A fledgling Angus cycling club has started 2018 on a roll by passing the 100-member mark within just six months of being set up.
Montvélo Cycling Club now boasts a roll call of 103 local members after the Montrose group saddled up for the first time in late July to fill a gap which existed locally.
The concept was initially thought about by club chairman Andy Inglis after he started taking part in a number of sportif and CX racing events.
Noticing a sense of belonging from other clubs, be it with club kit or social support, Andy said he felt there was a gap in the Montrose area and grabbed the opportunity to establish Montvelo CC.
The club is now official and affiliated with British Cycling, with the roles of chairman, secretary and treasurer filled by Andy Inglis, Julian Foley and Douglas Glen respectively.
Working alongside the volunteer committee they hope to grow membership and give people the confidence to take up cycling as an active and social activity.
Andy said: “We want to be recognised as a club that promotes inclusivity.
“We want people to feel welcome no matter their skill level, gender or age, encouraging more people to take up cycling locally.”
The club kit was inspired by the local colours of red, blue and white and also gives a nod to the local Montrose motto Mare Ditat Rosa Decorat — the sea enriches, the rose adorns.
The club’s end of year social evening also saw the first trophies handed out in what it is hoped will become an annual tradition.
The awards included: Best young rider — Blair Warden, most improved female — Teresa-Katharina Buchan , most improved male — Craig Herd, club ambassadors — Barrie Craig, Scott Murray and Gordon Paterson; club entertainer — Billy Muir, special recognition — Erik Porter.
The club meets for weekly rides on a Sunday morning at 9am and Wednesday evening at 6.30pm, both leaving from the Lidl car park in Montrose.
Annual membership costs £20 and includes a number of local discounts.
As well as enjoying local training and social rides, members are signing up for events across the world representing Montvelo CC in 2018 including Paris-Roubaix, the Etape Caledonia and the Scottish Cyclocross series.
For more details join the club’s Facebook group or email montvelocc@hotmail.com.
