Wallbridge returns to the Velo Club hot seat
Seven years on and Gary Wallbridge is back in the top seat of the Guernsey Velo Club.
The cycling stalwart had seemingly stepped down from GVC presidential duties in November 2017, being succeeded by Mark Smith and then Alex Margison, but the latter’s completion of the full three-year term meant a replacement was needed.
After being re-elected as club president at Monday’s annual general meeting, Wallbridge was quick to praise his fellow committee members.
‘I am very, very fortunate to have a really strong and capable board and committee members around me,’ the GVC veteran said.
As for the current bunch of up-and-coming riders? ‘We have got some good youngsters coming through,’ he added.
But he admits there will be challenges ahead.
He knows that fewer riders than normal are targeting the upcoming Island Games, which take place in Orkney next July.
‘It will be a smaller, younger team for development of those riders.’
This follows the revelation that there will be no road cycling or mountain biking in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games – realistically preventing a Guernsey team from competing.
‘There’s still a huge amount of cycling events to target off-island, but it’s the key ones, the previous targeted events such as the Commonwealth Games and, to a certain extent, the Island Games, that are struggling.’
And so the club are currently planning an off-island racing programme that will suit their aims.
‘We need to continue our focus on the youth, as they are our future, but at the same time provide a pathway for our senior riders to maximise their potential.’
In recent years, the rise of cyclocross in Guernsey has boosted an already thriving off-road scene.
But Wallbridge has highlighted a drop in road racing and would like to see that reversed.
‘Many sections of the club are really strong and in a good place.
‘Cyclocross, mountain biking, enduro and downhill are all really popular, and of course this includes our young riders section the Flyers.
‘However, as is the case in the UK, the road racing is a challenge. There has been decline over the past few seasons and the club is actively looking at how this trend can be reversed.
‘We just need to keep it all together and keep developing the youngsters to give us a steady stream of up-and-coming riders.’
Wallbridge brings a wealth of experience to help steer the club forwards, having served 11 years as president previously.
