'A dire state' - Racing in Britain at only 60% of pre-pandemic levels
British Cycling's annual report reveals lasting impact of Covid-19
The number of regional bike races across the country has recovered to just 60% of pre-pandemic levels, according to British Cycling’s annual report.
The report, which was published on Monday, outlines that regional racing was “hit hardest” by the pandemic, with event numbers reaching 50% by March 2022, and rising to 60% by July 2022.
"At the moment, we're just stuck," said Marc Etches, race organiser and vice chair of British Cycling Yorkshire. "It's not just the youth [events] or the adults, it's across all of them.
"When we ran the Regional Championships this year, we held a joint one for the women between northwest, northeast and Yorkshire, and we still really struggled. I think we only had 20-odd riders.
"Years ago, you'd be turning riders away."
CiCLE Classic race organiser Colin Clews told Cycling Weekly he has noticed fewer events on the calendar since racing returned.
"The domestic scene is really in a bit of a dire state at the moment," Clews said, "right the way from the top to the bottom."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Asked when, if at all, he expects the scene to make a full recovery, Clews said: "I think it's going to take a good few years and a change in the economic situation."
Clews explained that race organisers have had to account for rising costs since the pandemic, such as additional health and safety measures, risk assessments and Covid-related insurance. Clews believes that this, combined with riders preferring to save money during the cost-of-living crisis, has led to more and more events being cancelled.
In June, British Cycling announced the launch of its Covid Recovery Fund, offering regional event organisers a grant of up to £300 to support race delivery.
In a statement shared at the time, British Cycling’s cycling delivery director Dani Every said: “Despite their brilliant work and unwavering commitment, we know that the landscape for event organisers and volunteers has and continues to be incredibly challenging since the pandemic.
“We have made good progress in addressing historic inequalities in our sport over recent years, and with the support of Sport England we’re determined to build on that work and ensure a full and speedy recovery across the disciplines.”
British Cycling’s annual report also revealed an increase of around 7% in membership income, which generated £6.3m in the year to March 2022.
According to the report, this increase was largely due to a half-price offer provided on licence fees as a result of the lack of racing opportunities for members in 2020.
In the latest financial year, British Cycling's income from commercial partnerships fell from £5.19 million to £3.19 million.
This was mostly down to the premature end of the governing body’s deal with lead sponsor HSBC UK in December 2021, which “provided a significant contribution to our sponsorships and rights fees,” the report says.
It is understood that British Cycling is still searching for a replacement headline sponsor.
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
Tom joined Cycling Weekly as a news and features writer in the summer of 2022, having previously contributed as a freelancer. He is the host of The TT Podcast, which covers both the men's and women's pelotons and has featured a number of prominent British riders.
An enthusiastic cyclist himself, Tom likes it most when the road goes uphill and actively seeks out double-figure gradients on his rides.
-
Is Lotte Kopecky's bog-standard Specialized Crux proof that you don't need wide tires and fancy suspension systems for gravel racing?
Kopecky finished second at Gravel Worlds on a bike with minimal modifications
By Joe Baker Published
-
Undercover Mechanic: Cyclists have become very excited about aerodynamics without a correlated excitement for pilates - the result is a lot of spacers
90% of the front area is you, not the bike; having a kamtail downtube will make sod all difference if you’re unable to reach the bars, argues CW’s Undercover Mechanic
By Undercover Mechanic Published
-
British Cycling 'embraces' challenges in reviving domestic scene
Governing body shares task force update, revealing it has tackled fewer than half of its previous recommendations
By Tom Davidson Published
-
British Cycling's future secured by 'game-changing' title sponsor deal with Lloyds Bank
The 'landmark' partnership will see the bank sponsor the Tours of Britain and be present on GB's cycling kit
By Adam Becket Published
-
British Cycling targeted by anti-Shell billboards
Activists from Brandalism have replaced adverts with their own artwork across the country ahead of Shell's AGM
By Adam Becket Published
-
Laura Kenny, Britain’s most successful female Olympian, announces retirement
Kenny won five Olympic and seven world titles during her illustrious career on the track
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Former Ineos Grenadiers boss Rod Ellingworth becomes race director of Tour of Britain
"I feel a real responsibility to get this right," says Ellingworth about new role
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'We'll have rounder wheels than everyone else' - Team GB confident in new Olympics tech
Updated Hope-Lotus bike won't feature until Paris, confirms performance director Stephen Park
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Jody Cundy Q&A: 'Strictly Come Dancing made me a stronger cyclist'
The Paralympic legend tells Cycling Weekly about almost retiring in 2012, the time he borrowed a Porsche, and how dancing can make us all better cyclists
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