When racers of all levels meet on the start line for the early season races of January through to March they’ll often hear the question: “How was your winter?” If that question was asked of Britain’s elite-level races the answer would most likely be rather bad, leaving them in a perilous state.
In January, iconic races like the Eddie Soens and Lincoln Grand Prix were in danger of being scrapped (the two have since been saved after an outcry from supporters heralded new investment).
In February, the East Cleveland Klondike GP scrapped its women’s race due to monetary concerns, while E/1/2 races the Tour of Sussex and Bourne CiCLE Classics both announced that they would not continue in 2020 due to similar concerns.
Cycling Weekly spoke to race organisers of the National Road Series and British Cycling, with all agreeing that the future of elite racing in the UK is at risk.
We found the average cost of running a race is between £45,000 and £65,000 — with four of the 10 National Road Series races from 2019 that we spoke to still needing to find additional sponsorship for this season’s events. Many organisers also admitted investing their own savings to ensure the races went ahead.
More high-profile races, the Tour of Britain, Women’s Tour and Tour Series — all organised by Britain’s biggest race promoter Sweetspot — are without title sponsors for this season.
The number of non-UCI races has constantly fluctuated throughout the past decade and the scene appeared in rude health last season. But economic uncertainty — largely attributed to the unstable political and economic climate — is blamed by many for the sport’s present ills. All organisers that CW contacted reveal that local businesses have little interest in sponsoring a bike race due to the uncertain direction the country is headed.
Denne historien er fra February 27, 2020-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra February 27, 2020-utgaven av CYCLING WEEKLY.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
FRED WRIGHT TRUST THE OFF-SEASON PROCESS
This time of year is always my favourite, training wise.
Richardson hits the ground running in GB colours
Track sprinter wins two from two on opening night of Track Champions League
Claims against Wiggins's estate double to £2m
Briton’s efforts to pursue money through courts have been paused
Volunteers needed to revive UK scene
In the second part of our series on the domestic scene, we ask how a shortage of volunteers is impacting road races
CLASSIC BIKE BOB JACKSON TANDEM
Leeds legend's racing bicycle made for two
“I even tried hiding my power readout - it made no difference"
Watt's up? The Doc's stuck in a threshold rut
UK SCENE BARNES AND EEDY WIN IN EAST MIDLANDS
Hudson and Mills win North of England Championships in regionals weekend
WATT WORKS FOR ME ZOE BACKSTEDT
The youngest member of the storied racing family talks about her first pro victory and juggling the demands of road and cross
MAKING TIME! 14 WAYS TO SQUEEZE MAXIMUM GAS FROM MINIMUM TIME
Short on time for training? Rob Kemp shares smart hacks to stay razor-sharp on the bike while showing the schedule who's boss
SHIMANO RC703 SHOE
Mid-tier performance shoe that behaves like a contender