CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?
Cycling Weekly|May 16, 2024
Cancelled races, folded teams, bankrupters, Britain's domestic road racing scene appears organis to be in tatters. But is the outlook really as dire as it seems? Charlie Graham-Dixon investigates
Charlie Graham-Dixon
CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

Given all the doomladen 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.

Looking back at a seemingly brighter past, there were six British men’s UCI Continental teams in 2019 and 2020. There are now just two in 2024, the fewest in 15 years. Some of the UK’s biggest races have been cancelled or are under threat. The Tour de Yorkshire, a prestigious UCI stage race previously won by WorldTour stars Thomas Voeckler and Greg Van Avermaet, was discontinued in 2019. That race, aside from boosting the Yorkshire region, also served as a shop window for young UK talent, who could flex their muscles alongside WorldTour riders and potentially be scouted to the highest level of the sport.

The Tour Series, criterium-style circuit races held in town centres and running since 2009, was cancelled in 2023, with organisers Sweetspot – now fallen into liquidation – citing the worst economic challenges it had faced since the inaugural 2009 edition. Meanwhile, races in the men’s National Road Series (now known as the Open Calendar), including the Tour of the Reservoir stage race and Manx International stage races, were cancelled or disappeared altogether, and in 2023 the series comprised just four fixtures. This year, there will be five open-category races and six women’s races.

This story is from the May 16, 2024 edition of Cycling Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 16, 2024 edition of Cycling Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CYCLING WEEKLYView All
"We tore around the Sydney suburbs at 60kph in a terrifying, feral pack"
Cycling Weekly

"We tore around the Sydney suburbs at 60kph in a terrifying, feral pack"

Fast, furious and furry tales from Australia

time-read
3 mins  |
October 17, 2024
RIDDEN AND REVIEWED BROMPTON G LINE £2,499
Cycling Weekly

RIDDEN AND REVIEWED BROMPTON G LINE £2,499

A Brompton for running riot in both town and country

time-read
4 mins  |
October 17, 2024
How do different gravel conditions impact your tyre choice?
Cycling Weekly

How do different gravel conditions impact your tyre choice?

There are a myriad of tyres on the market but selecting the right one is easier than you think

time-read
3 mins  |
October 17, 2024
FEAST OF SWEDEN
Cycling Weekly

FEAST OF SWEDEN

Soon after landing in Gothenburg, I began to realise how little I knew about Sweden.

time-read
6 mins  |
October 17, 2024
THE WORLD'S GREATEST GRAVEL EVENTS
Cycling Weekly

THE WORLD'S GREATEST GRAVEL EVENTS

Globe-trotting gravel racer Joe Laverick chooses his eight favourite events, from coastal Wales to the wilds of Kenya

time-read
7 mins  |
October 17, 2024
THE CALL OF THE WILD
Cycling Weekly

THE CALL OF THE WILD

Tempted to embark on a long-distance bike adventure? Let former round-the-world record holder and author Julian Sayarer inspire you to strike out and hit the road

time-read
7 mins  |
October 17, 2024
Saint Piran accused of using non-UCI legal bikes
Cycling Weekly

Saint Piran accused of using non-UCI legal bikes

Cornish team also alleged to owe former staff tens of thousands of pounds

time-read
3 mins  |
October 17, 2024
JOE LAVERICK GETTING INTO THE FEED ZONE
Cycling Weekly

JOE LAVERICK GETTING INTO THE FEED ZONE

I've ridden through hundreds of feed zones in my time racing a bike.

time-read
1 min  |
October 17, 2024
Lowden not ready to stop after retirement
Cycling Weekly

Lowden not ready to stop after retirement

Former Hour record holder eyes UK time trial scene

time-read
2 mins  |
October 17, 2024
Pogačar makes history (again) at Lombardia
Cycling Weekly

Pogačar makes history (again) at Lombardia

Slovenian makes it four in a row at the late-season Italian Monument

time-read
3 mins  |
October 17, 2024