The Volunteer Diaries: Ragnar Laan

Have you ever thought your cycling club needs you!

For years I thought about volunteering without getting around to putting myself forward. A couple of years ago in the middle of the summer, some of my planned TT’s got cancelled – the lack of volunteers prevented races going ahead safely. This was an eye opener for me and late last year I decided when a suitable opportunity comes, to put myself forward.

Fast forward into 2025, I saw volunteers were needed at the Surrey Road League race. So… I contacted the organiser and signed myself up. The original plan was to be at the sign on for the morning race, but this was then changed to be a red flag marshal on one of the sharp bends – showing racers where to go. Alongside me was an experienced marshal who stopped the traffic. As this was a circuit race, we were needed  eight times. While waiting for another lap to go past, we chatted about cycling and other events.

It was such a nice day out. My marshalling partner had been doing it for years, so it was good to be with someone more experienced – this was my first time. It was also a good reminder that  many people are needed to run an event! The passing convoy of event cars, motorbikes etc. made it a very interesting event for me. And finally, there was cake at the HQ after the race, which I enjoyed very much even I hadn’t burned single calorie.

I would recommend volunteering for anybody, there are various roles available and trust me, you are needed! Without volunteering club members there might be a chance a race/event just simply can’t go ahead! So please if you have thought about it, sign up. Events are usually in countryside, you’ll have a lovely day out doing a good thing for your club. And… as mentioned in end there is cake!!