A HOST of Gwent cycling heroes have been nominated by Welsh Cycling for the 2013 USN Welsh Cycling Awards.

Colin Simmons of Newport Cycle Speedway Club is nominated in the services to commissairing category, while Abergavenny Road Club is up for the club of the year award sponsored by S & D Sealants Ltd.

Bill Owen is nominated for the individual race organiser of the year for his work on the of Abergavenny Festival of Cycling and John Wheat of Newport Social Cycling Network is in the running for the cycling innovation award.

Andrew Storey of Newport Olympic Cycling Club is up for the unsung hero award and Stephen Lane of Abergavenny Road Club is nominated in the coach of the year award sponsored by Craft.

The Colin Thornton Memorial for Welsh junior performance features Amy Hill of Abergavenny Road Club

among the nominees and the paracyclist of the year award could go to Lauren Booth of Newport Youth Velo Cycling Club or Tredegar's recently retired Paralympic gold medalist Mark Colbourne MBE.

Zach Bridges of Newport Olympic Cycling Club is in contention to win the club cyclist of the year gong and Abergavenny's double world champion Becky James is up against Luke Rowe (Team Sky), Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) and Elinor Barker (Team USN) for the elite cyclist of the year prize sponsored by Kilsby and Williams.

James is also nominated in the outstanding performance of the year category sponsored by Cwmtillery Glass Centre.

Chair of Welsh Cycling, Nick Smith said: “We have had a great response from clubs and members in Wales during the nomination process. I know the panel found it difficult when judging due to the high quality of nominations, a testament to the contribution of Welsh Cycling members.

"The group of finalists are a credit to Welsh Cycling, their clubs and fellow members. There are many who didn’t make the final shortlist, but all those nominated should be proud that they have been recognised by the Welsh cycling community for the commitment to the sport.”

The winners will be announced in a ceremony at the De Vere Village Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, October 4. There are still a limited amount of tickets and tables available for the 2013 USN Welsh Cycling Awards, which will include a welcome drinks reception, three course meal, goody bag for all guests and entertainment after the awards presentation. Contact Rebecca Ransom at Welsh Cycling for more information at rebecca.ransom@welshcycling.co.uk or 01633 274691.