The humble National B road race is the unsung backbone of British road racing. It provides an essential platform for developing riders – a place to test themselves, hone their form, make a name, and move up the development ladder.
Behind every race lies a tapestry of untold stories – of volunteers braving the chill to set up road signs, of organisers poring over spreadsheets late into the night, and of people rallying together for the love of the sport.
The financial strain of bringing these races to life can be intense, with dwindling margins sometimes threatening the very existence of these grassroots events that are the lifeblood of British road racing. Indeed, rising organisational costs were cited as a factor behind a number of National B road race cancellations in 2024.
Organisers like Seb Ottley – who revived the Perfs Pedal and runs the respected RCR FatCreations Road Race at Goodwood – face mounting challenges: the need to balance escalating costs with an unwavering commitment to keep the wheels turning.
Using Ottley’s 2024 figures for the RCR FatCreations Road Race, we delve into the complex budget and the challenges that underscore the reality of organising National B road races in the modern day.
Update: 15:15, 6 November. The purpose of this article is to provide an illustration of the costs and margins involved in organising National B road races. Costs can vary between races and regions. While some organisers of ‘double’ Nat B events (i.e., those that include both open and women’s races) have reported costs similar to those outlined in this article, other Nat B organisers have indicated that their costs are lower.
2024 RCR FatCreations Road Race. Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
The costs of a National B road race
For a double National B event, featuring both open and women’s fields, costs can quickly spiral. It’s important to note that while the open event at the 2024 RCR FatCreations Road Race had a full field, the women’s race did not reach its full capacity of 80 riders, with 64 entrants participating. Despite not being a full field, the women’s turnout was still considered very good compared to other events. Here’s a breakdown of the core expenses based on Ottley’s 2024 budget and a forecast of rising costs in 2025.
1. Race Registration and British Cycling Fees
Event Registration: £64
Event Levies: £576
Registration and levies paid to British Cycling ensure the race is official, regulated, and covered by necessary insurances. In 2025, British Cycling’s levies are set to increase, adding to these costs. While this change may seem minor in isolation, it represents additional pressure on the already tight margins within which grassroots races operate.
2. British Women’s Team Cup Prize Fund Contribution
Contribution: £100
The British Women’s Team Cup is held independently of British Cycling. The Team Cup asks organisers to contribute £100 to the overall series team prize pot.
3. Equipment and Materials
Race Numbers: £75
Signage: £100 (wooden stakes, zip ties, spray chalk)
Small items like race numbers and course markers might seem minor, but they are indispensable for a well-organised event. Accurate signage is especially critical for safety and clarity on race day.
4. Venue and Facilities
Headquarters (HQ): £165
Portable Toilets: £290
Setting up an accessible HQ for administrative tasks and providing adequate toilet facilities are necessary logistics, particularly at high-profile venues like Goodwood. These facilities create a professional and comfortable experience for riders and spectators alike.
5. Staffing and Safety Support
Commissaires (Comms): £303 (£101 per official, including mileage)
National Escort Group (NEGs): £500 (£125 per motorcycle escort x 4)
Accredited Marshall Scheme (AMS): £320 (£32 per marshall x 10, including mileage)
Ensuring rider safety through marshalls, motorcycle escorts, and commissaires is a major expense but is essential for compliance and the event’s integrity. Marshalls guide riders and manage on-course traffic, while the NEGs provide mobile support to monitor the race and handle emergencies.
6. Medical Coverage
Medical Staff and Ambulance: £660
Medical coverage for riders is non-negotiable, both for safety and insurance requirements. Private providers often charge high rates for race-day medical support, and the availability of NHS support at events has become less common.
7. Additional Operational Costs
Fuel for Race Convoy: £300
Lunch for Marshalls, AMS, NEGs, and Comms: £185
Beyond official fees, other costs like fuel for race vehicles and meals for volunteers and officials accumulate. Although relatively small, they support the volunteers and paid staff who enable the race to run smoothly.
8. Prize Money
Cash Prizes for Podium Finishes: £900
A National B race requires prize money to attract top riders and foster competitiveness. While modest compared to National A events, it’s significant enough to impact the budget.
Total 2024 Costs: £4,538
2024 RCR FatCreations Road Race. Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
Income vs. Expenses
With 80 riders in the open race and 64 in the women’s race participating, entry fees brought in £5,040 (£35 per rider), yielding a modest profit of £502. This small surplus helps fund necessary club equipment like radios, high-vis jackets, and tents. It’s important to highlight that the income was based on actual entries, not full fields in both races. The women’s race, although not at full capacity, still contributed significantly to the overall income.
