More than 23,000 people are now members of British Cycling – the highest number of members the organisation has seen for 40 years.

Clay said: “There is no doubt that cycle sport – and British Cycling – are on the up at the moment.”

And the reasons for the boom in numbers? “Several factors have come together to help cycling grow recently,” Clay explained. “The Great Britain Cycling Team is enjoying unprecedented levels of success, we have a healthy programme of races at events at all levels and cycling in general is enjoying a high profile.”

Members of the organisation get high street discounts, bike and travel insurance deals and access to a database of coaches, as well as access to member-only areas of www.britishcycling.org.uk.