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Bristol Grand Prix organisers on the decision to cancel this year’s race
Bristol Grand Prix organisers have pulled the plug on this year’s event in a row with cycling’s governing body over equality in the sport.
They have blamed restrictions imposed by British Cycling for the move and say proposals to introduce a costly new route for the men’s race would undermine the women’s race – which would remain a circuit.
“We were told that women’s racing is just not where men’s racing is,” said organiser Phil Atkins, expressing his disappointment over the decision to cancel the race that has built up from a grassroots event to part of the national series in just four years.
is needed now More than ever
British Cycling has confirmed that a race will still go ahead on June 16, saying it respects the decision of the organisers and will now work with Bristol City Council to deliver a new vision for the event.
The inaugural Bristol Grand Prix took place in 2015
Last year, Bristol Grand Prix offered the same prize money to the winners of the men’s and women’s race and Phil explained organisers were not willing to forego their commitment to equality.
Speaking about the difficult decision to cancel the race, he told Bristol24/7: “It’s been cancelled because of a combination of two things. We didn’t want to have a men’s race and women’s race that were different formats. We have always had a commitment to women’s racing.”
He said the changes proposed by British Cycling would cost around £30,000, yet when organisers asked the governing body for funds to cover this, none were forthcoming.
“We’ve worked really hard on this for four years and gone from a start up race to the national series, but it seems like we are victims of our own success,” Phil continued.
The organisers’ official statement adds: “The race is a huge project made possible by all the volunteers who give up their time to make it happen, all the racers who train hard to make the racing exciting and all the spectators who come along and make the atmosphere of the day so special.
“From the start, the Bristol Grand Prix has been part of the Bristol cycling community and has been dedicated to women’s racing, youth development and creating a sustainable and locally produced race.”
Phil revealed that some ideas for future grassroots events are being considered, so this will hopefully not be the end.
Organisers say the governing body is undermining the women’s race
Responding to speculation about the event, a spokeswoman for British Cycling confirmed round one of the HSBC UK National Circuit Series women’s race, round three of the men’s race and the HSBC UK Let’s Ride event will all take place on June 16.
She said: “In response to feedback from teams and riders regarding last year’s Bristol Grand Prix, British Cycling has been working with Bristol City Council to develop a road race format which would see the round of the HSBC UK National Road Series – Men follow a similar route out of Bristol to last year’s Tour of Britain stage in the area.
“Unfortunately – and after much discussion – the organisers of previous years’ Bristol Grand Prix events have declined to partner with us to deliver this new vision for the race. We respect that decision, thank the organisers for their support and wish them well for the future.
“British Cycling will now work with Bristol City Council to identify the best delivery option for the scheduled women’s circuit race and men’s road race on June 16, which would both complement and run alongside our free, family-friendly HSBC UK Let’s Ride festival on the same day – ensuring a wonderful celebration of cycling for the city of Bristol. Fans of cycling in Bristol can be reassured that all of these events will take place on June 16.
“Alongside our valued network of event organisers, we are committed to ensuring that this event – as with all other in our series – is a true showcase for the sport, provides the very best experiences for existing teams, riders and spectators, and engages with local communities, while also continuing to broaden cycling’s appeal in a sustainable way.”
Read more: Tour of Britain 2018 calls into Bristol
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