Commonwealth riders bolster GVC committee

GUERNSEY'S two Commonwealth Games cyclists from last year have taken up vital roles on the Velo Club's committee. President David Harry was delighted to announce that Paul Brehaut was the new coaching

co-ordinator and that Ann Bowditch was now development officer for the club.

'It's a good committee and what's nice is that we have got some new people on it - people who are still riding at a high level - and they will be able to bring better inside knowledge, perhaps, than those of us who no longer ride,' said Harry.

'It is the first time the Velo Club has had two experienced riders on the committee who have been to the Commonwealth Games recently. They are good captures.

'Coaching co-ordinator is an important post and Paul is very good at inspiring people and he has got his own ideas to bring to the role.

'Miles Preece was our last development officer but he went to live in Wales last summer so we have needed one for a while and Ann is an excellent person to have,' he added.

Brehaut said that it was a good time to be involved on the committee and his initial focal point would be the youngsters.

'I will be focusing on the kids with Ann in her role as

development officer,' he said.

'What I would like to do is get the kids away more often to compete against different levels of riders. That is the first aim for this year and if we could achieve it, it will be a successful year but obviously it's down to money.'

The Island Games medallist is particularly excited by the potential there is

currently in the youth ranks.

'There is a lot of talent on the island. When the British Cycling Federation scouts came over recently, they were blown away by it,' Brehaut said.

'Obviously, we have got people like Jimmy Carling, who is a bit of a star at the moment, and all the kids want to get where he is. There is a good buzz at the moment in mountain biking and if we could get that to cross over to the roads, it would be great.

'It is a good time to take on a role like this and I think I can put something back into the sport that I have got so much out of,' he added.

One new element has been brought in, which recommends that people stay in the same committee post for only three years.

'I have always thought it much better for people to move around and not get stuck in one job for too long,' Harry said.

'I was very pleased with it all. We seem to have some enthusiasm back and that counts for an awful lot.'