TWO West Fife cycling clubs have received some wheely-good news in the shape of more than £30,000 worth of investment from sportscotland.

Dunfermline Cycling Club, and the Carnegie Cyclones, have been awarded 'Direct Club Investment' from the national agency of sport to help with the appointment of club coaches, and diversifying club memberships.

The National Lottery funded programme, which distributes cash directly to clubs will allow them to contract new coaches for 10 hours per week; develop and deliver new school, community and club sessions; new term time sessions and holiday programmes; and new sessions for females.

Both the Cyclones, who introduce youngsters aged from 7-15 to a range of disciplines such as road, cyclocross, mountain biking, BMX and track riding, and Dunfermline Cycling Club are aiming to work together to maximise the use of Fife Cycle Park, a new outdoor, closed-loop circuit that will be the first of its kind in Scotland when it opens between Lochgelly and Lochore later this month.

Fife Council and Scottish Cycling will play a significant part in the roll out of the new sessions, which will focus on creating a sporting pathway in West Fife, while the clubs will work directly with community groups and organisations – particularly Active Schools – to support budding young cyclists in joining the Cyclones and progressing onwards to Dunfermline Cycling Club if they wish.

Scott Hutchinson, Dunfermline Cycling Club's chairperson, said: "Thanks to sportscotland's Direct Club Investment, we can now deliver our programme which will help make club cycling more accessible to all and encourage participation, be it recreational or competitive.

"Working in close partnership with the Carnegie Cyclones, this funding will really allow both clubs to take our coaching to the next level, providing a clear development pathway for cyclists of all ages.

"We're very excited about the future of cycling in Fife and are very grateful to sportscotland, Scottish Cycling and Fife Council for their support throughout."

The investment will also be used to improve the quality and quantity of volunteer coaches, including increasing the female coaching team to inspire the next generation of female cycling champions, as well as signposting individuals who are interested in becoming coaches, helping them with the process.

Craig Burn, CEO of Scottish Cycling, commented: "Scottish Cycling is delighted by the news that Dunfermline Cycling Club and Carnegie Cyclones Club have received funds from the Direct Club Investment scheme.

"The clubs have put a huge amount of work into securing this investment with the ambition of providing long-term, sustainable cycling opportunities for all.

"Our recent success at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games is sure to inspire many to get on their bikes, and with fantastic facilities like Fife Cycle Park and engaged, skilled volunteers, these clubs are sure to thrive."

Stewart Harris, sportscotland chief executive, added: "We are delighted to be investing in Dunfermline Cycling Club and Carnegie Cyclones Club as part of our Direct Club Investment scheme.

"The clubs will help support the cycling community in the area for years to come and provide opportunities to cycle for all ages and abilities.

"Cycling is in a great place at the moment in Scotland and Scottish Cycling continues to do great work to encourage more people to take up the sport."

To find out more about the Cyclones or Dunfermline Cycling Club, find them on Facebook or visit www.cyclones.org.uk or www.dunfermlinecc.com.