"A most astonishing turnaround"

That was the statement made by Bob Dunkley the head of RN sports associations as he addressed the members gathered at the 2009 AGM recently.

Praise indeed from Bob Dunkley who has supported and assisted the RNRMCA for many years. Bob addressed the audience at the clubs AGM and reminded them that it was only a few years ago that the RNRMCA was almost disbanded as cycling had seemingly had it's day. The turnaround spearheaded by Trevor Blagg with support, has gained momentum over the subsequent years and led to some pretty astonishing results.

Many of these results were celebrated at the meeting and details of nominations for the TT teams National Title coupled with individual successes both on and off road gave evidence that the club is now more than ever definitely alive and kicking.

Individual Awards

With the emphasis on the team effort it cannot be denied that 2009 has seen some amazing individual efforts with some of the top riders devoting a great deal of time and effort to their sport in representing the RN. Many of these athletes were awarded racing kit at the meeting.

Colours Awards

RNRMCA Colours are the most prestigious award open to nominated riders. RNRM Cycling Colours are awarded for outstanding contribution to RNRM Cycling, or exceptionally for participation at National or similar level, which enhances the status of the RNRM. 2009 saw several nominations including Steve McCulley (MTB),  Ben Deakin and Glen Preece (Downhill). Steve has had a phenomenal season representing the club and the two downhill riders took the CSR by storm.

However, it was the road team who took the awards with 2 riders stepping up for the colours award:-

Garry Drew:
A few selective results. National 24hr Team Champions 2009. British Long Distance Best All Rounder Team Champions 2009. British Long Distance Best All Rounder Individual Runner Up tbc 2009. British Best All
Rounder Team Runners Up 2005, 2009. British Best All Rounder Individual 14th 2009 Welsh 12 Hour Team Champions 2005, 2009 Welsh 12 Hour Individual Champion 2006 Welsh 12 Hour Individual Veteran Age Group
40-49 Champion 2009.

Stuart Edwards:
A few selective results. National 24hr Team Champions 2009. National 12hr Team Runners Up 2007 British Long Distance Best All Rounder Team Champions 2009. British Long Distance Best All Rounder Individual - top 5 tbc 2009. British Best All Rounder Team Runners Up 2005, 2009 (and 3rd in 2007). British Best All Rounder Individual 33rd tbc 2009 Welsh 12 Hour Team Champions 2005, 2007, 2009.

Presidents Award

The first award of this prestigious trophy was again a hotly contested event. The Presidents trophy is to be awarded each year to the most improved rider. Runners up this year were Lee Sanderson and Keith Ashby both riders have made significant improvements in their field of Time Trialling this season. However, it was an off road rider whose efforts gained the attention of the President.

Steve McCulley 

Steve has burst onto the cycling scene this season with considerable enthusiasm and ability, he has now
become a very regular competitor at MTB and TT events.  He finished 3rd overall in the Combined Services MTB Cross Country Series, coming second in the Portsmouth Area MTB champs and competing in 15 major MTB events
including 3 British National Series Races and the Welsh and Southern England Champs achieving very creditable results in all, testament to this work is his National ranking of 52 in GB in the Masters Category (undisputedly the most competitive category outside Elite).  Not content with simply racing he also volunteered for the Team Captain role at the
Mountain Mayhem 24 hour event (the most prestigious off-road endurance event in the UK) in which the RNRMCA entered two teams and achieved very impressive results.  For his impressive first year results, dedication to the club and willingness to give up his personal time for the betterment of the Association.

 Steve receives his award from club President Mark Beverstock

Full minutes from the AGM will be posted IDC but don't wait until next year to get involved if you want to represent the RNRMCA next season or simply fancy being part of the fastest growing association in the RNRM then contact a committee member today.

Navy Cycling Hearts of Oak, Legs of Steel.