British Cycling to create anniversary 'Hall of Fame'....

A cycling ‘Hall of Frame’ is to be created this year to mark British Cycling’s 50 years of existence.

Fifty people from the sport will be inducted into the Hall of Fame as a way of recognising their contribution to cycling over the past five decades.

And it’s not just cyclists who will be passing through the hallowed portals of the new Hall. British Cycling will look at the entire cycling spectrum and all cycling disciplines, from volunteers, event organisers and race officials to coaches, athletes and influential figures within the sport. Names of inducted individuals will be released over the autumn months and the public will be invited to nominate their candidates.

The organisation is also to create a module on its website devoted to its history and that of the sport in the UK. Again, people will be asked to submit memories, stories, photos and other contributions to bring to life historic cycling moments.

Culminating all celebrations will be the 50th Anniversary Gala in February 2010, an event that will incorporate British Cycling’s Annual Awards Dinner. The gala will be devoted to ‘Cycling Champions’ in the organisation’s 50th year and bring together staff, riders, volunteers, partners, sponsors, cycling ambassadors and key figures in the sport.

Ian Drake, CEO at British Cycling, said: “Our 50th anniversary is an ideal opportunity to express our gratitude to all the people in our sport for their fantastic contribution over the past five decades. It is thanks to our members that we are transforming Britain into the number one cycling nation in the world and it is through our members that we will continue to work towards making cycling Britain’s most popular sport.”

Brian Cookson, President at British Cycling, added: “Our sport only happens thanks to individuals willing to give up their own time to help others enjoy cycling, whatever their ability, motivation or goals, and for this reason we will be making a special effort to recognise volunteers in our sport.

“We would not be where we are today without the forward looking individuals at the British League of Racing Cyclists and the National Cyclists Union who laid solid foundations for our organisation, so we will also be remembering them this year.”

More details regarding British Cycling’s 50th Anniversary celebrations will be released over the coming months. For more information please visit www.britishcycling.org.uk

* Who would you like to see in British Cycling’s Hall of Fame? And for what reason? Let us know!