Gold Badge of honour for Cookson

President Brian Cookson has been awarded British Cycling's prestigious Gold Badge of Honour. The presentation was made at the 2006 British Cycling National Council meeting.

Cookson has been a reassuring presence for staff and members alike, who have warmed to his no-nonsense style and diplomatic skills. He has been a figurehead during a decade of hard work and progress for British Cycling. He is known for his success as a steadying influence.

Back in 1996, Cookson must have wondered what he'd let himself in for when he became a part of the "Emergency Committee" set up to sort out the organisation as it spiraled towards insolvency.

Never afraid to embrace progress, Cookson's leadership of the Executive Board has been characterised by the way he has allowed British Cycling's professional staff the room to operate whilst offering genuine support and, when needed, wise words of advice. His commitment to the cause has been infectious and an inspiration to the many volunteers who underpin the sport in this country. The presidency is an unpaid position for which Cookson volunteers. .

Brian also participates as a cyclist in the sport. He still races on the road in his native Lancashire and has ridden some of the hardest sporting events around the world, including this year's sweltering Etape du Tour. He continues to make his mark as a race organiser - in recent years he has been the driving force behind the Tour of Pendle Road Race.

The Gold Badge of Honour is a special and deserved award for a person who has genuinely made his mark on British Cycling in the last 10 years.