However, with rising costs and Ottley’s ambition to bring in chip timing in 2025, this surplus is set to vanish:
2025 Projected Costs: £5,553 (including increased British Cycling levies, inflation, and £800 for chip timing)
2025 Projected Income: £5,040 (assuming the same number of entries)
Projected Deficit:£513
Challenges of rising costs and tight margins
For 2025, Ottley faces a projected shortfall, even if participation numbers remain strong. Costs are expected to increase by £1,015 due to:
The thin profit margin from 2024 has evaporated, turning into a potential deficit. Admittedly, Ottley’s ambition to include chip timing adds to the cost but even if he foregoes this, his margins in 2025 will be much tighter. Within this context, sponsorship is becoming increasingly necessary to cover these mounting expenses. Notes that, even without chip timing costs, if race entry costs remain static and the event were to attract just 8 fewer riders across both races – a plausible scenario given trends at other events – the race would plunge into the red. The risk of unpredictable attendance is real – weather, schedule conflicts, and other factors can affect turnout.
Table 1: Costs and Income for the RCR FatCreations Road Race (2024 vs. 2025)
Category
2024 Cost (£)
2025 Cost (£)
Notes
Event Registration
64
64
British Cycling event registration fee
Event Levies
576
736
Increased British Cycling levies in 2025
British Women’s Team Cup prize fund
100
100
Contribution to British Women’s Team Cup prize pot
Race Numbers
75
75
Bib numbers for participants
Signage
100
100
Includes wooden stakes, zip ties, and spray chalk
Headquarters (HQ) Rental
165
165
Venue for race administration
Portable Toilets
290
290
Facilities for participants and spectators
Commissaires (Comms)
303
303
Three officials, including mileage costs
National Escort Group (NEGs)
500
500
Four motorbike escorts at £125 each
Accredited Marshal Scheme (AMS)
320
320
Ten marshals, including mileage costs
Medical Cover
660
660
Required medical staff and ambulance
Fuel for Race Convoy
300
300
Fuel costs for race vehicles
Lunch for Marshals and Officials
185
185
Meals for volunteers and staff
Prize Money
900
900
Prize pool for podium finishes
Inflation Adjustment
–
55
Estimated cost increase due to inflation
Chip Timing Equipment
–
800
New for 2025 to improve race-day scoring
Total Costs
4,538
5,553
Total event expenses
Entry Fees (Income)
5,040
5,040
Based on 80 open and 64 women’s entrants
Net Profit/Loss
502 Profit
513 Loss
Projected loss in 2025 due to increased costs and same level of income
Volunteer Effort: The Hidden Cost
In addition to financial costs, the race relies on an enormous amount of volunteer time. Ottley’s team consists of 22 club members and friends, all of whom work a full 10-hour day on race day, with additional preparation leading up to the event:
Day-Before Preparation
Course Signage Setup: Six volunteers spend 3-4 hours setting up road signs.
Logistics and Equipment Collection
Signage Collection: Ottley spends approximately 4.5 hours collecting signage from a regional lock-up and transporting it to the venue.
Administrative Work
General Organisation: Coordinating with councils, managing entries, liaising with British Cycling, and other tasks require between 50-60 hours.
Social Media Promotion: Additional time is invested in promoting the event to attract participants and spectators.
The total volunteer time amounts to around 300 hours, underscoring the invisible costs in manpower that make the race possible. This volunteer commitment is essential to keep events like the RCR FatCreations Road Race viable.
Table 2: Volunteer Time Contribution
Volunteer Activity
Description
Hours
Race Day Volunteers
22 people working from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
220 hours
Course Signage Setup (Day Before)
6 people setting up signs (3-4 hours each)
18-24 hours
Signage Collection from Lock-Up
1 person collecting signs (4-4.5 hours)
4-4.5 hours
Administrative Work
Organising HQ, councils liaison, emails (total)
50-60 hours
Social Media Promotion
Time spent promoting the event online
Included above
Total Volunteer Time
292-308.5 hours
Note: The total volunteer time represents the cumulative hours contributed by all volunteers and organisers to make the event possible.
Feedback from Other Organisers: Rising Costs and New Challenges
The increase in British Cycling levies is not the only issue worrying race organisers. Another National B organiser reports that their costs are “similar, give or take a few items,” but their biggest concern for 2025 is attracting enough entries. With more and more riders, particularly in the open category, choosing to race in France and other parts of Europe, organisers face stiffer competition to fill their rosters.
As one organiser shared: “Raising the fees for registration and levies is not my biggest concern; it will cost us an extra £128 over a race of two full fields. It is more problematic issues involving a lack of timeliness, clarity, and response from BC’s head offices that have made running our races progressively harder and less rewarding over the seven years we’ve been in the game. The loss of £1 from the levy for Regional BC teams is a shame too—it’s those teams that support us and know what the organisers in their regions need.”
This perspective highlights deeper issues: while levies contribute to rising costs, competition for rider interest is intensifying, and administrative challenges with British Cycling add further strain. These organisers now face the dual challenge of managing escalating costs while ensuring that National B races remain a competitive, appealing option for racers at home.
2024 RCR FatCreations Road Race. Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
Conclusion: a call for support to sustain grassroots road racing
For National B road races to survive, the cycling community must recognise the financial and volunteer effort that organisers like Seb Ottley pour into these events. While the RCR FatCreations Road Race continues to draw strong participation, rising costs and administrative hurdles threaten its future. The reality of organising a National B race is a balancing act between costs, volunteer dedication, and financial viability.
