Editor's letter: Farewell Cycling Active magazine

This is the editorial that no editor ever wants to write, the final one of a much-loved magazine. Cycling Active began in September 2009, and in the first editorial Robert Garbutt described it as “the magazine for today’s bike rider”.

In the seven years that have passed since that issue both the magazine, and cycling, have undergone many changes. We’ve had the first British Tour de France winner in Bradley Wiggins, then another with Chris Froome. We had the highly successful 2012 Olympics and in 2015 a new British road world champion with Lizzie Armitstead.

The last seven years have been undeniably successful for Britain at a world-class level and at the grass-roots the growth in the popularity of cycling has been immense.

For the latest tech news, bikes, kit and accessories head to Cycling Weekly

For sportives and cycling events head to UK Cycling Events

For all of the latest fitness, health and nutrition head to Cycling Weekly

Since 2009 the number of sportives on offer has grown exponentially, and the distance and challenge of those rides has also increased. Cycling is more popular than ever and I hope it remains so. Print magazines, however, are not.

The term MAMIL (middle-aged man in Lycra) was coined in 2010, after Cycling Active came into existence. It is to this audience, (and to the LILs, Ladies in Lycra) that this magazine has always been loyal. To those riders and readers, from myself, deputy editor Rebecca Charlton and on behalf of the team here, thank you and goodbye.

The last Cycling Active magazine to be published was the September 2016 issue. For any subscription enquiries, please contact the subscriptions team on 08448480848 or email magazinesdirect@quadrantsubs.com