Mark Stewart has taken the wheels of the Tamworth Cycle Club.
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Stewart was at the clubs recent annual general meeting elected to lead a new-look committee.
He succeeds Sam Spokes, who declined the opportunity to take up a second term as president, as he plans to be living and racing in Europe in 2017
Speaking at the agm, Spokes said the club has grown significantly over the past year, and that he has been pleased to see the development of cycling, not only at the top levels, but across social racing and rides as well.
“We saw some great individual results across all ages and levels, but the most enjoyable part of this year for me personally has been seeing so many new faces in the club and watching riders of all levels enjoy racing their bikes,” Spokes said.
![Changes: New president Mark Stewart (left) with outgoing president Sam Spokes and board members Luke O'Connor, Joe Kelly and Rob Wright. Changes: New president Mark Stewart (left) with outgoing president Sam Spokes and board members Luke O'Connor, Joe Kelly and Rob Wright.](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/ingYyB85ps4jmG9t8mfsHP/c440d031-ad4f-4639-8f33-6174e114ce49.jpg/r180_473_2580_1840_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
He was pleased to hand over the reins over to Stewart, who served as secretary during 2016, and while only relatively new to the sport “loves it”.
“I first started cycling about 20 months ago and just got hooked on it,” he said.
He said he is honoured to take on the president’s role.
“There was a lot of work done to lay the foundations for a stronger, more inclusive club in 2016, and I’m pleased to have the opportunity to step up to the role of president,” Stewart said.
“The cycling community is growing in Tamworth, and the club is keen to see more cyclists signing up for both racing and social events, and supporting the growth of the sport.”
One of the ways the club is looking to encourage more members is by introducing a monthly Sunday social club ride.
“We’re trying to grow the social aspect,” Stewart said.
They have already opened the track and are holding practice nights most nights from 6.30pm.
Anyone is welcome to attend those, as long as they are a club member.
The Sunday criterium races should also be starting up soon around the Goddard Street circuit after council approval came through.
Stewart will be supported by Jeremy Bartlett and David Smith as vice president and treasurer, respectively, after both elected to take up the roles again.
Warren Clark will take over from Stewart as club secretary.
Other new appointments for 2017 include Kathleen and Jeremy Deasey as junior development officers, Rob Wright as race coordinator, and Joe Kelly as club captain, with Min McDonald serving as both publicity officer and women’s cycling coordinator.
Luke O’Connor and Joyce Webster also took up positions as delegates on the board.
Fittingly, the last action of the outgoing 2016 board was the nomination of club member Al Bower for life membership for his tireless dedication to the club over more than 20 years.
Bower has acted in a number of roles, and has been widely recognised across the cycling community for his consistent and selfless service both while his own children were active junior members, and for many years afterward.