The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships start this week, and we are so excited to share some brilliant stories from our amazing cycling community, all connected in some way to the Championships.
To kick us off, we hear from Ash Armstrong, a coach at Ythan Cycling Club in Grampian. Ash is volunteering at the Championships and has a very cool role! We were really keen to hear about what she’s most looking forward to at the Championships and her tips about getting involved as a volunteer in cycling.
Thank you Ash and we wish you an awesome time at the UCI Cycling World Championships!
Club:
Ythan CC
Position within club:
Club Coach for the under 16s members, our QL (Quines ’n’ Loons) Club
How long have you been involved with your cycling club?
I began helping with the club a few years ago, as I wanted to get back into coaching after a long break. I was working with Sustrans delivering activities with schools in the Ellon Area and made sense to help out with the club coaching as well.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with your club?
It get’s me out the house regularly and I enjoy sharing my love of bikes with the younger generation. I learn best from doing so working with the other volunteers helps me develop my own coaching practice. My club encourages me to be myself and the younger members seem to enjoy my energetic sessions, especially if we get the Sender ramps out for some airtime!
What is your role during UCI Cycling World Championships?
I will be supporting the Urban Cycling Events at Glasgow Green, primarily BMX Freestyle. My role is Sports Information Team Member, helping athletes, officials and team managers with sport specific queries and guidance, ensuring a smooth process for them during the competition.
What are you most looking forward to at the UCI Cycling World Championships?
I’m excited to be part of something never done before, and to show our visitors how awesome Glasgow – and Scotland – is. I have many friends involved in BMX from around the world, and most of them I last saw more than a decade ago. I will be looking forward to witnessing in person the progress of BMX freestyle (particularly women’s) has come since I first began riding. I am proud to be able to welcome, support and encourage all the individuals behind the scenes and the athletes themselves.
What advice would you give anyone who is interesting in getting involved with volunteering in Cycling?
Definitely get in touch with your local club. Be confident that you have something valuable to bring to the club, as having a mix of abilities, perspectives and disciplines will bring a richness to the coaching & values of a club. There is no need to worry about ‘fitting in’ just a shared love of wheeling around!