Cycling
Introduction
Cycling covers a wide range of disciplines which include BMX, Cycle Speedway, Cyclo-Cross, Mountain, Road, and Track. British Cycling is the national governing body for cycle sport in the UK. As the governing body of cycling, British Cycling has a range of responsibilities, which, for operational purposes, the organisation groups under two main headings:
Excellence: British Cycling runs the lottery-funded GB Cycling Teams in Road, Track, Mountain Bike Cross-Country and Paralympic cycling and is offering an increasing amount of support to the GB team in non-Olympic disciplines.
Participation: British Cycling members have access to an extensive events programme, racing licences and a range of benefits. British Cycling underpins cycling with programmes focusing on Facilities, Major Events, Coaching, Volunteers, Club Development and Grass-Roots participation.
For more information locally contact:
Josie Heffernan - Central region Development Officer
Tel: 07940 738 314
Email: josieheffernan@britishcycling.org.uk
Play
There are opportunities to participate in cycling in many parts of the county. There are a network of cycling clubs, some of whom offer the British Cycling Go Ride programme, as well as a comprehensive network of cycle paths and country parks designed to cater for the recreational cyclist as well as those who like to take riding more seriously. For further information on where local clubs train, visit www.northamptonshiresport.org and put your details in the club directory search engine on the right hand side of the page; or contact the officers detailed above. There are many pre mapped routes available form websites such as http://www.cycle-route.com/routes/Northamptonshire-Routes-94.html or http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/recreation/article/Where-to-Ride--East-Midlands-0
Another useful site is Sustrans, the national network of cycle routes, where you can find local sustran networks http://www.sustrans.org.uk/map?dm_i=6EB,9GI9,13YR94,P4UH,1
If you haven't been out on your bike for a while or are thinking about getting into cycling, check out the Skyride website, and the On Your bike section http://www.goskyride.com/get-cycling/on-your-bike/ .
Cycling is a great way to get out and do some informal activity.
Coach
Coach education opportunities are provided throughout the region. If you are
interested in becoming a coach, or in further developing your existing qualifications, please visit www.britishcycling.org.uk for a list of courses and www.northamptonshiresport.org for further information on coaching.
Volunteer
Volunteers play a hugely role in cycling, carrying out many varied and interesting roles. If you would like to volunteer in the sport, contact Josie Heffernan (details above) or visit: http://www.northamptonshiresport.org/volunteering
Clubs
Northamptonshire has a number of local community clubs who all provide a wide range of opportunities for people to access cycling in its various formats. You can find your local club by using the club finder parts of www.Northamptonshiresport.org or by using http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubfinder
Links to website
British Cycling - www.britishcycling.org
Sustrans - http://www.sustrans.org.uk
Sky Rides - http://www.goskyride.com