COLCHESTER Rovers Cycling Club are making tracks after being awarded British Cycling’s Go-Ride Clubmark status.

The club, which boasts more than 400 members, have joined a select group of cycling clubs across the country to hold the prestigious accreditation.

The Clubmark status, which reflects high standards in welfare, coaching and management, is a universally acknowledged cross sport scheme.

It was introduced by Sport England for community sports clubs, who are required to submit a portfolio of evidence to show that they meet the relevant criteria, including suitably qualified volunteers, regular coaching sessions and club development plans.

Throughout the application process, Rovers demonstrated an environment that ensures member welfare and promotes cycling as a lifelong sport.

First formed in 1891, Colchester Rovers CC hold coaching sessions at grasstrack coaching session through the summer at Shrub End Sports Centre.

It offers young riders an ideal traffic-free cycling venue and the chance to improve bike handling skills and a pathway into cycle sport.

The sessions run on Monday evenings from 6.30pm and take place on fixed wheel bikes – there are a good number of these available to riders on the night.

In autumn, the club begins its Saturday morning cyclocross coaching sessions for youngsters at Hilly Fields nature reserve.

British Cycling Regional Development Manager for the Eastern region Nigel Hampton said: “My congratulations go out to Colchester Rovers on achieving Go-Ride Clubmark status.

"The coaches and volunteers work extremely hard to provide opportunities for young people to get involved in cycling and I look forward to continue supporting them in the future as I’m sure that the club will go on to do great things."

For further information visit colchesterrovers.org.uk while visiti www.britishcycling.org.uk/clubmark for more on British Cycling’s Clubmark accreditation process.