British Cycling has launched a new vision for major cycling events in Britain, beginning with the ambition to deliver Tour of Britain events for women and men in 2024.
Spanning the breadth of our road, off-road, urban and track disciplines, the renewed vision for events will place positive social and community impact at the very heart of its offering, while also enabling them to reach new audiences and grow our investment into the sport at all levels.
Tour of Britain
Recognising the vital importance of the events to teams, riders and our national cycling identity, British Cycling aim to deliver two national tours (the Tour of Britain – Women and Tour of Britain – Men) in 2024 and beyond. The events will be delivered in the calendar slots previously occupied by The Women’s Tour and the Tour of Britain. They have a long-term vision to grow the races and their stature within the global cycling calendar, making the most of Britain’s most iconic and challenging routes to provide unforgettable moments for riders, fans and communities.
A core focus will be to leverage the spotlight and momentum of the events to leave a positive and lasting impact long after the final rider has crossed the finish line, in line with British Cycling’s core purpose of spreading the joy of cycling, tackling inequalities in participation and supporting the growth of the sport.
The uncertainty surrounding the two events has been a cause of concern and confusion for riders and teams recently, and British Cycling promises to be open and transparent to ensure the greatest possible participation and success in the two races scheduled to take place this year.
Lizzie Deignan MBE, rider for Lidl-Trek and twice winner of The Women’s Tour, said: “I’m really happy to see British Cycling investing to try and make sure these two important UK stage races happen in 2024 and for years to come, and I hope everyone can get behind this.”
Tom Pidcock MBE, rider for Ineos Grenadiers, added: “As a British rider in a British team, riding the Tour of Britain is really special. It’s an important race in the calendar and you can’t beat the atmosphere of racing on home roads in front of local fans.
“As a kid who grew up watching the Tour of Britain, there is always something incredible about seeing elite cyclists racing around your own country. It’s an important race for everyone in the British cycling scene – the clubs, the fans, British riders and the next generations of home-grown talent who could win a race like this one day.
“Cycling events in Britain need support now more than ever before, and I really hope that everyone can rally behind this event to give us a race that the whole nation can be proud of.”
A new vision for major cycling events
While the urgency of delivering two national tours in 2024 has required immediate action, the long-term vision for events spans the full breadth of cycling disciplines, ensuring members and cycling fans have the opportunity to watch all of our country’s best riders compete on home soil.
The renewed vision includes:
- Exploring the feasibility of a multi-sport urban event series in Britain, including BMX freestyle.
- Building on the success of the UCI Track Champions League and conducting a feasibility study on a new domestic track league concept.
- Continuing to support efforts to secure mountain bike and cyclo-cross UCI World Cup rounds in Britain.
- Delivering on the recommendations of the Elite Road Racing Task force, to support the long-term growth of our national series and championships for road and circuit racing.
All of British Cycling’s work will be underpinned by a new social impact framework, which will guide their hosting decisions and establish the criteria by which their events will positively impact levels of physical activity, pride and place, social mobility and inclusion.
The events will be delivered through our British Cycling Events subsidiary, through which they have already successfully delivered events including hosting UCI Track Champions
League rounds in Britain. British Cycling Events is led by Interim Managing Director Jonathan Day, and supported by an expert team which collectively possesses decades of experience in delivering the sport’s biggest events.
British Cycling CEO, Jon Dutton, said: “Major events have played a transformational role in growing the profile of our sport and helping us to take the success of our country’s best riders into the communities and homes of millions. Today we are pleased to share a renewed vision for our organisation which reflects the full breadth of our disciplines and places social impact at its very heart.
“We know just how important our men’s and women’s national tours are to our riders, teams and the national cycling culture. We have acted quickly to safeguard their place
on the calendar in 2024, and have bold, long-term ambitions to grow their stature, reach and commercial proposition over the years ahead.
“While we don’t underestimate the challenge in front of us, we’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received to date. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with our partners, the cycling community and businesses to create a sustainable future for our sport, extend our impact in communities, and ensure that the success of our riders across the world is matched by a thriving and diverse portfolio of major events at home.”
