Race page on British Cycling's site which left female riders 'exasperated and disappointed' amended as governing body seeks venue for National Masters race
British Cycling did not write the race page, and are still looking for host venue and organiser for 2022 National Women’s Masters Circuit Race Championships
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

The event page for the National Men's Masters Circuit Race Championship on British Cycling's website has been changed after Cycling Weekly brought criticisms to the governing body's attention.
The men's event is being held separately from the women's event this year due to circumstances around the venue, and British Cycling are working on organising the women's event.
The men's event page had been updated with a message, not written by British Cycling, titled "FOR THE ATTENTION OF WOMEN", which read: "In view of the number of you who have made contact, let me be clear - I am not organising this year's Women's Masters Championship. Nor do I know who is.
"It does give one of you the opportunity to do so. We are constrained by the fact that the Hillingdon Slipstreamers have permanent access until 1230pm. It also a very long 2 day program, with 8 separate races (excluding Women)."
Helen Bridgman, a cycling coach who also works for women's continental team CAMS-Racing, said she was not alone in feeling "exasperated and disappointed" by the tone of that message.
"I was both exasperated and disappointed when I read the original message, and I wasn't alone in that," she explained to Cycling Weekly "We've made great strides forward in women's cycling recently and it's important to keep that momentum going. With larger fields and really strong young riders coming through it's an exciting time for women's racing.
"There are few opportunities for us female vets to even out the playing field a little and race against other women in our own age categories. I really hope an organiser will come forward to put the race on and give women the race they rightfully deserve."
The page (opens in new tab) has now been updated to read: "Please note: this event is the National Masters Circuit Race Championships for Men. British Cycling are actively looking for a promoter to host the National Masters Circuit Race Championships for Women and any further enquiries can be directed to events@britishcycling.org.uk."
A spokesperson for British Cycling said on Tuesday: “We are currently working hard to identify a host venue and organiser for the 2022 National Women’s Masters Circuit Race Championships, and will announce further details as soon as we are able.
“We’d encourage anybody who is interested in supporting the event to get in contact with our team at events@britishcycling.org.uk (opens in new tab) for more information.”
The men's and women's masters circuit championships have been held together in the past, and Cycling Weekly understands that this would be British Cycling's preference. However, circumstances have meant that this year that outcome was not possible, and the organisation is working proactively to organise the women's event.
Thank you for reading 10 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
Adam is Cycling Weekly’s senior news and feature writer – his greatest love is road racing but as long as he is cycling on tarmac, he's happy. Before joining Cycling Weekly he spent two years writing for Procycling, where he interviewed riders and wrote about racing, speaking to people as varied as Demi Vollering to Philippe Gilbert. Before cycling took over his professional life, he covered ecclesiastical matters at the world’s largest Anglican newspaper and politics at Business Insider. Don't ask how that is related to cycling.
-
-
20 year-old sprints to clean sweep at British Track Champs
Emma Finucane wins two titles on the closing day of the championships
By Vern Pitt • Published
-
Marius Mayrhofer pulls off surprise win at Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
DSM rider breaks down with emotion after he crosses the finish line
By Stephen Puddicombe • Published
-
'Chris Hoy said the British coaches may be kicking themselves’ - Britain’s lost track cycling champion
British-born Australian Matthew Richardson has fast become one of the world's best track sprinters
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Academy programme where Mark Cavendish and Geraint Thomas started is cut back
British Cycling academy to work with development teams to provide riders with more exposure to top level racing
By Tom Thewlis • Last updated
-
GB's Neah Evans claims stunning first world title on final day of Track World Championships
Great Britain finishes with 10 medals, after Madison silver and elimination race bronze
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
Ethan Hayter bags second gold for GB on Track World Championships day four
The Brit brought his country's medal tally to seven as he retained his omnium title
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
Meet the track rider who ditched British Cycling for Barbados, and her parrot Nigel
Animal lover Amber Joseph has her sights set on the Olympics, but it won’t be an easy ride to get there
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
Meet the shop assistant set to race Mathieu van der Poel at the Gravel World Championships
“I’m very excited, but also petrified,” says Metheven Bond, who started racing just over a year ago
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
‘The start of a new era’: British racers and YouTube stars back new on-board cameras rule
The footage has great potential, say Alec Briggs and Cameron Jeffers
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Laura Kenny and Ethan Hayter headline Great Britain squad for Track World Championships
The 20-rider team will compete in Paris next week
By Tom Davidson • Last updated