By Megan Armitage
Newbury Velo Club members were left speechless after being named Overall Club of the Year at the 2025 British Cycling Awards, presented by Lloyds.
The West Berkshire cycling and triathlon club walked into the national event having won the Children’s and Young People Club of the Year Award but walked away with an unexpected surprise of Overall Club of the Year.
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The overall victory was announced on the night, with the winner chosen from three club award victors.
Club chair Simon Bowden, 57, and coaching lead Melanie Sneddon, 47, were both present for the awards and noted their surprise and delight in taking home the top title.
“We came here knowing that we had won the Children’s and Young People award but for a club that is only six years old to win the overall award is astounding,” said Bowden.
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“We’re working as hard as some of the professional events organisers with some of the things we’re putting on for the children and adults.
“It’s not just about racing for us, it’s about making sure that everyone on two wheels at our club is smiling, that’s what is important.
“This is such an incredible accolade for us to receive.”
Newbury Velo scooped the leading national prize for it’s work in supporting children and young people of all abilities through exciting and progressive opportunities within cycling.
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This year also saw the club make British cycling history by hosting the UK’s first combined Cycling Time Trials and British Cycling hill climb event, complete with an inclusive Limitless category.
Sneddon noted that their success stems from the tireless work of volunteers within and around the club and hopes that their double award can only encourage more to get involved.
“To be recognised is incredible, but I’m really only part of a small army,” she said.
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“I’m very proud because we do a huge amount and this really is for the volunteers.
“If this award can only give our volunteers more drive and ambition to come in and continue working with us, then I can only be happy.”
The British Cycling Awards are an annual event to recognise and celebrate the achievements of members, volunteers, clubs and riders across the UK, with the 2025 event hosted amongst glitz and glamour at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel.
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And with the opportunity to rub shoulders and network with some of the biggest names in the sport, Sneddon was thrilled to see their club get recognised at such a prestigious event.
“Events like this are the foundations of cycling as a sport and for British Cycling to recognise that and celebrate the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to get the results, it’s amazing,” she added.
“From children, to adults and Limitless, there is so much to celebrate. I was amazed listening to the young girl who won the Young Volunteer Award and what they have achieved, those people deserve to be recognised to encourage more.”
Could you develop your skills, meet new people and bring huge impact to your local community through volunteering? Get involved with British Cycling volunteering opportunities at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/volunteering