Cycling: Club membership on the rise as people use pedal power

Caerphilly has been represented twice in Welsh Cycling’s shortlist for their annual awards ceremony, to be held later this month.

Large cycling events across Wales have dominated the public eye in 2016, with Caerphilly at the centre of several.

The Velothon, Tour of Britain, and successful performances of Welsh cyclists at the Rio Olympics have inspired many others to strap on their helmets and grab their bikes.

Caerphilly Cycling Club has been shortlisted for the Club of the Year award, while club member Chris Corbett has been nominated for the Club Cyclist of the Year.

Cycling in Caerphilly County Borough has increased by 10% over the last year, with 450 members spread across five clubs.

Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive Officer at Welsh Cycling said: “The cycling community has continued to grow and I am proud of each and every person who has been nominated to make the shortlist.”

Caerphilly Cycling Club, Castle Mountain Biking Club, Cwmcarn Paragon Cycling Club, Machen Moos Mountain Biking Club and Union Cyclists in Ystrad Mynach are open for members of all abilities, and with beautiful landscapes and country parks right on the doorstep, there’s never been a better time to get pedalling.

Along with man-made routes like the Celtic Trail and the Darran Valley, the borough is also filled with natural paths and forest roads popular with mountain bike enthusiasts.

Cwmcarn Forest offers award-winning cross-country trails – The Twrch and Cafall trails – and both involve 15km of tight technical turns and slopes.

Caerphilly-born downhill rider Manon Carpenter recently secured second-place in the Downhill MTB World Cup Series, having trained and practised on local trails.

Cllr Nigel George, Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure Services, said: “It is great to see so many people inspired by the recent events to get up and explore our wonderful borough.

“There are a number of clubs available to join and it is encouraging to see residents are taking up these opportunities.

“Congratulations to those who have been shortlisted in the Welsh Cycling Awards and I wish them all the luck in their categories.”

After a successful year for clubs, volunteers and elite athletes, Welsh Cycling will be holding their annual awards at the Mercure Hotel in Cardiff on Saturday October 29.