A NEWPORT man who started a city-wide social cycling club to get residents on their bikes has won a regional cycling award and been shortlisted for another.

John Wheat, 46, from Ringland, started Newport Social Cycling Club as part of the national Goskyride and Sky Ride Local initiatives, to encourage residents aged nine to 80 to start cycling for the benefit of their health.

Mr Wheat, who has 30 years' cycling experience and is also a first responder, won the Wales, South West and South regional 'Unsung Hero' award from British Cycling and Goskyride.

"The awards target the grass roots of cycling, behind the scenes," explained Mr Wheat, who works in Screwfix in Maesglas and was nominated by two members of the cycling group and his area manager, before being shortlisted among 24 others.

He then beat two others to win the region and is one of six regional winners across the UK, taking home a ticket to the UCI World Championship Track Cycling event in Manchester.

"It's not really about the prize though, it's about recognition of what I do," he said. "We have 84 members and my role is all voluntary. My wife and two children come out with me and pick other other children and take them out with us.

"It's not a race, it's not a league, it's for the health benefits," he said.

Now Mr Wheat has been shortlisted for the 2013 USN Welsh Cycling Awards, which also celebrate the unsung heroes and champions of cycle sport in Wales.

His nomination is in the Cycling Innovation category, for setting up the Newport Social Cycling network, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony on October 4, at the De Vere Village Hotel, Cardiff.

"I feel like Sir Brad," joked Mr Wheat.

This week's Newport Social Cycling Club ride takes in the Gwent Levels and will leave Newport Velodrome at 11am.

The club specialises in small family rides for everyone ranging from six miles to 34 miles in length and rides once a month to Cardiff. Children are welcome, but must wear a helmet.