Diss Cyclathon shortlisted for a national award

Diss Cyclathon has been shortlisted for a national award.

The cycling event, which in June this year saw more than 1,000 people of all ages take to the country lanes around Diss and enjoy cycling-related entertainment and refreshments in the park, has now come to the attention of one the country’s largest cycling organisations, Cycling UK.

Diss Cyclathon, which began three years ago, has been shortlisted, as one of three, for Cycling UK’s Volunteer Awards as: ‘Best Cycling Event’

Alan Franks, one of the organisers, said "We’re flattered and somewhat amazed that we’ve been shortlisted for this award by Cycling UK.

"What we have tried to do with the Cyclathon is get as many people out on their bikes as we can. We’re so blessed in Norfolk and Suffolk to have beautiful lanes to cycle around and it’s great to see so many people enjoy them.

"The Cyclathon is also run by volunteers on a not for profit basis and we’ve raised over £30,000 in the three years for local charities and good causes.

"These range from donating to great local charities like East Anglia Air Ambulance to making sure every paper boy and girl had a free bike service and safety gear before the winter set in.

"That a major national organisation like Cycling UK is even aware of us is amazing but to have shortlisted us for an award is truly humbling."

Diss Cyclathon will compete against two other volunteer-led events for the title, which will be announced at Cycling UK’s Big Bike Celebration on Saturday October 6, in Harrogate, Yorkshire.