people on bikes or developing raw talent into polished racers. Their members go above and beyond to grow the club and give people more chances to ride, maybe through regular club rides, organised events, coaching sessions or more.

If you and your club mates want to nominate your club, please fill in this form and tell us what the club does, and why you think it deserves to win the award. Please only do one entry per club, if there are multiple entries we will judge the club on the best one.

>>> Nominate your Local Hero

>>> Nominate your Club of the Year

The winners will be announced in Cycling Weekly magazine's awards issue that goes on sale on December 4. If you fill out a form, we may contact you to get further information on your nominee(s). Entries close October 24.

When Christina Mackenzie fell short of breaking the end-to-end record in 2019 she said she’d never attempt the mammoth ride again. But then she did and obliterated the record in the process.

Don’t take this the wrong way, I ask nervously, but you’ve got quite an obsessive personality, haven’t you? A laugh, thankfully, is how the tricky question is received. “You’ve picked up on that one well, haven’t you,” chuckles Christina Mackenzie. “You’re absolutely right, though: if I sign up to something, agree to a challenge, I will make sure I am committed to it, do everything that is needed.”

It is a week after the Scotswoman set a new Land’s End to John O’Groats women’s record of 51:05.05, breaking Lynne Taylor’s 19-year-old record by 100 minutes, and she’s sat in her Stirling home, five kilograms heavier due to stubborn water retention, and regaling how she went from not even being a cyclist a decade ago to being the fastest female to ride from the bottom to the top of the UK. 

>>You can vote for Christina Mackenzie for CW's 2021 Outstanding Achievement award

“Obsessive personality,” she muses with a laugh. “I suppose I have, really. I have always had an urge to push myself further: I bought my first road bike in 2012, started with sprint triathlons and within a year was doing Olympic distance and Iron Mans. I then went from 24 hour time trials to riding for 50-odd hours. You can see the pattern, can’t you.”

Spend a few minutes in the company of the 44-year-old and you realise that Mackenzie’s sporting trajectory is as predictable as a join-the-dots drawing exercise. One thing, inevitably, leads to the other.

However, she ran into a roadblock in 2019. Riding at record-pace on her first LEJOG attempt, she suffered in the final quarter and finished two hours short of Taylor’s benchmark. Being an indefatigable athlete, however, she was soon plotting how across three July days in 2021 she would ride 839 miles and write a new chapter in cycling’s long distance annals.

You can read the full article in the October 7 issue of Cycling Weekly, on sale now. You can buy Cycling Weekly magazine in the shops and online (free postage) or you can subscribe, save on the cover price and get it delivered to your door every Thursday.

As the season draws to a close, it’s time to look at the riders and people who have been shortlisted for a Cycling Weekly award in 2021. With almost a full international calendar of races we’ve reverted back to our original list of awards with one small change, the introduction of Indoor Inspiration. 

British Male Rider of the Year

From riders in their twilight years to others just starting out, this year’s selection is made up of riders from both ends of the spectrum. The heroics from Mark Cavendish at the Tour de France and Jason Kenny at the Olympics might not be their last, but everyone else named on this list is just starting out on their no doubt successful careers. 

Contenders

Mark Cavendish, Ethan Hayter, Tom Pidcock, Matt Walls, Jason Kenny, Jaco van Gass

Sponsored by: Zwift

British Female Rider of the Year

We’ve enjoyed success on a variety of surfaces from Britain’s female riders this year. From Olympic medals on the track to cross and mtb for Evie Richards. There have been record breaking rides from Sarah Storey, Joss Lowden and Lizzie Deignan,  Anna Henderson has shown her potential through consistent results at the highest level. Comparing the results and deciding on a winner could be our judges' toughest task this year.

Contenders

Laura Kenny, Dame Sarah Storey, Joss Lowden, Abi Smith, Katie Archibald, Lizzie Deignan, Evie Richards, Anna Henderson

Sponsored by: Zwift

International Rider of the Year 

Looking down this list of riders it’s clear that the age of the specialist is over. The riders that you voted for are winning across Grand Tours, smaller stage races, one day classics, time trials and even mountain bike races. The men’s peloton has gone through a seismic shift, as even those at the top just a few years ago seem to have been completely blown away by the new breed of rider, while in the women’s peloton it’s a case of experience shining through. The three female riders listed below have 35 successful years in the pro peloton between them. 

Contenders

Tadej Pogačar, Wout van Aert, Annemiek van Vleuten, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglič, Anna van Der Breggen, Elisa Longo Borghini

Sponsored by: Lezyne

Rising star

This might be the most hotly contested category of 2021 as young British riders have clearly kept their motivation and focus when there was little racing early in the year. Or maybe it’s just that the cream will always rise to the top. This year two contenders are looking to emulate their siblings as Leo Hayter aims to follow on from his brother Ethan who won this title in 2018 while Zoe Backstedt’s big sister Elynor won in 2019.

Contenders

Ethan Vernon, Josh Tarling, Leo Hayter, Max Poole, Zoe Backstedt

Sponsored by: Lezyne

Outstanding Achievement 

An incredible year has witnessed some incredible achievements, and winner was chosen by you. This award should go to the rider who achieved something extraordinary in 2021. Perhaps not a season full of success, but a one-off ride, record or race that defined their career, shot them to stardom or set them apart from their peers. 

Contenders

Jason Kenny - Olympic keirin gold to become GB's most successful Olympian
Christina Mackenzie - New women's LeJoG record 51hrs 05mins 05seconds
Anna Kiesenhofer - Olympic RR gold having attacked from K0
Lizzie Deignan - Winning the inaugural Paris Roubaix Femmes
Dame Sarah Storey - 3X Paralympic gold to become GB's most successful Paralympian
Josh Quigley - Setting a world record for miles ridden in one week: 2,179.6miles
Joss Lowden - Setting a new women's Hour record: 48,405

Sponsored by: Lezyne

Domestic rider of the year

Following a hiatus in 2020 due to a lack of racing in the UK, our domestic award is back. This season was once again heavily impacted by the pandemic and resulting restrictions, but a flurry of racing in the second half of the year saw some riders emerge as favourites for the title previously won by John Archibald and Connor Swift. As with previous winners, the riders listed are there for taking the racing to the WorldTour teams when they got their chance, dominating in their discipline, or like Illi Gardner, supplementing their racing with their own challenges.

Contenders

James Shaw, Abi Smith, Illi Gardner, Jacob Scott , Hayley Simmonds, Alex Peters

Sponsored by: Lezyne

Local Hero

Sporting events up and down the country are having to entice back the people they relied on to run, and it’s not been easy. Races have been cancelled due to a lack of volunteers as lives have changed and habit’s broken. These are the people who rather than stepping back, stepped forward and taken their clubs and communities with. As ever, their unwavering commitment to getting people on bikes is humbling. 

Chris Jones - North Cheshire Clarion Juniors

As lead coach Chris helps take riders from novice cyclists to talented races. He takes a leading role in many of the activities from coaching sessions to ries, social events and velodrome sessions. He is also involved with the local council’s cycling strategy group pressing for better facilities and infrastructure.

