ABOUT
Ely and District Cycling Club is an inclusive and friendly cycling club that has been running since 1970. Our aim is to promote cycling in Ely and East Cambridgeshire.
We are open to anyone who wishes to take up cycling either as a leisure rider or as a more serious athlete. Whatever your ability you will receive a warm welcome in our club.
We have members participating in all aspects of cycling; Road Cycling, Time Trials, CycloCross, Track and Mountain Biking with various organised activities happening throughout the year.
We have an active and growing junior section with regular coaching.
Our History
Following a 60 mile sponsored cycle ride, organised by former members of the Ely City Road Club (which folded on 13th February 1957), it was felt that there was, once again, a need for a cycling club in the City.
A club room with gymnasium facilities was offered by Centre E, the local youth club for Tuesday evenings, with club runs on Sunday mornings. After several meetings the name of the club was settled - Ely & District Cycling Club. Officials were appointed and a set of rules drawn up. Mention must be made here of the help, assitance and guidance of the stalwart of the Newmarket & District CC – Mike Dorling, who has remained a good friend of the club ever since.
For the 1971 season a programme of club trials was drawn up and has continued every year since gradually evolving into the current programme. Subscriptions were fixed at 10/- (50p) for Seniors & 5/- for Juniors. A major expense was saved when the trophies of Ely City Road were passed on to the club, along with the magnificent sum of £1, all that was left of the finances of the old club.
From then til now
From those early days, in 1970, we have developed into the successful club we are today. It's club members, both young and not so young, who make the club what it is, active, friendly and inclusive.
Over the years we have promoted Open Time Trials, then Open Road races and Open Grass Track racing followed. We have promoted national championships first on Grass Track and in June 1994 the Ladies National 25 mile championship on the Chatteris course.
The club has nurtured athletes who have excelled in their sport. A national grass track champion – Mark Zaschke. A world chamption in road racing and time trialling - Alan Newark taking a World Championship gold medal in age related Veterans World Cup events.
Other club members have won area and local titles in all disciplines of our sport.
Just as worthwhile are the many new club members who gain the confidence to start participating in local and regional events for the first time.
The Future
We are particularly proud of our thriving junior section. Club members have set up regular coaching sessions, supported and encouraged juniors to participate in events in all aspects of the sport.
Investing in our juniors will help create the cyclists of the future. Not only promoting lifelong participation in sport but also nurturing talent and producing potential champions.