Scottish Cycling are thrilled to announce the winner for the 2020 HSBC UK Recreational Cycling Award supported by Digby Brown LLP.
This award celebrates the passion, contribution and commitment of HSBC UK Let’s Ride volunteers, recognising those who lead recreational rides; supporting beginners to intermediate cyclists, families, and/or women only cyclists. For example; Ride Social leaders, Breeze ride leaders, Guided ride leaders.
Shortlisted Nominatees
Laura Nisbet
Laura is a Breeze Champion and Guided Ride Leader in the Scottish Borders, leading rides in Kelso and Jedburgh. In her nominations she was praised for organising friendly, welcoming rides, when COVID restrictions permitted, and keeping people motivated and engaged during lockdowns. Respect and admiration for her efforts shone through in her nominations: “Laura’s energy, kindness and motivation is amazing”, “The atmosphere she creates is amazing” and “Totally committed to getting women on bikes!”
Helen Brown
Helen has been a Breeze Champion since attending the training in Inverness in June 2019. She has organised and led over 30 rides since training, despite the suspension of rides during 2020 and 2021, setting up a Breeze group, the Breezettes, in her local area of Nairn. She is described as “… always cheerful and puts a smile on our faces!” and “… very inclusive and friendly, making each ride a pleasure to be involved with. Helen shows great understanding to everyone’s needs and ability … it is a very special group, guided by a very special person.”
Neil Smith
Neil trained as a Guided Ride Leader in Glasgow in 2018 and since then has built an active group of riders via his East Renfrewshire Guided Ride group. To appeal to a wide group of people Neil has set up taster sessions alongside longer, challenging rides. He was praised for his enthusiasm and dedication to the programme, with one Ride Leader commenting: “Neil helped me to get back leading my own rides after being hit by car when on my bike. He gave me the support and confidence boost I needed by letting me take part in his rides as assistant leader”.
And the winner of the HSBC Recreational Cycling Award announced by Mark Beaumont is...Laura Nisbet
Congratulations to all shortlisted nominees and thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. We were overwhelmed by the quality of nominations are very proud of the cycling community in Scotland for their ongoing commitment to the sport #PowerofSport
