WALES' biggest cycling stars have been honoured at tonight’s 2013 USN Welsh Cycling Awards, a glittering ceremony in Cardiff to celebrate the success of athletes, clubs, and volunteers from across Wales over the last 12 months.

Geraint Thomas MBE was awarded elite cyclist of the year for his achievements in the 2013 season.

Thomas began the year with an overall victory in the Tour Down Under, and this summer rode the 100th edition of the Tour de France with a fractured pelvis to help Chris Froome to victory as Team Sky’s second Tour winner.

Abergavenny’s Becky James received outstanding performance of the year for her world class performance at the 2013 UCI Track World Championships where she became the first Briton to win four medals at one championship event.

With more than 30 years’ experience in organising and promoting cycling events in Wales, Bill Owen, of Monmouthshire, was honoured for his efforts with the lifetime contribution to cycling in Wales.

Owen is the man behind the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling, an event that attracts Britain’s best riders to the market town year on year.

In 2013, the festival encompassed the Elite Circuit Series, Premier Calendar, the Iron Mountain Sportif and Wales’ first Paracycling Grand Prix.

Other winners at this year’s ceremony included Stephen Lane, coach and co-ordinator at Abergavenny Road Club who picked up coach of the year.

Abergavenny Road Club was also named club of the year.

The cycling Innovation award went to John Wheat of Newport Social Cycling Network.

Becky James’ sisters Ffion (Youth A) and Megan (Youth B), who both ride for Abergavenny Road Club were champions in the Wiggle Project 2018.

And paracyclist of the year was Tredegar’s Mark Colbourne MBE.