How did it all start?
The Maindy Flyers Youth Cycling Club was established in 1996. In collaboration with Maindy Leisure Centre, senior cycling clubs decided that all riders under the age of 16 would be directed to the Maindy Flyers Club. This ensured they could train and race in a safe, traffic-free, youth-specific environment. Once they turned 16, these riders would return to the senior clubs as fit, competent, and enthusiastic cyclists, ready to train and compete alongside adults.
The club’s first coaches, Debbie Wharton and Derek Williams, developed the original structure and timetable for training. Cardiff Council funded the purchase of track bikes, while Derek assembled a collection of road bikes, thus bringing the Maindy Flyers Club to life.
Within a year, the club had over 20 members, including riders who went on to win numerous Welsh, British, and World Championships.
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A Hub for Young Cyclists
The Maindy Flyers Cycle Club is designed to provide a comprehensive training program for children and teenagers with a simple mission in mind: to nurture a love for cycling and to develop the skills and confidence of young riders. With training sessions held on the 460-meter outdoor velodrome and regular road rides, the Flyers offer a versatile and more importantly, safe platform for kids to get into cycling.
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From beginners to advanced riders, the club’s programs are designed to cater to various skill levels. Young riders receive coaching that emphasises not only technical skills but also physical fitness, tactical understanding, and sportsmanship. The supportive environment encourages children to push their limits while having fun.
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A hotbed of champions
The Maindy Flyers’ reputation as a launchpad for cycling talent is well-deserved. Among the club’s most famous riders, is Geraint Thomas, the Olympic Gold Medal Winner in the Team Pursuit in Beijing in 2008 and again in London 2012. He also won the Tour de France in 2018 and came 2nd in the Giro d Italia in 2023. ‘G’ began his cycling journey with the Flyers, honing his skills on the same tracks that future generations of cyclists now use. His achievements on the world stage will forever be a source of inspiration for the club’s young members.
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Other notable Flyers include both Elynor and Zoe Backstedt. Both sisters have shown exceptional talent and versatility, achieving national, European and world championship results in track, road racing, TT and cyclo-cross.
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Volunteers
The Maindy Flyers’ success is underpinned by the dedication of its volunteers. Coaches, parents, and former members all contribute to the club’s operations, creating a nurturing environment for young cyclists. This volunteer-driven model ensures that the club remains accessible and affordable, allowing more children to participate in the sport. The club’s community spirit extends beyond the track with regular social events, fundraising activities, and community outreach programs. This supportive network not only enhances the cycling experience but also helps to build lifelong friendships.
The future of Maindy centre
As the Maindy Flyers continue to grow, their commitment to developing young cycling talent remains steadfast. However, there are plans for facility upgrades in the pipeline… Cardiff Council’s cabinet has approved the proposal to exchange land at Maindy Park with land at Caedelyn Park in Rhiwbina. If sanctioned, Maindy Velodrome, the starting point of 2018 Tour champion Geraint Thomas’s career, will be demolished, with a new track proposed to be build in Cardiff bay. The club believes the proposed new site will not benefit youth cycling, the wider cycling community, or the sport’s success in Cardiff. They also doubt it will match the quality of Maindy, especially given the current economic climate, which has supported the club’s contributions to the sport’s successes.
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How to join
The Flyers’ success has not gone unnoticed, with increasing interest from young cyclists across Wales and the UK. The club’s future looks bright as it continues to inspire the next generation of riders, instilling in them the values of hard work, dedication and a love for cycling. For more information on the Maindy flyers, please visit their website
