Craig Maxwell has been named the winner of the inaugural Cycling Plus Rider of the Year award, following an inspirational show of determination in the face of a terminal cancer diagnosis at 40.

Beating off contenders including 2023 World Cycling Champion Dame Sarah Storey and National Cyclocross Champion Zoe Backstedt, Pembrokeshire-born Maxwell took the title after receiving thousands of votes.

The award from cycling magazine Cycling Plus recognises individuals who have made a significant impact on cycling in 2023, whether through racing, participation in events, leadership in the community, or other notable contributions to the sport.

The ex WRU Commercial Director’s extraordinary show of resilience has seen him take his diagnosis of a rare form of genetic lung cancer and channel his energy in to fundraising and charity efforts, aiming to make a real difference in cancer diagnosis and treatment in Wales.

Having set an initial fundraising goal of £300,000 to raise funds for Velindre Cancer Charity and the QuicDNA (cancer genomics) project, he’s since completed cycling challenges including a 320-mile ride from Cardiff to Paris, a 420-mile ride from Paris to Bordeaux and CARTEN (Cardiff to Tenby 100-mile cycle).

His story has touched the hearts of many, rallying support that surpassed all expectations. His efforts to date have seen him raise £430,000 to support the QuicDNA project, which aims to shorten the time it takes to diagnose lung cancer in patients in Wales.

With a further £500,000 donated by The Moondance Cancer Initiative – set up by Henry and Diane Engelhart, two of the founders of the Admiral Group – Maxwell has now set his sights on raising £1m.

Maxwell was presented with his award at an exclusive ceremony at Cycling Plus Towers attended by cycling industry members and riders from across the country.

To follow Maxwell’s fundraising journey and show your support head to the Maxwell Genomics Family Fund on social media – @maxwellgenomicsfund.