Local cycling group celebrates success of group members

11 Nov 2026

Local cycling group, West Suffolk Wheelers, have established a successful cyclo-cross offer thanks to support from West Suffolk Council.

The West Suffolk Wheelers first approached the council about utilising an area of West Stow Country Park for a cyclo-cross race in 2018. Following the success of this event, the club began to host annual races at the park, which led to them seeking and gaining permission from the council to maintain and use the area on a regular basis.

Since establishing a permanent course in 2024, West Suffolk Wheelers now offer specific training sessions and have seen interest in cyclo-cross grow resulting in them creating a new WULF membership. This allows members of other clubs to join the Wheelers for a small fee to use the course. In the last year the club have gained 56 extra members, with the under 18 section growing from only one member to 15. Interest extends beyond the local area, with members who live as far as Chelmsford, Cambridge, Kings Lynn and Sheringham joining.

Chris, Wulf Skills group attendee said: “'Indi, my 11-year-old daughter, and I have both been using the Wulf skills area regularly at West Stow country park to get ready for the 26/27 cyclocross season. Our first introduction to the area was through racing cyclocross at West Stow Country Park and meeting members of the West Suffolk Wheelers.

“We found the area to have all the features used in many cyclo-cross events, including stairs, sand, hills and varying riding surfaces. It has been great to have something like this in our local area and has been beneficial for to us both to be able to practice off season.

“The coaching sessions we have attended have been an asset to us, great fun, structured and training with like-minded riders.”

The cyclo-cross area provides a 1.6-mile circuit of off-road tracks which are cut and maintained by volunteers from West Suffolk Wheelers. Whilst only members of the cycling club can ride their bikes on the course, anyone else visiting is able to enjoy the tracks to wander and explore more of the fawn and fauna at the country park.

Cllr Ian Shipp, Cabinet Member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council said: “This is a great example of how the council can work with local groups for the benefit of the wider community. Enabling West Suffolk Wheelers to use and maintain what was once a disused area of West Stow has broadened what the park has to offer. Drawing in residents and visitors to explore the outdoors and exercise, whether that be by bike or foot, has enormous benefits to people’s health and wellbeing.

“I would like to thank West Suffolk Wheelers for their dedication and efforts at West Stow. It is clear their training sessions and events are enjoyed by people of all ages from far and wide, providing a unique experience for skills development and a thriving community.”

Karl Hale, Wulf Course Manager at West Suffolk Wheelers added:
“The attendees really make this club so special, from our West Suffolk Wheelers to our Wulf under 18s, we believe we’ve created a space for riders and spectators to enjoy, improve skills, and gain confidence.

“We’ve since been asked to host the Regional Championships in 2027; this is such an honour for the club to be asked to hold this prestigious event, as it reinforces that we host suitable facilities, infrastructure and an excellent challenge.”

More information on memberships and sessions can be found via West Suffolk Wheelers - Join us

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