Gapped Cycling has been helping popularise and change perceptions of the cycling within the Muslim community in London since 2021.
Founder Juniad Ibrahim, 33, and member Wasim Ismail, 40 were both present as the club was awarded Community Impact Club of the Year at the national event and were thrilled to see so much diversity in the room as cycling continues to expand it’s audience within the UK.
“The evening has been really wonderful,” said Ismail. “Coming to events like this, especially from the efforts that we put in, just puts it into perspective.
“I think it’s been especially great to see the diversity in cycling within the room.
“People from all backgrounds are here to celebrate making cycling accessible for people from all ethnic backgrounds. That’s really important to us.”
The British Cycling Awards are an annual event to recognise and celebrate the achievements of members, volunteers, clubs and riders across the UK, with the 2025 event hosted amongst glitz and glamour at the Manchester Deansgate Hotel.
It meant that Ibrahim and Ismail were able to rub shoulders with the sport’s elite and network with other volunteers and clubs within the community whilst celebrating their own achievements.
“The magic is in cycling and that’s where we are spreading it,” said Ibrahim.
“This award is the icing on the cake for what we do. It is recognition for all the hard work the club have put in.
“Our focus is now about getting more people into cycling and helping them enjoy it just as much as we do.”
Last year saw the launch of the Gapped Race Team, the UK’s first Muslim cycling race team, now competing across the National Circuit Series and continuing to spread their love of the sport.
And with only a couple of years of experience behind them, and so much impact, Ibrahim noted that the sky is the limit for what he hopes to achieve with the club he has so lovingly crafted.
“It’s scary because we’ve only just started and scratched the surface in what we hope to do in cycling and some of the guys have already achieved so much,” he added.
“We’ve only tapped into half a percent of the community, so what happens now when we tap into 10 per cent or 20 per cent.
“What people could achieve and go on to do is mind blowing, so we’re stretching in all directions and going with it.”
Could you develop your skills, meet new people and bring huge impact to your local community through volunteering? Get involved with British Cycling volunteering opportunities at https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/volunteering
