ABERGAVENNY Road Club were toasting a double whammy of success at this year’s Welsh Cycling Awards.

Becky James received Elite Performance of the Year following her double Olympic silver medal success in Rio this summer, and Coach of the Year was awarded to Aber RC’s Paul Llewellyn Crapper.

Crapper has been instrumental in developing and leading women-only sessions in addition to regular adult beginner sessions. He also gives his time to coach young riders every Saturday morning, giving all his energy to cycling.

Welsh Cycling marked a monumental year of cycling at the ceremony which celebrated the successes of Welsh cyclists on the world stage, and the achievements and dedication of volunteers, clubs and coaches at home in Wales.

Eight awards were presented at the Mercure Holland House, culminating in a live questions and answer session with friend of Welsh Cycling Richard Parks and elite cyclists Ciara Horne, Scott Davies and Manon Carpenter.

Go-Ride Club of the Year recognises cycling clubs with youth riders at the core. 85% of the Great Britain Cycling Team started at a Go-Ride club. Gower Riders, based in Swansea, were given the accolade. Abergavenny Road Cub, Maindy Flyers, Hafren CC and The Bike Doctor Club were all runners up.

Anne Adams-King, Chief Executive Officer at Welsh Cycling said. “We have had a phenomenal year at Welsh Cycling. We had six Welsh riders attend the Rio 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, bringing back four medals. But it’s back here in Wales we have seen an impact.

“We have more than 165 cycling clubs, delivering opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in cycling. We are privileged in Wales to have such a vibrant group of people supporting cycling, from ride leaders to coaches, race organiser to marshals. I thank each and every volunteer for helping to inspire Wales to cycle.”