ABERGAVENNY'S impressive credentials as a mecca for cyclists all over the UK was given another boost after it was revealed that the recently announced shortlist for the 2013 USN Welsh Cycling Awards has Abergavenny nominees in six of its 11 categories.

The USN Welsh Cycling Awards recognises unsung heroes and champions of cycling across Wales. After receiving over 100 nominations in the first year of the event, there was a tough job ahead for the panel of judges to narrow down the entries and select the winners. Colin Docker, Director of British Cycling, Ann Bevan, Senior Officer at Sport Wales and Gareth Griffiths, Sports Correspondent for Media Wales formed the panel. Gordon Thornton, the brother of Colin Thornton, also contributed to the selection of the Colin Thornton Memorial for Welsh Junior Performance.

In each category there are three finalists and leading the charge in the Club of the Year category are Abergavenny Road Club who are locking horns with Towy Riders and Sosban Riders.

The organiser behind Abergavenny's renowned Festival of Cycling, Bill Owen, is a finalist in the Individual Race Organiser group and he's rubbing shoulders with Talbot Thrush (Junior Tour of Wales) and Tudor Thomas (Bynea CC Tour of Carmarthenshire and Time Trials.)

In the Coach of the Year category, Abergavenny Road Club's Stephen Lane is fighting off the competition from Maindy Flyers' Alan Davis and Velo Club Melyd's Alan Overson, and fingers crossed, Abergavenny RC's Amy Hill will also win the Colin Thornton Memorial for Welsh Junior Performance ahead of Team USN's Elinor Baker and Liverpool Mercury's Scott Davies.

Of course it comes as no surprise that Abergavenny Road Club's Becky James is in the running for the Elite Cyclist of the Year Award alongside Team Sky's Luke Rowe and Geraint Thomas, and Team USN's Elinor Barker.

The golden girl of British cycling is also up for an Outstanding Performance of the Year award but Liverpool Mercury's Scott Davies, Team USN's Elinor Barker and of course, Team Sky's Geraint Thomas might have something to say about that before the award is actually presented.

Chair of Welsh Cycling, Nick Smith said, "We have had a great response from clubs and members in Wales during the nomination process. I know the panel found it difficult when judging due to the high quality of nominations, a testament to the contribution of Welsh Cycling members.

"The group of finalists are a credit to Welsh Cycling, their clubs and fellow members. There are many who didn't make the final shortlist, but all those nominated should be proud that they have been recognised by the Welsh cycling community for the commitment to the sport."

 

The winners will be announced in a ceremony at the De Vere Village Hotel, Cardiff on Friday, October 4 2013 and hopefully Abergavenny can put its own unique stamp on proceedings in more ways than one.