Hartlepool man recognised for volunteering efforts at British Cycling Awards in Manchester
A Hartlepool cycling enthusiast has been recognised for his commitment to the sport and his community at an awards ceremony.
Adam Brooks, 40, won the Volunteer Coach of the Year award at the 2025 British Cycling Awards in Manchester, which is an annual event that recognises and celebrates the achievements of members, volunteers, clubs and riders across the UK.
Adam received the award for his hard work helping people cycle in the North East, committing himself to countless hours of coaching and helping rebuild key facilities in the region including Summerhill Cycle Circuit, off Catcote Road, in Hartlepool, and Middlesbrough Velodrome.
Adam said: “It’s fantastic, and a bit overwhelming I suppose. It's a brilliant place that we're in.
"I was invited last year for a different reason, but I couldn't make it. Coming this year just to see what it's all about is great.
“I think it's amazing for volunteers to be invited to these things to be rewarded.
"I think sometimes volunteers go unnoticed in quite a lot of areas, so it's really nice to be recognised.
“You give up a lot of time, and you take on other people’s stress. It can be a lot. But things like this help. They remind you it's all worth it. I’m really proud.”
Adam also runs the North East Cycling Academy and set up Manilla Cycling Club.
He said: “I take most pride from seeing the overall development of the riders and seeing how much progress we're making in our region.
“Seeing riders progress over the last five or six years, and the development they're making, riders going from grassroots to learning to ride, to some riders going onto the world tour teams this year is great.
"It's just to have a little part to play.”
Adam is looking forward to continuing his work in the local community to help the sport grow further.
He said: “One personal ambition is to help a kid from a non-cycling background – someone whose family has no involvement in the sport – progress all the way through. That would be a proud moment.
"That’s the kind of impact I’d love to have.”