The future of British cycling

[Flying_Monkey]

Below the top tier, I really like what Rapha-Condor Sharp are doing in changing their strategy to focus on the development of younger British riders - the latest here. With Endura becoming a proper continental team, more British riders trying their hand in French and Belgian racing, and the popularity of cycling rising fast, Britain finally seems to be producing teams that provide opportunities for competitive riders of all levels...but is this just a temporary blip, an illusion or a long-term trend? And is the British cycling competitive cycling scene in good health or not? Your thoughts, ladies and gentlemen...

 

[rich p]

I shall be particularly interested in Felix English having watched him compete over the years at our local outdoor track in Brighton.

 

[Smokin Joe]

From what I have seen the domestic situation is dire, with very little racing on the open roads now. Many of the time trial courses and road race circuits that I used to race on in Essex many years ago have gone due to increased traffic congestion, which is a great pity.

Having said that, it is far easier for talented riders to go to the continent to a structured environment now rather than having to got it alone and survive on their wits as people like Simpson, Hoban and Robert Millar did. This is probably why we have more riders competing at the very top than we ever had.

Is our present success a blip? We've had what we thought were breakthroughs before and they faded when no-one came to replace the ones who made it, but I have a feeling that this could be the time when Britain joined the ranks of the established cycling nations with a constant pool of competitive professionals in the biggest events. Even the general public no longer seem to think of cycling as a Cinderella sport, I can't remember a time when so many riders were household names and that must make the sport a more attractive option for talented athletes.

 

[funnymummy]

And is the British cycling competitive cycling scene in good health or not? Your thoughts, ladies and gentlemen...

My youngest son has joined a local cycle club this year, i've now joined the 'adult' side of the club too...From what i've seen over the last 5 months The future of British Cycling is in very good health, some of the kids i've seen are phenomenal !

I shall be particularly interested in Felix English having watched him compete over the years at our local outdoor track in Brighton.

Was there on Saturday, thoroughly loved flying round that track

 

[Willo]

Notwithstanding the state of domestic racing as it currently stands, for a sustained future I think much depends on the current upward trend of road cycling continuing and more youngsters taking up the sport, in turn demanding more clubs, better racing, facilities etc. that hopfully translates into a % of that higher number of young people cycling into those who make it to the top.

 

[oldroadman]

If BC can get the legislation changed to what they have been pushing for, then road racing should start to increase substantially. BC site says it all. Meanwhile there are still a healthy number of road races, SERRL, Surrey League, CD NorthWest league, Essex RRL, all thriving, so where are you looking. Plus loads of closed circuit races. Time trials - why worry? The majority are old guys having a ride on a main road early on Sundays (whatever turns you on), playing in the traffic! Track racing, cyclo-cross, BMX, off-road all very healthy. BUT, "better never stops" so we who have had our time competing seriously, just need to get behind things and help to run races, because organisers are precious and should get every bit of help the rest of us can offer. The sport can boom, but not if nobody organises the races because they are riding every week in the old farts 50+ event. Just two weekends each a year would make a big difference, and give people the opportunities my peers and I had back a long time ago.

 

[Noodley]

It's still possible to ride old fart events and be involved in organising events and help out with youth racing...

 

[monnet]

Cycling is booming no question, but road racing is suffering. There are good leagues in Surrey and the North West. Wales usually has a good few races (which are always great) but, for me, the pain of racing is the amount of driving to get to road races. Quite often it's two hours each way. I'm lucky in that I'm from the North West so I can go up, visit friends/family and race as well.

The problem is with the Police (I'll single Thames Valley out as especially anti- road racing) and councils. I had a race last season cancelled by a pretty distraught organiser on the Friday night - despite 3 months notice and all the provisions in place, Trent water dug up 100m of road and put in temporary lights. No amount of pleading would get anyone council or Trent WAter to come out and do a manual control for the lights (though I've seen this in Wales before). I think the draconian actions of some authorities and the fact it's much easier to run a race off the public roads could lead to an ever diminishing number of road races.

THis is a shame as there are so many people (especially youngsters) getting into the sport that racing could end up being massive here, with full fields every week. It's just they'll all be circuit races, which are fine but variety is the spice of life. And frankly, drifting round a motor circuit at 26mph for an hour in a field of 80+ followed by bunch sprint is not much fun for me.

 

[funnymummy]

It's still possible to ride old fart events and be involved in organising events and help out with youth racing...

It is... I do it

 

[lukesdad]

It's still possible to ride old fart events and be involved in organising events and help out with youth racing...

he d know being an old fart himself

 

[oldroadman]

It is... I do it

My point precisely - it's still easy to ride a few OF races for enjoyment and a bit of a contest with the your peers, and contribute as well. Good on you.
The ones that worry me are the OFs who insist they are deadly serious and won't spare a couple of weekends just to help run a race (or help the kids, very, very, important!!).

 

[lukesdad]

Have a look at the Cardigan Street races if you get a chance. We re quite proud of them only their second year this year, but allready very succesfull and the kids love it as well as the clubmen and the pros. Hardwork but very rewarding. I cant see why anybody would nt want to get involved.