Nikki Metcalfe - Team Boompods

Still racing herself, Nikki has built Team Boompods into an elite level squad racing Tour Series events and helped develop many of the riders on the team. She is also a tireless promoter in the North East and a qualified commissaire who is at a race every weekend. 

Christina Gustafson - Reading Cycling Club

The chair of Reading Cycling Club, Christina has been called a ‘force of nature’ by her club mates who say she has transformed the club, culminating in it running the Hill Climb national championships in 2020. She officiates at many events, has helped Reading CC increase their membership and has instilled a sense of pride across the club.

Graham Bristow - Derny doyen

While Graham has promoted many international track meetings, from the Good Friday Meeting, he’s really known for his 30 years of work as a derny pacer and tutor. He has taken many riders to national titles, taken riders to race abroad. Motor paced and derny racing in the UK is still running largely because of his continuous work.

Sponsored by: Lezyne

Lifetime achievement

With no shortlist, judging panel or reader vote, this very special award is kept under wraps until December 9 when our awards issue goes on sale. Each year this title is given to someone who has spent a lifetime in the sport, from winning races to running teams, developing new talent, organising events and having a profound impact on the sport in the UK. Previous winners: Barry Hoban, Sean Kelly, Brian Robinson

Sponsored by: Zwift

Club of the Year

Cycling clubs remain the backbone of the sport in the country, but as more people have taken to cycling through the pandemic many are now thriving by attracting a different kind of rider. While this award has previous been won by more traditional cycling clubs, this year we couldn’t ignore the strength of the entries from Velociposse and Evolve. Two clubs that didn’t exist a few years ago, but are now doing great work to get more people in to cycling. 

Velociposse

Now four years old, Velociposse was created as a place to go for all women. This includes cis and transgender and non-binary. Their approach is a skills-focused introduction to cycling as a sport. Their slow skills sessions eliminate the ‘am I fast enough?’ barrier, and their rides are fun and friendly. Gravel rides were recently added. Based mainly had Herne Hill they also run Regents Park Intro rides.

San Fairy Ann CC

With over 400 members this Kent club organises multiple time trials and road races in the county along with a sportive and two audax’s. Setting their yearly plan from member surveys has reaped rewards with their new ‘try it out’ rides helping to bring in more female members through lockdown.

Falkirk Junior Bike Club

150 members, all of which are juniors, the club’s aim is to breed a love of cycling into their members and help them become healthy, resilient, productive adults. Who love cycling. Engaged their local community running Holiday Hunger series targeting specific areas in Scotland. These sessions fed 650 children who needed support

Lincoln Wheelers

The 125 year old club adapted during the pandemic with the aim of bringing it’s members together. Virtual club rides were held with outdoor routes shared for those who wanted to get out and ride. The club organises two ten mile TTs, one of which is charity focused and has a coaching team running Go Ride initiatives. 

Evolve

A cycling club for muslim women, Evolve is already growing as they deliver BMX events for kids, encourage members to train as coaches (BC level one and two). They have delivered Breeze rides and worked with Watford Council and Watford Cycle Hub among others. 

Lichfield City Cycling Club

Along with the usual weekly rides and annual competitive and non-competitive events, Lichfield do a huge amount in their local community, donating to their local hospice and recycle bikes charity as well as sending old club kit to Ghana

Sponsored by: Santini Custom

Indoor Inspiration

Our e-racer of the year title has now evolved into an award that celebrates those who have used indoor riding to grow the sport by inspiring others to ride. Turbo training used to be a lonely affair. Not any more. These are the people who have adopted technology, got more people into their pain caves no matter where they are in the world and brought them together during a time in our lives when we all felt a little disconnected. 

Ed Laverack 

Former pro Ed has championed the use of turbo training and indoor riding through his YouTube channel. He has streamed his training and his races to bring a different dynamic to the Zwift workout and still competes at the highest level on the platform.

Craig Needham

Craig has been instrumental in building up Australia’s triathlon Zwift community and he’s done so from scratch. He leads multiple rides each week in which he includes quizzes and prize giveaways. His Facebook group has grown to over 900. Many people nominated Craig and all pointed to his unwavering positivity and enthusiasm 

Russell Downing and Matt Payne

When the pandemic hit Russ and Matt brought the infamous Donny chaingang to Zwift. Running twice a week they reached hundreds of riders from all over the world and introduced them to the British chain gang that’s been going for decades. While the original chaingang was a ‘take no prisoners’ affair the virtual version is more inclusive

Tim Searle

One of the early adopters of the Zwift platform, Tim has not only ridden the most miles on Zwift but he’s built up a huge following for his Aussie Hump Day Ride (AHDR). Originally run on a Wednesday (hump day) there are now several during the week with hundreds of riders joining from all over the world.

Sponsored by: Zwift

Nominations for our three reader-based awards will close this Friday, meaning you have just a few days to tell us about a club or person that has inspired your riding. Our Club of The Year category is always hotly contested, and this year is no different. But it's not too late to tell us about your club, and why you think they're the best in Britain. 

Your club might be producing a string of talented young riders, getting more people out on their bikes or tackling the lack of diversity that the sport suffers from. Whatever they do, tell us about it via this form and they could be in line for a fantastic prize from award sponsors Santini. The winning club will get a kit bundle direct from the company's HQ in northern Italy. See details below.

We'll also be recognising the hard work of local volunteers with our Local Hero award. Previous winners include race promoter Peter Harrison, Isle of Man cycling linchpin Dot Tilbury, and Herne Hill's Phil Wright. Like so many people up and down the country, Peter, Dot and Phil have poured their heart and soul in to their local cycling scenes and helped get other people riding and racing their bikes. 

As racing has struggled to get back up and running after a year-and-a-half of lockdowns and uncertainty, the work of volunteers is as crucial now as it's ever been. If you know someone who does the same in your area, nominate them here, letting us know about the great work they do. 

Finally our brand new category - Indoor inspiration. With so much of our riding moving indoors through lockdown, we've teamed up with Zwift to find the people who have inspired you to hit those turbo sessions harder than ever. The friend or club mate whose enthusiasm has had a direct effect on your fitness be it through encouragement, nagging or a bit of friendly rivalry.

Each year these awards bring our the most inspiring stories from across the British cycling scene, but we need your help to find the people who deserve the recognition. Nominate now and be part of our 2021 celebrations. 

>> Nominate your club for 2021 Club of the Year, sponsored by Santini

>> Nominate someone for the 2021 Local Hero award, sponsored by Lezyne

>> Nominate your indoor inspiration, sponsored by Zwift

Our club of the year sponsor – Santini Custom –  has put together the following prize package for the winning club:

Pro Tour Team experience for 15 club members including:
- Eco Sleek Race jersey and Chrome endurance Bib shorts (as worn by Santini’s WorldTour Teams) for 15 members
- Unique FOC Design with Santini head designer  
- Team Featured in Santini social media
- 10% discount on all future club kit orders for six months

NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: The deadline for entries to the club of the year award has been extended to September 24

Once again we're looking for the best cycling club in Britain. If you think your club has what it takes to win the 2021 award now is your chance to tell us why. 

