A Brief History of Our Club

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

Newbury Velo Cycling Club was founded in November 2019 by Glen Knight, Rachael Elliot, Chris Bolton, Charlie Elsey, and Ian Greenstreet, launching at Banjo Cycles. The founders envisioned a modern, inclusive club that would break from traditional cycling club constraints. By 2020, it had become West Berkshire's largest cycling club, recognizable by its distinctive pink and blue kit.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the club innovated to maintain momentum. It became the first in the country to host COVID-safe competitive cycling events, including Club, Open, and National time trials. The club established Velo Quests for solo and family riding, and expanded its presence on Zwift, becoming one of few clubs with custom kit available on the platform.

The club's growth brought specialized initiatives: the Steelie Section for vintage bicycle enthusiasts, and a groundbreaking tandem project. Initially led by Glen and Rachael, then developed by Kevin Hurley, the tandem project enables blind and partially sighted people to experience cycling. This initiative contributed to the club achieving British Cycling's Limitless Focus Club status in 2024.

Today, Newbury Velo influences regional cycling policy through the West Berkshire Cycling Forum. It champions accessibility through women-only rides, maintenance events, and comprehensive coaching for all ages. The club's tiered approach to group rides accommodates all abilities, centered around their popular coffee rides.

Most recently, Newbury Velo has become West Berkshire's Home of Triathlon, continuing its tradition of breaking boundaries while maintaining its founding principles of inclusivity, community, and cycling passion.

  • Rachael Elliott

    Founding Member, Former Secretary, Chair and current Race Secretary, inducted 2023

    Newbury Velo was formed as a result of Rachael and four others breaking away from another cycling club and deciding to set up a club that broke the mould of a traditional cycling club. Together they created a vision of a family-friendly club that welcomed a diverse membership, coached children, and was accessible to anyone who rode a bike.

    Having established the Club at the end of 2019, Rachael and the Club's first committee kept the community intact through Covid. They pioneered safe cycling events, becoming the first club in the country to host competitive rides under Covid-Safe regulations. This innovative approach led to Newbury Velo hosting several National TT races and growing its membership despite widespread activity restrictions. Through strategic leadership and adaptability, Newbury Velo quickly established itself as the largest cycling Club in Newbury.

    The strong foundations laid during these challenging early days created an enduring legacy, with Newbury Velo emerging as a blueprint for modern cycling clubs that prioritise inclusivity, family participation, and diverse cycling interests. This forward-thinking approach has continued to shape the club's development and success.

  • Kevin Hurley

    Former Secretary, interim Chair and second Club President. Life Member, inducted 2024

    Creator of the innovative Owl Rides, a concept that embodied social cycling and adventure. As a passionate ride leader, Kevin consistently supports cyclists of all skill levels, helping to nurture a welcoming and supportive Club environment. His establishment of the Steelie Section further showcased his ability to create welcoming and fun filled cycling activites within the cycling community that celebrated specific interests and always included the option of fish & chips at the end of a ride.

    Perhaps most inspirationally, Kevin has led the tandem project since 2023, which provides blind and partially sighted people the opportunity to enjoy cycling, breaking down barriers and creating meaningful cycling experiences for those who might otherwise be excluded from the sport, and laying the foundations for Limitless Focus Club status with British Cycling.

    Through his varied contributions, Kevin didn't just help to build a cycling club, he has played an important role in creating a cycling family, leaving an indelible mark on Newbury Velo. He continues to inspire members, championing accessibility, community, and the pure joy of cycling for everyone, often riding his trusty Mercian or Viscount Aerospace.