Newbury Velo: Award-Winning Cycling Club with Community at its Heart

When Chris Dace joined Kennet Radio to talk about Newbury Velo, it quickly became clear this isn’t just a cycling club — it’s a community movement on two wheels.

Formed in 2019 by five local cyclists, Newbury Velo has grown rapidly in just a few short years.  One of its founders was Chris Bolton, well known locally through Greenham Trust, and someone whose legacy lives on strongly within the club.

The early days weren’t without challenges.  The pandemic arrived not long after the club was established — not ideal timing for a group built around riding together.  But instead of pausing, they adapted.  They organised online cycling sessions, socially distanced rides, and even cycling “quests” with puzzles along the way.

“We kept going and we survived and actually eventually thrived.”

Inclusive from the Start

Inclusivity is central to the club’s ethos — and it shows in the numbers.  “Our female membership is around 30% at the moment, which is a lot higher than the national average.”

Members range in age from three to 83, including an octogenarian triathlete.  At one end of the scale are world-class athletes — including a Masters Track World Championship silver medallist and a Team GB para-triathlete with sights set on LA 2028.  At the other end are riders who simply enjoy getting out for a social spin.

“Most of us are just normal cyclists who like just getting out on our bike for a nice bike ride.”

Sunday Rides and Coffee Stops

The heartbeat of the club is the weekly Sunday ride.  Riders meet at the Clock Tower in Newbury, head out in groups based on pace and distance, and typically finish around 11:30am — often at a favourite café for coffee and cake.

“It’s even better when we cycle with like-minded people, and it’s a social event.”

Beyond road cycling, the club organises off-road rides further afield — from the New Forest to Salisbury Plain — offering something for every type of rider.

Coaching the Next Generation

Newbury Velo is also a British Cycling Go-Ride club, meaning it meets national standards for safe and structured children’s coaching.  Term-time sessions take place in a traffic-free environment, catering for ages three to 12.  And the children’s programme has proved hugely popular.

“The biggest constraint is the number of coaches we can train and get out to help the children.”

Last year, the club also took coaching into villages including Hermitage and Inkpen, bringing ramps and equipment to local communities.

National Recognition

In 2025, Newbury Velo was named British Cycling’s Club of the Year — and also picked up Children and Young People Club of the Year.

British Cycling, the national governing body, recognised not just participation numbers but the club’s innovative and inclusive approach.  “They could see what we’re doing is a little bit different… we’re not just talking about these things but we’re actually making them happen.”

One initiative highlighted was their “limitless” programme, helping visually impaired cyclists and riders with other disabilities take part.  “It’s an amazing feeling when you help somebody else to do that who normally can’t.”

For Chris, the awards were as much about recognising volunteers as anything else.  “There’s a long list of volunteers who put all these things on… it was really good to have those people recognised as well.”

A Friendly Rivalry

Newbury Road Club may have a 125-year head start but relations are friendly.  Enjoying a bit of friendly rivalry, the two clubs launched a time trial competition last year — with Newbury Road Club narrowly taking the trophy.  “We’ll be back stronger this year.”

Both clubs share the same aim – promoting cycling across West Berkshire – and often work together.

Fancy Giving It a Go?

Newbury Velo offers trial rides for anyone curious about joining.

“It’s ridiculously good value.  There’s not much you can get for £20 these days but that’s a whole year’s membership.”

And if you’re worried about blending in — don’t be.

“Our kit is a vivid shade of pink. So, you know, what’s not to like?”

You can listen to the interview in full here https://www.mixcloud.com/kennetradio/saturday-chatterday-28th-february-2026/

To find out more or arrange a trial ride, visit:
https://newburyvelo.cc