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Grass-roots cycling received a boost last week when British Cycling Go-Ride coach Brian Wright was named UK Participation Coach of the Year.
Seventy year-old Wright received the accolade from the UK Coaching Awards, awarded for his work in establishing cycling clubs for all sections of society.
Wright has helped establish the Hillingdon Slipstreamers junior cycling club in London, worked with the Minet Ladies Cycling Club and also nurture the skills of young cyclists using the Go-Ride programme at Field End Junior School.
“It was great evening – how exciting. As soon as I got it [the award], there was a massive great cheer from the side of the room where British Cycling were seated. It was incredible. It was just so nice. I felt as though what I had been doing was really worthwhile and it made it feel important. I’m chafing at the bit, I just want to do more. I want to put 100 per cent back into it now.”
British Cycling’s coaching, education and development director John Mills added: “It really is superb that Brian’s efforts have been recognised with this award. He works tirelessly at Hillingdon Slipstreamers, Field End Junior School and at Minet Ladies club to introduce young people and newcomers to cycling and develop their skills through hands on coaching and expert tuition.
“His enthusiasm, innovation and determination are nothing short of remarkable and exemplify British Cycling’s ideals for sustainable development in the sport through strengthening school and community links. It was an honour to be able to nominate him and share in his joy on the night.”