Fill out this form to nominate your club and be automatically entered for the award that comes with a special prize from our friends at Santini Custom clothing. 

To earn the crown of Cycling Weekly's club of the year at this year's CW Awards, you’ll need to demonstrate how your club goes the extra mile. Not just for the members, but in attracting new members and for the local community. 

>>>>Fill out this form to enter your Club for the 2021 award

This award won’t go to the most successful club in terms of churning out winners, but to the club that runs events for their members and the wider cycling community with open events that support cycling scene (both racing and riding) in their area. 

We’ll be looking for examples of how a club has connected its members, been a part of their community and improved the cycling scene in their area. 

Although big, thriving clubs are undoubtedly doing something right, it’s not just about having lots of members, but having a diverse membership and providing support and opportunities for everyone. 

Our Club of the Year Sponsor – Santini Custom – has put together the following prize package for the winner:

Pro Tour Team experience for 15 team riders including:
- Eco Sleek Race jersey and Chrome endurance Bib shorts as worn by Santini’s World  Tour Teams for 15 members
- Unique FOC Design with Santini head designer  
- Team Featured in Santini social media
- 10% discount on all future club kit orders for 6months

You have until September 24 to nominate your club. Winners will be announced at the end of the year.

>>>> Nominate your club now!

NB: We’re looking for one entry per club. If you want to nominate your club please get together with your clubmates and discuss the entry. We’ll put forward a club on the strength of just one nomination, rather than the number of nominations they receive. 

Previous winners

2020 Ilkeston CC
2019 Poole Wheelers
2018 Otley CC

NOMINATION DEADLINE EXTENDED: The deadline for entries to the Indoor Inspiration award has been extended to September 24

We've teamed up with Zwift to find the person who has taken indoor riding to the next level and recognise their achievements with this brand new award. 

This could be anyone from a coach to a ride leader, an e-race team captain or just a club-mate who inspires you to take the turbo, put yourself through your paces and improve your fitness.

>>>> Nominate your indoor inspiration here!

If you know someone who inspires you to train harder on your turbo or encourages you to get up early and ride before work on those days when you really don't want to, now is your chance to get them some recognition. 

Maybe they run popular group rides online. The sort of rider who you can guarantee will be there each week, giving out Ride Ons or just encouraging others to get on their turbos and ride. 

We all know someone like this. Perhaps they're the heart and sole of your riding What's App group, messaging everyone with instructions, inspirational quotes, or just plain nagging them to ride.

However they do it, if they've helped you boost your ftp, now is the time to let us know. Fill out this form with a few basic details and we'll select the best stories and put forward those individuals to our panel of judges. 

Herne Hill velodrome is one of the success stories of British cycling. The only facility still in use from the 1948 Olympics, the London scene was close to losing it a few years back. Now it has a new surface, new fencing, floodlights and a fancy new clubhouse. It’s also become a conveyer belt of talent over the years as the likes of Laura Kenny, Leo and Ethan Hayter and many others develop from there. This is the work of many people, but one was nominated by his peers this year - Phil Wright. From calling the riders over the mic from the track centre to chairing The Friends of HVV for many years, Phil has been at the centre of the magic that takes place in this corner of south London.

Editor Simon Richardson met up with the man at the centre of the community that saved one of Britain’s most historic sporting venues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekMjReSrhVk

During our interview, Phil dedicates his award to all the other volunteers at Herne Hill, and specifically George Slater who’d been coming to HHV since the 1960s and sadly died this year.

But there’s one last notable achievement of Phil’s. Perhaps more of an achievement as a father than as a volunteer. His son, the one who dragged him down here and got him into coaching and racing is Fred Wright who now rides for Bahrain Merida.

>> Get a copy of this week's magazine to read the full story. Available in shops on 17/12/2020 <<

Our contenders

Four amazing volunteers were put to the public vote. Here are the three people that Phil pipped to the award. Our sincere thanks to all of them for the incredible work they do.

Mhairi Laffoley

Mhairi went to her first bike race when she was one week old. 54 years later and there aren’t many weekends when she hasn’t been at a race of some sort. Born into a cycling family racing was their weekend family activity. She’s been running events for 25-30 years, and currently organises Fife’s midweek TT league. She volunteers as a timekeeper and TT commissaire and was awarded Scottish Cycling’s gold badge of honour for work in 2017.

Dr Lyn Williamson

A founding member of local community cycling group the Farcycles, Dr Williamson has been instrumental in the building of Faringdon’s Cycle Park, complete with miniature road network and multi-use games area). She spearheaded the fund-raising and applications for funds and grants from numerous local, national and European partners. The cycle park finally opened in July 2019 and is now considered to be an important part of the community's efforts to improve lifestyle and wellbeing.

Ian Watson

The face of women’s coaching and racing in London, he runs multiple race skills sessions each week, a full race series and runs Cycle Club London, complete with a women's development race team. Ian puts his life into cycling development, sacrificing everything to help these riders develop and achieve what they otherwise may not.

Get a copy of this week's magazine to read the full story. Available in shops on 17/12/2020.

The deadline has been extended for the 2020 Club of the Year in association with Santini until midnight October 22.

On behalf of Santini the winning club will receive a Pro Tour Team experience for 15 team riders including:

• Sleek Race kit as worn by Santini’s World Pro Tour Teams for 15 members packed in Santini sports bags
• Unique FOC Design with Santini head designer
• The team Featured in Santini social media and ZF custom campaign
• 10% discount on all future club kit for 6 months

The prize will be awarded to a club that has set high standards from a sporting or community sense, or through having a strong purpose or mission.

Click here to start your nomination 

Clubs are the bedrock of the sport in this country and almost all the country’s best riders came through or have been involved in the club scene.

Is your cycling club the best in Britain? If you think it is, then we want to hear from you. We’re once again looking for the best club in the country. The ones that set the standard and make a difference week in week out.

International success and big money sponsors may come and go. But as long as people are riding bikes one thing will always remain – cycling clubs. The bedrock of the sport, clubs provide many with their first taste of cycling. From kids riding their first bike to retirees rediscovering their youth, a good club can do as much for future of the sport as can a British Tour winner.

Previous winners of Club of the Year

2019 - Poole Wheelers 

“This award means everything,” says Graham Hurst, president of Poole Wheelers Cycling Club, following the awards ceremony. “It confirms that we are doing what the members want and we need to keep building on it.”

In February 2018, when we rode with the South Dorset-based club as part of our Ride With series, we found a club blessed with abundant route options, with the Purbecks to the west, the New Forest to the east, and the rolling plains of Dorset to the north.

In 18 months, membership has jumped from 190 to over 300 — and more than 100 of those are female. “The women’s Monday night ride used to have 20-plus women. Now one of the Sunday intermediate rides has more female than male riders,” says Hurst.

Those Monday night women’s rides were instrumental in increasing female membership and helping female riders gain confidence. In August the club organised a special mixed two-up club event.

But it’s not only women riders who are well catered for. The weekend club run has a range of options, featuring a Saturday social ride, Sunday training ride and a Sunday social ride — all accommodating multiple groups, from beginners to those wanting to improve their speed or climbing. In addition, the club has a diverse range of other activities: an ‘evening 10’ time trial league; a track night on Mondays in the summer that has seen four youth members progress to the British Cycling Senior Academy; and Tuesday turbo sessions in winter.

