In this episode, we sit down with British Cycling CEO Jon Dutton OBE for an exclusive interview, following the organisation’s much-anticipated update on implementation of the 43 recommendations put forward by the elite road racing task force.
The task force was charged with developing recommendations for British Cycling to implement in 2024 and beyond, aimed at breathing new life into the ailing, fragile elite road racing scene.
Jon Dutton promised that the task force would not be “a talking shop” and said “there are a number of areas where we can and will make immediate progress” [Ed: emphasis added].
In January 2024, the task force’s report presented 43 key actions for British Cycling to implement, condensed into 16 published recommendations, with British Cycling responding that a “long-term action plan” was already in development in response.
Our latest conversation with Jon Dutton dives into what progress has been made so far. Dutton emphasises the organisation’s efforts to implement one of the standout recommendations – saving the Tours of Britain – but what about the other 42 actions, the ones directly aimed at revitalising the elite level? Fans were promised fast results, but has British Cycling delivered?
In this candid discussion, recorded just before the publication of the official progress update on 13 September, Jon sheds light on British Cycling’s efforts so far and whether he is satisfied with progress.
For domestic road racing enthusiasts, this episode offers a deep dive into the state of the sport, what’s been done so far, and what the future holds. Listen in to hear whether British Cycling is meeting expectations, and check out our upcoming progress scorecard on the website to see our own assessment of their efforts.
Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and many other platforms.
Featured image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix
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Well I listened to the full 52 minutes and while Jon is very good at talking I learnt precisely zero about BC’s intentions towards Elite racing. In essence if there are any races left they will have a lovely banner or two saying Lloyd’s Bank but no promise of cash support.
Frankly I also worry about the ToB, as exciting as it was, no sponsor for vehicles, KoM,Sprints or timing. Perhaps this was deliberate to emphasise all embracing Lloyd’s sponsorship, but if both races are reliant on one sponsor alone with ever increasing pressures on local authority finances it will be hard to continue.
To the non cycling fraternity the race was invisible with virtually no national press coverage,no tv listing preview and it would really help if ITV1 showed at least the final stage live (it has happened once or twice before).
In due course we will see the Company accounts of BC Events Ltd and I would hazard a guess that they won’t make pretty reading.
JD should just publish the full report to start with.