SAM Spokes might be the youngest club president the Tamworth Cycling Club has ever had but the 23-year-old is determined to make it a long and fruitful reign as he pedals, on and off the bike, for more success.
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On Wednesday night Spokes was installed as the Tamworth club’s president at the annual general meeting, replacing outgoing chairman Ray Griffin.
He is part of a new-look, and young, cycling board.
Mark Stewart (secretary) and Dave Smith (treasurer) join him in major positions while his sister, Sara Spokes, and Michael Foster are the other members of the five-person board.
“Mark and Dave are quite new to the club but very enthusiastic,” Sam Spokes said.
“Sara and Michael give us a young board but everyone is enthusiastic and we will be taking the club forward.
“Ray (Griffin) has left it in a good position.”
Griffin is delighted with the way the Tamworth club is shaping up.
“It’s pleasing to see the young generation involved with the club,” he said.
“It’s great they are coming through to have a say and make sure the club progresses.
“Sam has grown up with the club and has a lot of experience there.
“He’ll do a great job. I have great confidence in him.”
Spokes is confident his professional duties with Drapac
Professional Cycling won’t hinder his duties.
This year he rode in Turkey, Europe and the USA with Drapac.
He also finished a close fifth to Heinrich Haussler in the Australian Road Racing Championships, a splendid, tough ride that highlighted Spokes’s courage and riding skills.
He rates that his best result of the year.
He has just had a three week break and has now started back in training for a year that will focus a lot more on Europe.
“Next year will be a bit more of a focus on Europe but I will be based in Tamworth again,” he said.
“Hopefully I’ll be able to combine my riding and the job.
“We had plenty of people interested in doing all the other jobs.
“Cycling has done a lot for me so I thought I’d put my hand up and do this job.
“The good thing is if I am away there will be someone there to voice my opinion and run the meetings.
“And I will be able to talk to dad for advice too.
“He’ll be able to put his two bobs’ worth, maybe four bobs’ worth in too.”
His father, Alan Spokes, is also a former club president and keen bike rider in a club numbering about 80 members.
“Not a bad person to have around,” Sam laughed.
While Spokes is preparing for a dual cycling role over the next 12 months he’s also ready for a major step in his life.
‘I’m getting married next Saturday,” he said.
“It’s the biggest thing. I’m pretty excited about it.”
He and sweetheart Katelyn Loffel will be married at the Powerhouse Hotel next Saturday.
After a honeymoon, Spokeswill be back in the saddle training for his Drapac team.
The 18-man team, which has two European riders and a couple of Americans will have a training camp in Bright, Victoria next month.