For younger members, Poole Wheelers has organised a youth omnium at Bournemouth Velodrome for several years. Due to their continuing popularity, the club hosted its first ever sprint omnium, which was such a success that the organiser has agreed to do the same next year.

One of the most popular activities is the Wednesday night ride. “We can get 70 riders turning up, which is pretty special,” says Hurst. “We split into groups, ride for an hour, and then all meet up for coffee.”

For the last two years, the club has been in a friendly competition with Bournemouth Jubilee Wheelers, involving four events (two organised by Pooler, two by Bournemouth) whereby riders gain points for their club. “Four local clubs are getting together to organise a round of the Wessex Cycle League,” says Hurst. “I want to get the local clubs to work more together.”

This community spirit also extends to charities. This year the club’s charity is Poole-based AboutFace, helping people affected by head or neck cancers. “We feel it’s something we can do for the local community. We enjoy riding our bikes but if we can do something for less fortunate people too then it’s a win-win. It’s about being a nice person. We’ve raised about £3,500.”

The club’s motto is ‘lots of people doing a little’, and Hurst feels this award is a testament to that. “It has been won by every member equally. Some have lots of free time, some have next to nothing. But they are all proud to be Poole Wheelers. This award needs to be cut up into 317 little bits, as we all do our bit.”

2018 - Otley CC

Inclusivity is the key for all the best clubs, but especially for 2018 club of the year, Otley Cycle Club.

“We are dead chuffed,” said Otley’s press and communications officer, Jill Birch. “It’s a huge pat on the back to all the members and volunteers, but it’s not going to change what we do, it just validates what we do.”

Not only is it home to racing cyclists and former world and national champions like club patron Lizzie Deignan, but Otley has managed to be all things to all cyclists.

Located just north of the West Yorkshire cities of Leeds and Bradford, Otley’s position on the edge of the Dales provides members with some of Britain’s best cycling country. Indeed records evidence a cycling club in the town dating back to 1890.

First, Otley Road Club provided a home for local riders, but that outfit failed to last the course and the current club was established in January 1927.

Despite their seniority Otley have managed to remain current while simultaneously retaining their original ethos of providing a home for serious competitors and social cyclists alike, and it is the collective that makes the club what it is.

“We do consider the core values and how we evolve,” says Birch. “We try to get as many people as possible involved so that it is truly their club. Obviously there’s a committee, but there’s a huge number of people involved in running all the different things we do.”

When they set a ten year plan in 2010 Otley had fewer than 250 members, but but since the Tour de France passed through the town in 2014 it has more than doubled in size. Having a clubhouse helps, but the success in largely due to their holistic approach.

“We organise a race team which started with youth and juniors and now we’ve developed that into Under 23 as well, so these people are staying with the club,” continues Birch

“But we’ve also developed our social series and they might only ride 15 miles, but that has been the biggest increase in our membership.”

Click here to start your nomination 

We only need one entry per club, so please get together with your club-mates and tell us why your club should win.

Following the close of nominations at midnight on October 22, the Cycling Weekly judging panel will decide on a shortlist of contenders.

On 05 November, we will announce the shortlisted candidates, sharing their stories in the magazine and online, and the winners will be revealed in our online virtual ceremony on 15 December, with guests joining us from around the world. Start nominating!

For our Fantastic Fundraiser Award we are looking for an individual or group who set out on their bikes to raise money or awareness for a good cause. The amount of money raised may play a part, but this is also about an inspiring story and a genuine commitment to make a difference for or through cycling.

Click here to start your Fantastic Fundraiser nomination now

This year has revealed so many everyday heroes that chose to spread kindness throughout the pandemic and turned to their bikes to help raise funds in whatever way they could.

If you know someone; a friend, colleague or club-mate, who has done something truly remarkable in the last 12 months, then we want to hear about it, and if you are a charity or charitable organisation who wants to champion one, or more, of your cycling fundraisers then nominate them for the Fantastic Fundraiser at the Cycling Weekly Awards 2020.

Previous winners of the Fantastic Fundraiser (Best Charitable Initiative)

2019 - Kenny Smith

Kenny Smith has been raising funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust since 2002, after his sister, Kathleen, was diagnosed with the condition, which affects the sufferer’s spinal cord. Since then he has tackled an extensive and fearsome list of physical challenges, from trekking to the Machu Picchu in the Peruvian Andes to riding London to Paris twice.

However, since Kathleen died he has well and truly upped his game, his activities becoming increasingly ambitious and including more cycling. In 2019, to celebrate what would have been Kathleen’s 50th birthday, Smith set off to ride round Britain in 50 days, hoping to raise £50,000.

“I kept saying to myself it doesn’t matter what I was going through, it was nothing compared to what people with multiple sclerosis are going through. You have to think of the people you are actually doing it for.”

With his ride coming to an end Smith went out of his way to visit the Letchworth, Hertfordshire, offices of the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. “It was the hottest day on record and there’s a massive fountain at the front of the building and I dunked my head in it, and then one of my contacts said, ‘if you want to get in, get in.’ She didn’t have to tell me twice, so just laid down in it, it was gorgeous.”

“We were all outside cheering,” says Kelly Boston, a senior community fundraiser at the Trust. “To see him come over the bridge was really emotional. Kenny over the years has raised over £200,000 for the MS Trust. This is such an incredible amount of money and could fund four new MS nurses.

“It’s great to work alongside him, and he’s just an inspiration.”

2018 - Jack Talbot

Jack Talbot started fundraising after he was hit by a drunk driver who was trying to escape the police at 50mph.

After sustaining a life-threatening head injury and spending 13 days in a coma, Jack recovered to raise £7,000 for the Air Ambulance.

Jack Talbot is a paramedic and used to dealing with life and death situations regularly. But it was his own experience after being hit by a drunk driver at 50mph trying to escape the police that really made him appreciate the life-saving work of the Great North Air Ambulance. In fact, it is fair to say that his own brush with death inspired him. So, after a period of recuperation, Talbot got back on his bike to try to repay a little of the priceless work the Great North Air Ambulance did for him.

For starters, he organised a coast-to-coast ride for all the cycling clubs near his home in the north of England and, together with 25 fellow riders, he raised over £7,000.

“It’s a pretty classic thing to say, but I really didn’t think I would win,” Talbot said after receiving his award for the Best Charitable Initiative, sponsored by Sports Tours International. “I was just happy to be there, to be in the same room as all those amazing people that I have looked up to my whole life. I couldn’t believe it. To then to go on and actually win the award was crazy.”

>> Nominate a Fantastic Fundraiser now

As previously, the Cycling Weekly Award winners will be nominated and voted for by you. Anyone is welcome to nominate the individual they feel deserves recognition.

Following the close of nominations at 5pm on 15 October, the Cycling Weekly judging panel will decide on a shortlist of contenders. The panel will be influenced by the strength of the story of the nominee’s dedication and achievement.

