Established in 1979 by two erstwhile Deal cyclists, Mike Artis and Barry Loveridge, Velo Club Deal had modest success throughout the early years, but it was only in the 1990's that the club really came to notice in Kent cycling events and beyond.

It became one of the most progressive cycling clubs in the country, and so it is today. Early recognition of the club came principally through Malcolm Whitehead who began to compete in both Time Trials and Road Races. His enthusiasm for cycling was infectious and he inspired many others to greater things. He finished seventh in the 1994 British BAR Championships and was second in the National 12 hour event. Later he was to become the National 24 hour Champion. He remains as competitive today as he was then.

The high point in the club's success was in 1995 when VC Deal was the BBAR National Championship team, the most prestigious team award in the time trial calendar. Malcolm led the trio which included Tim Bayley and Andy Proffit.

VC Deal soon had a top youngster in its ranks, with young David Williams from Nonnington catching the attention by winning the National Junior 10 mile Championship and taking third place in the 25-mile event. So started the long association with the younger riders.

Many other riders have come and gone, each performing to impressive standards and ensuring the good name of the club went from strength to strength. However, many of those who played their part in the rise of the club still remain. In particular, the continuity of committee members and personal dedication of individuals in the club has helped foster this success.

The club continues to offer much to cyclists of all ages and abilities. From the still burgeoning ranks of youngsters under Richard Wood and his team, to the seniors and veterans in all disciplines of the sport. The varied weekly training rides continue to attract many, as do the training races at Lydden on Tuesday evenings. The future also offers much, with the Betteshanger development on the horizon!

If you require any information on any aspect of VC Deal, then please contact us.

Be part of a winning team!

Ian Ferrell

Chairman

VC Deal has been fortunate in securing several sponsors over the last few seasons, all of whom have contributed to the success of the club as a whole and it's individual members.

Activ, the sponsors of this website, have unofficially been associated with us for many years, always providing our members with a good deal and supporting in all sorts of ways the activities of our younger riders. We are pleased that for the first time this year that arrangement has been formalised and Activ are now registered with British Cycling as a club sponsor. All members still get the same good deals as they have for many years, but Activ are also providing more direct support to the VC Deal/Hammonds/Activ MTB team.

Our only whole club cash sponsor is, and has been for several seasons, Hammonds of Dover.

George Hammond PLC has been at the forefront of shipping activities in the English Channel and the North Sea since the company was established in 1767. Still a privately owned business, George Hammond PLC successfully combines the strengths that such traditions bring with sound strategic planning, investment in people and technology and the development of key business areas which cater for their client's needs.

Today the company is based in Dover and employs around 200 members of staff. Attracted to us initially by our Youth ethos and the obvious good we do for so many of the young people in the Dover area, this philanthropic company has put several thousand pounds into VC Deals coffers, some of it still there to provide the club with a sound financial base, but a sizeable amount already paid out to defray some of the costs of competing for many of our members who have taken part in National events and turned in performances that have raised the profile of the Club.

Also contributing a great deal is our great friend Peter Murphy, the U.K. agent for our clothing manufacturer Nico Sport. Ever enthusiastic and a committed supporter of the club and particularly the efforts of Richard Wood to bring the youngsters on , Pete provides us with probably the best value for money club clothing in the U.K.

Through it's connections VC Deal has also managed to secure for it's members special discount offers with Science in Sport (SIS) Sports nutrition products, and Harry Rowland, renowned as one of the best producers of hand built wheels in the country.