Is domestic racing in the UK in freefall?

Cancelled races, folded teams, bankrupt organisers, Britain’s domestic road racing scene appears to be in tatters. But is the outlook really as dire as it seems? Charlie Graham-Dixon investigates

A group of cyclists racing
(Image credit: Andy Jones/Future)

This piece was originally published in May 2024.

Given all the doom-laden headlines and social media posts over the past couple of years, you would be forgiven for thinking the UK domestic road racing scene is in a state of deep crisis. With teams folding, races cancelled and investment from local authorities reduced, it is clear the scene faces stern challenges. But how bad is the situation really? I decided to speak to race organisers, team directors and riders to find out.

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Britain’s dwindling race scene
RaceCat.2019202020212022202320242025
Rutland-Melton Cicle Classic1.2YesNo*NoYesYesNo**Yes
Ford RideLondon Classique2.WWTYesNoNoYesYesYesNo
Women’s Tour***2.WWTYesNoYesYesNoYesYes
Tour of Britain2.ProYesNoYesYesYesYesYes
Tour de Yorkshire2.HCYesNoNoNoNoNoNo
Tour de Yorkshire (WMN)2.1YesNoNoNoNoNoNo
Women’s Tour of Scotland2.1YesNoNoNoNoNoNo
Total70243333

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