On 05 November, we will announce the shortlisted candidates in the magazine and online, sharing their stories and inviting you to vote for your winners online, with voting closing on 12 November.

The winners will be revealed in our online virtual ceremony on 15 December, with guests joining us from around the world. Start nominating!

We are proud to reveal the winners of the 2019 Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin.

The awards honour the people at the heart of the sport, from pro riders, clubs, volunteers and charity fundraisers.

Among the winners we are delighted to recognise our outstanding riders like Simon Yates and Alice Barnes, our male and female riders of the year.

Other stars include our local hero Dot Tilbury for her work in the cycling world and fundraiser Kenny Smith, who raised hundreds of thousands for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust in memory of his sister.

The lifetime achievement award went to icon Sean Kelly, for his remarkable careers both on and off the bike.

Our riders and club of the year were chosen by the Cycling Weekly Awards judging panel, made up of former Olympian Colin Sturgess, retired pro Dani Rowe, ex-president of the UCI Brian Cookson, and Cycling Weekly news editor Vern Pitt.

Winners of the local hero and best charitable initiative awards were decided by public vote.

The event was held at the prestigious 8 Northumberland Avenue in London, with 11 winners being crowned.

Here are all of the winners from the Cycling Weekly Awards 2019 in association with Garmin:

Best Charitable Initiative in association with Sport Tours International – Kenny Smith

Kenny Smith has raised over £250,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust in memory of his sister.

Kenny has cycled solo and self-supported around the UK, finishing on July 31 2019, which would have been his sister’s 50th birthday.

He has climb Kilimanjaro, conquered the Sahara desert, and been to Everest base camp.

Rising Star Award in association with Zwift – Elynor Bäckstedt

Taking victory early in 2019 with the U19 Ghent-Wevelgem, Elynor Bäckstedt went on to dominate the Junior Track Championships and took bronze in the junior time trial at the Yorkshire Worlds.

The 17-year-old is now on to bigger and brighter things as she begins a three-year contract with Trek-Segafredo next season.

Club of the Year in association with Le Col – Poole Wheelers

A dramatic increase to the female contingent in Poole Wheelers is just one of the reasons for their nomination for the Club of the Year award, with 100 women riders now signed up, a third of the club.

Their road race team has raced as far afield as Malta, while they have also put effort into their social media presence to increase their membership.

Local Hero in association with Freewheel.co.uk – Dot Tilbury

For two and a half decades, Dot has been instrumental to the success of Manx riders.

Organising hundreds of trips to races, she helped give early starts to Mark Cavendish, Pete Kennaugh and Mark Christian.

International Rider of the Year in association with Sigma Sports – Julian Alaphilippe

An utterly phenomenal year for Julian Alaphilippe saw him win Strade Bianche, his first Monument Milan-San Remo, and Flèche Wallone.

He went on to dominate in the Tour de France, holding the yellow jersey for two weeks and coming within days of victory, adding a few stages to his palmarès along the way.

British Female Rider of the Year in association with Lazer – Alice Barnes

Alice Barnes became double national champion after taking both the road race and time trial champion in Norfolk in June, then placing 16th in the women’s elite TT at the Yorkshire 2019 World Championships as the highest placed Brit.

British Male Rider of the Year in association with Hope – Simon Yates

Simon Yates may have lined up at the Tour de France to help his twin brother Adam’s general classification ambitions, but he ended up in starring role himself as he took two stage wins.

Not a bad way to follow up on his overall victory at the Vuelta a España last season.

Domestic Rider of the Year in association with PedalSure – John Archibald

What a year for the Scottish track specialist. John Archibald took the individual and team pursuits at the National Track Championships, podiumed in the road race and time trial at the British Road Championships, helped GB to bronze in the mixed relay TT at the road Worlds and the finished 14th in the ITT after a last minute call-up.

Team of the Year in association with Aviation Gin – Deceuninck – Quick-Step

Another remarkable year of victories for the Belgian super team, with 68 top step visits this season.

With wins in Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo, E3 BinckBank Classic, Paris-Roubaix, and multiple stage victories in the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España, Deceuninck – Quick-Step are an unmatchable winning outfit.

Outstanding Achievement in association with Specialized – Chloe Dygert

Chloe Dygert entered the World Championship time trial as somewhat of an unknown quantity against the best in the world, but when she reached the finish line it was clear she had done something unforgettable.

Dygert won the TT with the biggest ever winning margin at the Worlds, beating reigning champion Annemiek van Vleuten and Anna van der Breggen.

Lifetime achievement in association with BikeZaar

Sean Kelly has been an icon both on and off the bike since the start of his pro racing career in the 1970s.

With multiple Monuments to his name, a phenomenal record in stage races and a Vuelta a España victory to his name, Kelly has one of the greatest palmarès in the sport.

After retirement, the Irishman became a household name in the cycling world thanks to his ongoing work with Eurosport.

Sean Kelly has been one of the biggest icons in professional cycling for decades.

The Irishman’s pro racing career spanned almost 20 years and saw him take countless major victories, including multiple Monuments, seven Paris-Nice titles and the 1988 Vuelta a España.

Since his retirement, Kelly has been a stalwart of cycling broadcasting and will be the voice of the Classics for many fans thanks his on-going commentary work with Eurosport.

Cycling Weekly is proud to honour Kelly for his lifetime achievement, in association with  BikeZaar.

Now 63, Kelly attended the Cycling Weekly Awards 2019 in association with Garmin in central London on Thursday night (November 28) to receive the accolade from CW editor Simon Richardson.

Richardson said: “To get to the top of the sport, he didn’t just overcome barriers, he smashed through them, taking the European scene by storm and cementing his reputation as ‘the King’.”

Kelly said: “It’s great to get recognition - it’s better to get it earlier than too late, at least I can enjoy it. I’m honoured to be chosen for it.

“Hopefully I can cherish it for hopefully many years to come.”

Born in Country Waterford, Kelly started riding in his teens and his talent was obvious immediately.

His pro career, spanning from 1977 until his retirement in 1994 saw him become a Classics rider of legendary standing, with two Paris-Roubaix titles to his name, as well as two editions of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, two Milan-San Remo and three crowns in the Giro di Lombardia.

But Kelly’s talents took him beyond one-day success as he became an outstanding stage racer, winning every edition of Paris-Nice between 1982 and 1988, as well as the Vuelta a España title among other notable results.

After retirement, he remained involved in cycling as a commentator as well as a team boss, setting up the An Post-Chain Reaction team in 2006.

Kelly’s contribution to the sport was acknowledged on Thursday night at the Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin.

The ceremony was held at the prestigious 8 Northumberland Avenue and saw figures from across the world of cycling praised for their exploits.

Manx rider Peter Kennaugh has honoured local hero Dot Tilbury at the 2019 Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin.

Cycling Weekly is delighted to celebrate the ceaseless work Dot has done to support riders from the Isle of Man following their passion for more than two decades.

Dot has organised hundreds of trips off the island, spending thousands of hours taking riders to races and events, giving priceless help to riders like Kennaugh, Mark Cavendish and Mark Christian.

