Glasgow-based independent bike shop Billy Bilsland Cycles says it has been “humbled” by the response to news that it loaned bikes to two cyclists from Malawi competing in the Commonwealth Games – and has now decided to make a gift of two Genesis Volare 20 road bikes to the riders.
As we reported on Sunday, the Malawi team took two bikes to the shop to be repaired ahead of competing at Glasgow 2014, but staff decided the riders deserved better and lent them top-of-the range road and time trial bikes for the event.
In a post on Facebook yesterday, the business, founded by former pro Bill Bilsland who competed in the 1968 Commonwealth Games, said: “We have been humbled by the amount of interest our small gesture has generated. We have decided to donate the 2 Genesis Volare 20 road bikes to Leonard and Missi.”
It also provided a link to the Scotland Malawi Partnership charity, in case “any of our lovely customers would like to help out as well.”
Simon has been news editor at road.cc since 2009, reporting on 10 editions and counting of pro cycling’s biggest races such as the Tour de France, stories on issues including infrastructure and campaigning, and interviewing some of the biggest names in cycling. A law and languages graduate, published translator and former retail analyst, his background has proved invaluable in reporting on issues as diverse as cycling-related court cases, anti-doping investigations, and the bike industry. He splits his time between London and Cambridge, and loves taking his miniature schnauzer Elodie on adventures in the basket of her Elephant Bike.