Good Friday Track Meeting forced to close after making 'considerable losses'
Annual British track meeting has attracted many star riders since 1903, but will not run in 2018 due to financial burden and lack of suitable venue
The long-running Good Friday Meeting track event will not take place in 2018, with organiser Graham Bristow citing financial losses and the lack of a suitable venue as the reasons for its demise.
Since its first running in 1903 at Herne Hill Velodrome in London, the even has attracted numerous star names from the world of cycle racing, and was once one of the top races in the British track calendar.
In a statement published on Monday by Bristow on behalf of the Southern Counties Cycle Union, he said: "Traditionally funded by spectator receipts, the Meeting has incurred considerable losses in recent years and despite concerted efforts to raise sponsorship and financial support no such funding is forthcoming, nor seen to be likely in the immediate future."
Bristow also explained that the redevelopment of Herne Hill Velodrome caused the event to falter. It moved to Lee Valley Velodrome during Herne Hill's redevelopment – but Bristow says that the new Herne Hill facilities do not have enough capacity for the number of spectators they need to make the event break even.
>>> Renovated Herne Hill pavilion opened on March 30
"Ironically, the transformation of Herne Hill from a rundown dilapidated facility to a fresh new locally based community hub also created difficulties for the Meeting. The ongoing works rendered much of the site inaccessible to spectators and, with no end date in sight, the Meeting moved to the Lee Valley Velodrome.
"Now that the Herne Hill renovation has been completed the committee considered returning to Herne Hill, but sadly, although it has a fine new club house, the venue is no longer suitable for holding meetings with more than a few hundred spectators.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"This, coupled with the ever present Easter weather uncertainties, means that such a return to South London is not an option."
News of the cancellation of the event was met with sadness from long-term fans.
Bristow thanked all of the event's supporters, saying: "The Southern Counties Cycling Union would like to thank the riders and spectators who have supported the Meeting over the years, both at Herne Hill and Lee Valley".
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
Tweets of the week: Brutal weather at Flèche, an idiot sandwich and is there a new POC helmet?
There's a lot of love for Kasia Niewiadoma, and it turns out Norwegians are good in bad weather
By Adam Becket Published
-
Juanpe López wins Tour of the Alps, does 34 kick-ups with a football
'My coach said to do it for Betis,' says Spaniard of his boyhood football club
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I'm horrendously competitive': Get to know GB track sprinter Sophie Capewell
Olympic hopeful tells Cycling Weekly about her cyclocross roots, wanting to be a scientist, and her proudest moment to date
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Zwift might be about to add a new map, leaked pictures suggest
Zwifters might soon be able to compete in a virtual Omnium, or take on the Hour Record
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘It’s a performance thing’ - why riders are eating Calippos and Greggs steak bakes to fuel gold medals
Forget expensive gels, the best race nutrition comes from corner shops
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I'm sure I could get over 2,000 watts' - meet the Gladiators contestant with track sprinting ambitions
Jamie Christian, also known as Giant, has jaw-dropping power on a bike
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Why aren't GB using the new Hope-Lotus Olympic track bikes?
An updated design was released last July, but might not feature in competition before the summer
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Katie Archibald to miss European Championships in key Olympic year
Scot will focus on Nations Cup events ahead of Paris Olympics in August
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘I went straight through the boarding and broke my back’: From horror crash to Olympic hopeful
Philip Heijnen has battled physical and mental challenges to be on the track today
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Vittoria Bussi makes history with new UCI Hour Record
Italian becomes first woman ever to surpass 50km in her effort
By Tom Davidson Published