BRITISH CYCLING STALWART'S LAST DAY

One of British Cycling?s longest serving employees leaves today after 18 years of service. Paul West, competition coordinator for road, track and disability cycling, leaves a very different organisation from the one he joined in 1990.

Since relocating with BC from Kettering to Manchester in ?94, West has seen Britain host three World Track Championships, the Commonwealth Games and two Tour de France visits. Eleven years of Lottery funding has resulted in a transformation of the sport and made this country a regular fixture on the medals tables.

His friendly voice has provided an invaluable service to race organisers ? he is estimated to have been involved in between 20-30,000 events! ? and his special interest in disability cycling has seen an increase in numbers, thanks in no small part to his dedication and enthusiasm.

Alongside his official duties, West has coached at Manchester velodrome for over 10 years, organised the BC annual awards dinner and been involved in many major events.

President of British Cycling, Brian Cookson, said: "Paul has been one of the longest serving members of staff, going right back to the Kettering days, and has always provided a very helpful and informative service to members. I wish him well on the next stage in his life, and would like to thank him for all the help he has given to me personally and for the effort he has put into the organisation generally over such a long period.?

Photo courtesy of www.britishcycling.org.uk