Coach named Unsung Hero of the Year at British Cycling Awards
A cycling coach from Stockton was overcome with emotion after rubbing shoulders with the sport's elite at the 2025 British Cycling Awards, presented by Lloyds.
Stephen Newton, 58, was the recipient of the Unsung Hero of the Year Award at this year's event, after growing his adaptive cycling sessions across the north east of England. The British Cycling Awards are an annual event to recognise and celebrate the achievements of members, volunteers, clubs and riders across the UK, with the 2025 event hosted amongst glitz and glamour at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel.
Newton was one of several big winners on the night and noted his excitement in adding to his awards cabinet at such a prestigious event.
"I'm thrilled, I've won about three or four of these awards now and it really shows just how popular the work has become and how much it is appreciated," he said. "When a big organisation like British Cycling recognises you it is such a big achievement.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of this event. I'm quite speechless, it's hard to sum it up."
Newton has run accessible cycling sessions for disabled riders at Stockton Wheelers Cycling Club over the past four years, and this year, saw his efforts expand to provide cycling sessions for SEND schools and adults during the week.
"We started off with those Saturday afternoons but from March to October this year I've started running sessions through the week for special needs schools and adult support groups," he added. "We have been fully booked for the latter end of the year, with people ringing up and emailing to ask to join.
“It just shows that there is a huge demand for accessible cycling."
After receiving the accolade in Manchester, Newton was already bursting at the seams to get back to work and continue catering to the increased demand for his sessions. And with plans to get the local authorities on board, Newton is excited to see just how far he can go.
"I'm excited to get back to it next year with the sessions," he said. "We're always trying to attract new volunteers and get new bikes in but you've also got to think about the sessions themselves.
"I really want to hopefully get some funding from the local authority and make the sessions a regular thing. The plan is to try and put us in a positions where we're able to put on these sessions for years to come."
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