Holmfirth's new cycling club is off to a flying start with more than 100 members already signed up.
The club, which has the Sport England Clubmark as testimony to its high standards of coaching, officially opened its doors at the weekend. It caters for all aspects of cycling, both competitive and recreational, writes Suzanna Bain.
Founders are from a variety of racing and long distance backgrounds, with four of its coaches being accredited by British Cycling.
Coach and co-founder Andy Akers said: “Holmfirth Cycling Club is well placed to provide aspiring sportspeople with the skills, expertise and support they need to improve. It’s encouraging to see membership numbers doing so well in such a short space of time as we only got up and running in November.”
Weekly sessions and special events mean the club can help cyclists of all levels progress their knowledge and technique. Activities are built around improving skills, fitness and race tactics as required.
Andy added: “We deal with everything from teaching kids how to handle bikes properly, in terms of using gears and brakes effectively on different terrain, to gym classes for adults wanting to build their strength and stamina.
“We’d love to recruit more women and get them interested in the sport, but we’re also really keen to develop skills in younger riders.
The club is also focusing on working with other clubs on Tour de France events and initiatives in order to promote cycling across the board.
“We have lots of great ideas from lots of different people, so the challenge now is to make them happen,” says Andy.
“The Tour de France coming to Yorkshire is the best thing that’s ever happened to the sport in this country, apart from maybe The Olympics, so we want to make the most of it,” he adds.
Go to www.holmfirthcc.com , or follow @cycleholmfirth on Twitter.
