At the start of 2020, we were really proud of the recruitment and additions to the team ahead of an ambitious season. Along with new riders, we also had taken on more events than ever before and managed with the momentum to secure some new sponsors who would invest into our vision and passion for local competitive cycling!

Diamond Pro-Cure therapy, NamedSport, LocalIQ, CAMS & EquiSupplies joined our rooster of sponsors alongside continuing supporters Weeman Coaching, Bike Fit Swindon and Met Helmets. We launched a new kit, manufactured by AGU – a massive European company distributing cycling goods alongside their top-notch custom cycling kit across the European market place! Designed by Team online Coordinator and company Marketing Manager Stephen Mitchell and Swindon Cycles store manager Graham Terrett.

I loved the previous design, it looked smart but very template based. I have a lot of experience designing clothing, team kits and felt that Team Swindon Cycles, TSC, needed to rebrand and really embody the shop they represent! AGU were great, I gave them the concepts and they really brought the kit to life – we are really proud of what we came up with!

– Stephen wrote

After the initial kit launch, happy riders getting out during Spring getting in the training we were struck with the devastating pandemic that we continue to live with, Coronavirus – Covid19. Competitive cycling, sport in general can only take place when it is safe to do so for all involved – we all know this, lives are far greater than podiums but the dissappointment felt after long winter training schedule’s was felt throughout the cycling community and whilst competitive cyclings was paused through out the amateur – Pro ranks and events, the cycling community grew simply via participation. The governments advice through months of strict lockdowns was to maintain some form of personal exercise, through walking or cycling.

After pushing back the calendar; the pro’s starting their racing season in the summer but the amateur levels would be months behind. Finally, we were able to see the first competitive debut of the TSC X AGU jersey in July at the Latton 10 a local TT event that we help to organise and also aim to win every year! This year, due to the COVID19 implications the capacity in which the three main organising clubs (Swindon Road Club, Swindon Wheelers CC and TSC) had to be changed, TSC were given specific roles to perform so the series could go ahead each week. Graham & Dennis were given the duty of the far round about marshal duty – not only ensuring the riders made it through the turn safely but also inspiring them onto the miles ahead! Both TSC coordinators received lots of praise for their enthusiasm at the turn through out the series!

The team rode to a deserved overall Second place in the team classification!

During the TT series, September 12th saw the Team Swindon Cycles – supported by the Wheelers – Hill Climbing event, hosted and organised by TSC Rider Nick Lowe. The day started off with some bad news due to a diversion on the M4 taking commuters through the course route, although the organisers took the decision that the course wasn’t congested enough to cancel the race and proceeded on with the day of climbing!

The event saw 53 riders flock from local and further distances – the course rides the UH60A & UH60B roads. Andrew Feather and Bexy Dew powered their way to winning positions! The event saw ex hill climbing UK National champions, local cycling speedsters and general climbing enthusiasts gather to battle with the 17% gradient second side of the double header.

Riders made the trip locally and from a far – some from places like Solihull & London districts. The day went really well; seemingly without any issues – although the M4 had a diversion and we did experience a higher level of traffic than we would expect to see usually on this road. However; with spectators on the verges, all socially distanced I will add and the riders on the road all the commuters were respectful of the event and the riders safety! All credit to Nick, for organising a great event alongside help from local club Swindon Wheelers

Store Manager Graham Terrett

2020 has been an odd year, with highs and lows we’d say ‘worrying and uncertain’ best describe it. But with respect to our goals as a competitive cycling club, we feel it has been a successful year and we look forward to 2021, hopefully with getting back to a sense of normality and usual understanding of the normal cycling season. Along with prospects of further events which we are running, further individual racing goals and our combined team focus on the Latton 10.

Join us. Follow the racing like you’re there, behind the bars – wearing the jersey.

Team Swindon Cycles #JustRide