After starting her cycling mentorship in the 1990s when she started helping out at the National Sports Centre, Dot still helps hundreds of kids pursue their cycling passions every year and the retired Post Office worker continues to create future stars inspired by the previous generations she helped raise.

She was recognised at the 2019 Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin, held at the prestigious 8 Northumberland House in central London on Thursday night (November 28).

A total of 11 winners were crowned on the night, which was established to honour the people at the heart of the sport, from pro riders, clubs, volunteers and charity fundraisers.

Voting for Best charitable Initiative is now closed. The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Thursday 28th November.

We are looking for individual or group who set out on their bikes to raise money or awareness for a good cause. This is also about an inspiring story and a genuine commitment to make a difference for or through cycling.

First you nominated your candidates, individuals you would like to see win this award, then the judges whittled the nominees down to the following shortlist and finally you have been casting your votes.

We have three very deserving candidates and we encourage you to read a bit about their stories and consider donating to their causes.

Mavis Paterson - Macmillan Cancer Support

At 81 years old, Mavis Paterson cycled from Lands End to John O’Groats to become the oldest woman to complete the endurance event (her Guinness World Record is apparently in the post). Mavis undertook the challenge in memory of her three adult children who all passed away four years apart from each other. She turned to cycling as she grieved and to date has raised over £64,000 for Macmillan Stranraer, who are said to have always supported Mavis and also backed her “daft ideas”. Mavis appeared on BBC Breakfast to talk about her successful LEJOG attempt in a moving piece that put what cycling can do for people in perspective.

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Mavis-Paterson1

Kenny Smith - Multiple Sclerosis Trust

Kenny Smith’s sister was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) and lived with the condition for a number of years. Since she died, he has dedicated himself to raising awareness of the condition as well as funds for the MS Trust, a charity who help people who are living with MS. Kenny cycled solo and self-supported around the UK for 50 days, finishing on July 31 2019, on what would have been his sister’s 50th birthday. Off the bike Kenny has also tackled Kilimanjaro, the Sahara desert, Everest base camp, Machu Picchu and the grand canyon and in total has raised over £250,000 for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust.

https://www.mstrust.org.uk/news/cycling-my-sister

Peter Berry - Young Dementia UK

Peter Berry lives with early onset dementia and in June cycled four counties (Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk) - almost 300 miles - on his penny farthing. Taking six days and battling through wind and rain, Peter returned home and remembered little of the trip, only that he had been cycling.

During his ride, £800 was donated in his collection bucket for Young Dementia UK, taking his fundraising amount to date above £15,000. At 54 years old and living with a terminal condition that carries a shortened life expectancy, Peter is raising money for a cause close to his heart that receives little funding or support from the government.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/peters-story-when-i-cycle-i-push-my-dementia-away

Voting for Best Charitable Initiative is now closed

The Award winners will be revealed at the Cycling Weekly Awards dinner on November 28 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, to which all those shortlisted will be invited with a guest.

Voting for International Rider of the Year in association with Sigma Sports is now closed. The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Thursday 28th November.

Our judging panel have selected three riders who have shaped the 2019 season and you have been voting to determine a winner.

The Finalists

Julian Alaphilippe (Deceuninck - Quick-Step) 

Julian Alaphilippe didn’t rest on his laurels after winning Strade Bianche, Milan-San Remo and La Flèche Wallonne in the spring, going on to take the Tour de France yellow jersey for two weeks and a couple of stages to boot.

Mathieu van der Poel (Corendon-Circus) 

Mathieu van der Poel announced himself as the next big thing on the road as he won a breathtaking Amstel Gold victory before coming back to the road in September to seal the overall in the Tour of Britain.

Annemiek van Vleuten (Mitchelton-Scott) 

On British roads was also where Annemiek van Vleuten finally filled a gap in her impressive palmarès, riding 100km solo to take the road race rainbow bands at the Yorkshire Worlds, having also defended her Giro Rosa title in July.

Voting for 2019 International Rider of the Year is now closed

Winners will be revealed at the Cycling Weekly Awards dinner on November 28 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, to which all those shortlisted will be invited with a guest.

Voting for Domestic Rider of the Year in association with PedalSure is now closed. The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Thursday 28th November.

Our judging panel have chosen three worthy candidates and you have been voting to determine who will be this year's winner.

The finalists

John Archibald (IP record, place at worlds, TT wins, double medal at nationals, wins Stockton)

John Archibald won the individual and team pursuits at the National Track Championships before getting on the podium in both the time trial and road race at the National road championships. He then helped GB take bronze in the mixed team relay at the Yorkshire Worlds, also coming a respectable 14th in the elite men’s TT.

Matt Holmes – stage on Isle of Man, won the National Road Series

Madison-Genesis’ Matt Holmes won the inaugural Cycle 360 Manx International Stage Race before finishing in sixth overall at the Tour de Yorkshire.

Rebecca Durrell (leading National Road Series)

Rebecca Durrell sealed her first victory in the National Criterium Championships riding for Brother, beating defending champion Anna Henderson into second place

Voting for 2019 Rising Star is now closed

Winners will be revealed at the Cycling Weekly Awards dinner on November 28 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, to which all those shortlisted will be invited with a guest.

Voting for Rising Star in association with Zwift is now closed. The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Thursday 28th November.

The Rising Star in association with Zwift is the award for home-grown talent bound for the big leagues. Our judging panel have selected a shortlist of worthy candidates and you have been voting to determine a winner.

The finalists

Elynor Backstedt

Elynor Bäckstedt opened her 2019 account early, winning the U19 Gent-Wevelgem before dominating the Junior Track Championships and then sealing bronze in the junior time trial event at the Yorkshire Worlds. At 17 years old, Backstedt has earned herself a three-year contract with Trek-Segafredo.

Fred Wright

Fred Wright won stages of the baby Giro and the Tour de l’Avenir, earning himself a spot as a stagiaire at CCC.

Stuart Balfour

Wright's team-mate, Stuart Balfour, also cut his teeth at both of these races, having taken himself off to France for the season before returning home for a strong showing at the Yorkshire Worlds U23 road race.

Voting for 2019 Rising Star is now closed

Winners will be revealed at the Cycling Weekly Awards dinner on November 28 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, to which all those shortlisted will be invited with a guest.

Voting for Team of the Year in association with Aviation Gin is now closed. The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Thursday 28th November.

The Finalists

U23 BC men’s team  

British Cycling’s U23 men’s team had a stand-out season, showing their strength in depth as riders picked up stages at the baby Giro and Tour de l’Avenir.

Deceuninck – Quick-Step

At WorldTour level, Deceuninck – Quick-Step couldn’t stop winning, with Julian Alaphilippe usually the protagonist.

Jumbo-Visma  

Jumbo-Visma rode three consistent Grand Tours, no mean feat, taking the Vuelta a España with Primož Roglič as well as registering top five finishes in the Giro and Tour.

Voting is now closed and the winners will be revealed at the Cycling Weekly Awards dinner on November 28 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, to which all those shortlisted will be invited with a guest.

Voting for Local Hero is now closed. The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Thursday 28th November.

We are looking for an individual who puts their heart and soul in to their local cycling community throughout the year, tirelessly working to; put on events, help, support and encourage others to take part, or just make things happen.

