A Brief History of Our Club

A young Club, with bags of history and community impact in just five years…

Newbury Velo Cycling Club emerged from the passionate cycling community of Newbury, founded in November 2019, by a group of local cyclists who shared a vision of creating a welcoming and inclusive cycling community that broke the mould of a traditional cycling club. The club began with a bang, with a launch in Banjo Cycles. Membership grew rapidly and in 2020 the Club was already the largest cycling Club in West Berkshire, and one of the largest in the South of England.

With its distinctive Pink and Blue kit, members are easily recognisable. The key founding members were Glen Knight, Rachael Elliot, Kevin Hurley, and Ian Greenstreet all of whom had significant local cycling experience in competitive and social cycling. From its inception, Newbury Velo distinguished itself by embracing cyclists of all levels, from casual riders to serious competitors. The coffee speed group rides provided a tiered approach to group riding, allowing members of all abilities to ride socially at a speed that suits them.

Despite the COVID19 pandemic of 2020 The club quickly expanded membership and its activities, centring on time trial and online cycling through the Zwift platform. Newbury Velo was the first club in the country to host Covid safe competitive cycling, with Club, Open and National time trials being offered, winning a reputation as a leading club in the TT world. Online, the Club is still one a a very select few that has its distinctive kit available in the virtual locker of its members. In place of social rides, COVID safe Velo Quests were established, allowing riders to ride alone, or in family groups, but still be part of a Club. Beyond regular group rides. the Club began organising local cycling events, participating in regional competitions, and developing specialised sections like the Steelie Section for enthusiasts of steel-framed and vintage bicycles. A particularly noteworthy initiative is the tandem project, initially led by Glen and Rachael, before Kevin Hurley took responsibility for its further development. The Club provided blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to experience the joy of cycling, demonstrating the club's commitment to inclusivity and community service. This initiative grew in 2024 to encompass British Cycling’s Limtless programe, and earned Newbury Velo Champion Club status.

Over the years, Newbury Velo has grown into to a significant cycling community, with a voice o the West Berkshire Cycling Forum. the Club is known for its welcoming atmosphere, commitment to cycling education and coaching for children and adults alike, and innovative approach to making cycling accessible to all. The club has been instrumental in promoting cycling in the Newbury area, organising women only cycling rides and maintenance events, supporting local cycling infrastructure, and providing a supportive environment for cyclists to develop their skills and passion.

Today, Newbury Velo continues to honour its founding principles of inclusivity, community, and passion for cycling, remaining a vibrant and dynamic cycling club that attracts riders from all walks of life, and most recently becoming the Home of Triathlon in West Berkshire.