ALTON Cycling Club (ACC) is tapping into the wonders of modern technology to hold group rides and social events while adhering to the UK’s coronavirus lockdown rules.

People all over the UK are adapting their working, family and social lives during the Covid-19 crisis – and Alton’s burgeoning cycling community is no different.

With riding in groups currently prohibited and the club’s busy schedule of competitive events postponed indefinitely, many club members have resorted to riding and racing together in the virtual world.

The indoor cycling app Zwift allows players to ride their bikes on stationary trainers while navigating through a variety of virtual worlds, with the option of ‘meeting up’ with other users on social rides or in races.

ACC members are using the app to maintain friendly rivalries that are usually played out on the road during time trials and races.

It’s also business as usual for the ACC committee, which is holding regular meetings using remote conferencing apps including Skype and Zoom.

Meanwhile, the club is using video communication services to maintain its busy schedule of club social events, which include talks, photo exhibitions, bicycle maintenance sessions and much more.

Guy Henshaw, chairman of Alton Cycling Club, said: “This time of year usually sees our club’s activities ramp up as the racing season gets into full swing. However, with the Covid-19 lockdown in place, we are having to find new ways of staying fit and connected.

“Some of our club members are racing each other online and rubbing virtual shoulders with some of the pro riders like Chris Froome.

“We have video club nights and have also started sharing daily ‘where am I’ photos of our local solo rides.

In support of Hampshire Hospitals, we have also donated from club reserves and our members’ generosity over £1,200 so far to buy Covid-19 care equipment.”

Once the coronavirus restrictions are lifted, ACC will resume its calendar of events and competitions.

The club is also planning to officially unveil a fresh kit design, a series of new sponsorship tie-ups, and a dedicated racing team competing in events sanctioned by British Cycling.