First you nominated your candidates, individuals you would like to see win this award, then the judges whittled the nominees down to the following shortlist and finally you have been casting your votes.

Meet the finalists:

Dick Poole

As a younger man, Dick Poole helped Middlesex RC take the Team Comp record in 1960 before going on to break the Lands End to John O’Groats record in 1965, completing the ride in less than two days. His record stood for nine years and, since retiring from racing, Poole has never stopped giving back to the sport. Poole was a founder member and first chairman of the British Triathlon Association and was appointed as the first RTTC coaching secretary, a position he held for 10 years and helped to form what is now the Association of British Cycling Coaches. Now in his early eighties, he continues to coach at his local outdoor track at Palmer Park, Berkshire. Poole is a quiet, modest and well-respected figure who offers encouragement to riders of all ages.

Sarah Hooper

Volunteer, coach, organiser, judge, race marshal, commissaire, soigneur, Sarah Hooper does it all. All of these roles means she helps hundreds of riders every year, not only putting up her own money to organise races but there’s hardly ever one in the Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire/Central area she’s not involved in.

Sarah is always on the other end of the phone any time a rider from one of the two teams she helps DS needs advice. The racing scene in her area would not be what it is today without her.

Dot Tilbury

Dot has been instrumental in allowing Manx riders to follow their passion over the last two and a half decades. Organising hundreds of trips off the Island to races and events, sacrificing thousands of hours of her own time to help cyclists such as Mark Cavendish, Pete Kennaugh and Mark Christian fulfill their potential and get to where they are today.

She also organises a weekly youth criterium for riders aged 3-16 that regularly attracts over 200 entrants. Through the winter she puts on a weekly turbo session and marshals at local races, handicaps and time trials. Dot offers full encouragement whether you’re leading or last.

Voting for Local Hero is now closed

Winners will be revealed at the Cycling Weekly Awards dinner on November 28 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, to which all those shortlisted will be invited with a guest.

Voting for Outstanding Achievement in association with Specialized is now closed. The winner will be announced at the Awards Dinner on Thursday 28th November.

Our judging panel have picked out three incredible feats from riders this year and you have been voting to determine who is the most deserving of this accolade.

The finalists

Fiona Kolbinger 

Fiona Kolbinger made headlines around the world with her Transcontinental Race win, the 24-year-old cancer researcher from Germany becoming the first woman to claim overall victory.

Victor Campenaerts

Victor Campenaerts set a new Hour Record, posting a distance of 55.089km to take the title off Bradley Wiggins

Chloe Dygert

Chloe Dygert also excelled in the race against the clock, posting the biggest ever winning margin in the women’s TT in Yorkshire to take gold.

Voting for 2019 Outstanding Achievement is now closed

Winners will be revealed at the Cycling Weekly Awards dinner on November 28 at 8 Northumberland Avenue, to which all those shortlisted will be invited with a guest.

It's been another impressive year for British riders, but who do you think is the stand-out male?

Geraint Thomas (Ineos)

Last year's winner, Geraint Thomas, rode to an impressive second overall the year after his maiden victory on the biggest stage of them all, the Tour de France.

Simon Yates (Mitchelton-Scott)

Simon Yates went to the Tour de France aiming to help brother Adam's GC challenge, but ended up playing a starring role in the Pyrenees with two stage wins.

Tao Geoghegan Hart (Ineos)

Meanwhile, the next generation continued their climb to the top as Tao Geoghegan Hart took two stages at the Tour of the Alps, sealing an Ineos top two in the general classification. A Vuelta a España top 20 overall finish in his second ever Grand Tour was in the bag as he went on the offensive for two consecutive stages late in the race, narrowly missing out on the victory on both days.

The winner will be revealed at the Cycling Weekly Awards dinner on November 28 at 8 Northumberland Avenue.

Which British female do you think had the best season in 2019?

Lizzie Deignan (Trek-Segafredo)

Lizzie Deignan announced her return to racing with the overall victory in the Women’s Tour before showing strong legs on home roads in the women’s road race at the Yorkshire World Championships.

Alice Barnes (Canyon-Sram)

Alice Barnes became double national champion after taking both the road race and time trial champion in Norfolk in June, then placing 16th in the women’s elite TT in Yorkshire as the highest placed Brit.

Jess Roberts  (Team Breeze)

In June Jess Roberts pulled off a stunning victory on the fourth stage of the Tour de Bretagne Feminin, coming from behind to outsprint Kirsten Wild, who bowed her head, powerless to stop the 20-year-old easing past her.

The winner will be revealed at the Cycling Weekly Awards dinner on November 28 at 8 Northumberland Avenue.

The 2018 Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin marked a celebration of the people that make cycling so great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20n3YHgpk8E&t=

Held on Wednesday night, the inaugural event saw stars from pro riders, clubs, volunteers, and charity fundraisers honoured for their amazing contributions.

Cycling Weekly is proud to have recognised cycling heroes, including male and female rider of the year, Geraint Thomas and Katie Archibald.

We have put together a collection of the best pictures from the night below.

>>> Pioneer Brian Robinson honoured for lifetime achievement at Cycling Weekly Awards 

Local hero Peter Harrison was greeted on stage by Britain’s first Tour de France winner, Sir Bradley Wiggins, who handed over Peter’s award.

Iconic British rider Brian Robinson was given the lifetime achievement award, as the first rider from these isle to win a stage of the Tour.

The rider categories were the Rising Star Award in association with 100%, International rider of the Year in association with Sigma Sports, Domestic rider of the Year in association with PedalSure, Female Rider of the Year in association with British Cycling and Male Rider of the Rider in association with Nederburg Wine.

There were also a Lifetime Achievement award in association with BikeZaar, Outstanding Achievement in association with Specialized, Local Hero in association with Freewheel, Club of the Year in association with Santini, and Best Charitable Initiative in association with Sport Tours International.

Our riders and club of the year were chosen by the Cycling Weekly Awards judging panel, made up of former UCI president Brian Cookson, Britain’s most successful Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, British Cycling independent chair Frank Slevin, and the editor of Cycling Weekly, Simon Richardson.

Winners of the local hero and best charitable initiative awards were decided by public vote.

See the full list of winners on the night here.

Here are the best pictures from the first Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin:

We are proud to reveal the winners of the inaugural Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin.

The awards honour the people at the heart of the sport, from pro riders, clubs, volunteers and charity fundraisers.

Among the winners we are delighted to recognise are outstanding riders like Geraint Thomas and Katie Archibald, our male and female riders of the year.

Other stars awards are local hero Peter Harrison for his work in the cycling world, and fundraiser Jack Talbot, who was an inspiration after suffering a serious injury when hit by a drunk driver.

The lifetime achievement award went to pioneer and icon Brian Robinson, the first Brit to win a stage of the Tour de France.

Our riders and club of the year were chosen by the Cycling Weekly Awards judging panel, made up of former UCI president Brian Cookson, Britain’s most successful Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, British Cycling independent chair Frank Slevin, and the editor of Cycling Weekly, Simon Richardson.

Winners of the local hero and best charitable initiative awards were decided by public vote.

The event was held at the prestigious 8 Northumberland Avenue in London, with 10 winners being crowned.

Here are all of the winners from the first Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin:

Best Charitable Initiative in association with Sports Tours International – Jack Talbot

Jack Talbot started fundraising after he was hit by a drunk driver who was trying to escape the police at 50mph.

After sustaining a life-threatening head injury and spending 13 days in a coma, Jack recovered to raise £7,000 for the Air Ambulance.

Rising Star Award in association with 100% - Ethan Hayter

Ethan Hayter burst on to the track scene this winter with a series of world-class performances.

For his outstanding performances, he has been given the Cycling Weekly Rising Star award.

Club of the Year in association with Santini – Otley Cycle Club

A good club can do as much for the future of cycling as a British Tour de France winner.

With a mix of male and female riders, and great work promoting club and open events throughout the season, Otley Cycle Club is the Club of the Year.

Local Hero in association with Freewheel – Peter Harrison

Peter Harrison has sat on regional and national boards, grown his club from a membership of one (himself), been involved with the British team as a technical consultant and worked in the industry for over 20 years.

International rider of the Year in association with Sigma Sports – Anna van der Breggen

Anna van der Breggen was one of the dominant riders on the women’s scene, picking up plenty of major wins on the women’s calendar from March through to the World Championships.

She topped off her season by winning the World Championship road race in Austria.

Domestic rider of the Year in association with PedalSure – Connor Swift

Connor Swift made his breakthrough at the national championships when he soloed to victory.

The victory was the biggest of his career so far and warrants the Domestic Rider of the Year award.

Female rider of the year in association with British Cycling – Katie Archibald

Track star Katie Archibald is a multiple national, European and world champion.

This year she won the Madison World Championships and Commonwealth gold in the individual pursuit.

Male rider of the year in association with Nederburg Wine – Geraint Thomas

A debut Tour de France victory for Geraint Thomas puts him at the top of the pile in this category.

In an unprecedented year for British Grand Tour success, Thomas’ victory and two Tour stages make him the Male Rider of the Year.

Outstanding Achievement in association with Specialized – Michael Broadwith

Michael Broadwith achieved something monumental this year – knocking 40 minutes off the 17-year-old record for the Land’s End to John o’Groats ride.

Broadwith completed the truly epic ride in 43:25.13, and has been given the Outstanding Achievement award.

Lifetime Achievement in association with BikeZaar – Brian Robinson

The first ever Brit to finish the Tour de France and winner of the 1961 Critérium du Dauphiné, Robinson’s riding achievements alone qualify him for nomination.

President of the Dave Rayner Fund for young Brits racing abroad, patron of charity StreetBikes, and an instrumental figure in bringing the Tour de France to Yorkshire in 2013, Robinson is a worthy winner of this award for a lifetime dedicated to cycling.

British cycling pioneer Brian Robinson has been honoured for his lifetime achievement at the inaugural Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin.

Robinson has dedicated himself to cycling both on and off the bike and has achieved huge feats in the sport.

Now 88, Robinson was a beacon of success for British cyclists and continues to give back to the sport.

In 1955 Robinson became the first British rider to ever finish Tour de France, but that wasn’t enough for the amiable Yorkshireman.

The following years were filled with ground-breaking success, including a top-10 finish in the Vuelta a España in 1956, and a podium place in Milan-San Remo.

Then in 1958 Robinson won a stage of the biggest bike race on earth, followed by a second stage of the Tour the following year.

He went on to win the overall at the Critérium du Dauphiné in 1961.

Robinson is now the president of the Dave Rayner Fund for young Brits racing abroad, is a patron of the charity StreetBikes and was a major figure involved in bringing the Tour de France to Yorkshire in 2014.

Robinson’s exploits on the bike paved the way for the likes of Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas, Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and a host of other Brits who have achieved great things in cycling.

His contribution to the sport was acknowledged on Wednesday night at the Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin.

The ceremony was held at the prestigious 8 Northumberland Avenue in central London and saw figures from across the world of cycling praised for their exploits.

The awards honour the people at the heart of the sport, from pro riders, clubs, volunteers and charity fundraisers.

Our riders and club of the year were chosen by the Cycling Weekly Awards judging panel, made up of former UCI president Brian Cookson, Britain’s most successful Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey, British Cycling independent chair Frank Slevin, and the editor of Cycling Weekly, Simon Richardson.

Winners of the local hero and best charitable initiative awards were decided by public vote.

Sir Bradley Wiggins has honoured local hero Peter Harrison at the inaugural Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin.

Cycling Weekly is proud to honour Peter, the winner of the Local Hero Award in association with Freewheel.

Peter said: “My mantra has always been put more back into your sport than you take out. That's something I will continue to do as long as my body holds out."

Wiggins, Britain’s first Tour de France winner, presented Peter with his award to thank him for his long-standing commitment to cycling.

Peter started cycling at the age of 15, when he joined the Gosforth Road Club.

He raced until his mid-30s but his involvement in the sport didn’t end there.

Sitting on regional and national boards, growing his club from a membership of one and working as a technical consultant with the British team, Peter consistently show his dedication to the sport.

He was recognised at the first Cycling Weekly Awards in association with Garmin, held at the prestigious 8 Northumberland House in central London on Wednesday night.

A total of 10 winners were crowned on the night, which was established to honour the people at the heart of the sport, from pro riders, clubs, volunteers and charity fundraisers.

Cycling Weekly will be celebrating the best of British cycling at its inaugural awards night in central London this December. Sir Bradley Wiggins will be present to recognise the essential work of local volunteers who drive the sport at grass-roots level, and will present the Local Hero award.

Ten awards will be presented on the night, recognising the best riders and achievements of 2018, from Grand Tour winners to the rising stars of the cycling scene and outstanding fundraising efforts.

The Local Hero award, in association with Freewheel, will be decided by a public vote after all nominations put forward by the readers of Cycling Weekly had been whittled down to a final four by the awards’ judging panel.

Wiggins said: "The dedication and commitment of coaches and organisers up and down the country at grass-roots level is the beating heart of cycling.”

“I still remember the guys at Herne Hill when I started racing. They were there week in week out and gave people like me our first taste of proper racing, so I’m looking forward to presenting the Local Hero award.”

Local Hero candidates:

Glyn Durrant - Surrey Cycle Racing League

Peter Harrison - The Cyclone Festival

Celia Tennant - Clydesdale Colts Cycling Club

Debbie Wharton - Maindy Flyers

Voting goes live on www.cyclingweekly.com/awards this Thursday, and is open until November 1.

Commenting on the event itself Wiggins said: "It’s been a great year for British riders, making history by winning all three Grand Tours. The awards will be a good night to honour the successes of this year.”

 Sean Igoe, Cycling Weekly’s head of market, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have confirmation of Sir Bradley’s attendance, arguably one of the biggest names in road cycling history. We are extremely excited and cannot wait for the night, it promises to be a great one.”

The Cycling Weekly Awards 2018 is an exclusive event with a limited number of tables available.

Contact: cwawards@ti-media.com for any queries or to reserve a table or seat.