Grassroots cycling events need community support—whether from participants, local businesses, or cycling fans willing to contribute time, sponsorship, or resources. Without this, the sport risks losing vital events that fuel the pipeline of competitive cycling in Britain.
In the face of mounting challenges, Ottley’s story serves as a reminder: every National B race on the calendar is the product of passion, commitment, and considerable sacrifice – both financial and personal.
Featured image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
Updated: 15.15, 6 November.
The humble National B road race is the unsung backbone of British road racing. It provides an essential platform for developing riders – a place to test themselves, hone their form, make a name, and move up the development ladder.
Behind every race lies a tapestry of untold stories – of volunteers braving the chill to set up road signs, of organisers poring over spreadsheets late into the night, and of people rallying together for the love of the sport.
The financial strain of bringing these races to life can be intense, with dwindling margins sometimes threatening the very existence of these grassroots events that are the lifeblood of British road racing. Indeed, rising organisational costs were cited as a factor behind a number of National B road race cancellations in 2024.
Organisers like Seb Ottley – who revived the Perfs Pedal and runs the respected RCR FatCreations Road Race at Goodwood – face mounting challenges: the need to balance escalating costs with an unwavering commitment to keep the wheels turning.
Using Ottley’s 2024 figures for the RCR FatCreations Road Race, we delve into the complex budget and the challenges that underscore the reality of organising National B road races in the modern day.
Update: 15:15, 6 November. The purpose of this article is to provide an illustration of the costs and margins involved in organising National B road races. Costs can vary between races and regions. While some organisers of ‘double’ Nat B events (i.e., those that include both open and women’s races) have reported costs similar to those outlined in this article, other Nat B organisers have indicated that their costs are lower.
The costs of a National B road race
For a double National B event, featuring both open and women’s fields, costs can quickly spiral. It’s important to note that while the open event at the 2024 RCR FatCreations Road Race had a full field, the women’s race did not reach its full capacity of 80 riders, with 64 entrants participating. Despite not being a full field, the women’s turnout was still considered very good compared to other events. Here’s a breakdown of the core expenses based on Ottley’s 2024 budget and a forecast of rising costs in 2025.
1. Race Registration and British Cycling Fees
Registration and levies paid to British Cycling ensure the race is official, regulated, and covered by necessary insurances. In 2025, British Cycling’s levies are set to increase, adding to these costs. While this change may seem minor in isolation, it represents additional pressure on the already tight margins within which grassroots races operate.
2. British Women’s Team Cup Prize Fund Contribution
The British Women’s Team Cup is held independently of British Cycling. The Team Cup asks organisers to contribute £100 to the overall series team prize pot.
3. Equipment and Materials
Small items like race numbers and course markers might seem minor, but they are indispensable for a well-organised event. Accurate signage is especially critical for safety and clarity on race day.
4. Venue and Facilities
Setting up an accessible HQ for administrative tasks and providing adequate toilet facilities are necessary logistics, particularly at high-profile venues like Goodwood. These facilities create a professional and comfortable experience for riders and spectators alike.
5. Staffing and Safety Support
Ensuring rider safety through marshalls, motorcycle escorts, and commissaires is a major expense but is essential for compliance and the event’s integrity. Marshalls guide riders and manage on-course traffic, while the NEGs provide mobile support to monitor the race and handle emergencies.
6. Medical Coverage
Medical coverage for riders is non-negotiable, both for safety and insurance requirements. Private providers often charge high rates for race-day medical support, and the availability of NHS support at events has become less common.
7. Additional Operational Costs
Beyond official fees, other costs like fuel for race vehicles and meals for volunteers and officials accumulate. Although relatively small, they support the volunteers and paid staff who enable the race to run smoothly.
8. Prize Money
A National B race requires prize money to attract top riders and foster competitiveness. While modest compared to National A events, it’s significant enough to impact the budget.
Total 2024 Costs: £4,538
Income vs. Expenses
With 80 riders in the open race and 64 in the women’s race participating, entry fees brought in £5,040 (£35 per rider), yielding a modest profit of £502. This small surplus helps fund necessary club equipment like radios, high-vis jackets, and tents. It’s important to highlight that the income was based on actual entries, not full fields in both races. The women’s race, although not at full capacity, still contributed significantly to the overall income.
However, with rising costs and Ottley’s ambition to bring in chip timing in 2025, this surplus is set to vanish:
Challenges of rising costs and tight margins
For 2025, Ottley faces a projected shortfall, even if participation numbers remain strong. Costs are expected to increase by £1,015 due to:
The thin profit margin from 2024 has evaporated, turning into a potential deficit. Admittedly, Ottley’s ambition to include chip timing adds to the cost but even if he foregoes this, his margins in 2025 will be much tighter. Within this context, sponsorship is becoming increasingly necessary to cover these mounting expenses. Notes that, even without chip timing costs, if race entry costs remain static and the event were to attract just 8 fewer riders across both races – a plausible scenario given trends at other events – the race would plunge into the red. The risk of unpredictable attendance is real – weather, schedule conflicts, and other factors can affect turnout.
Table 1: Costs and Income for the RCR FatCreations Road Race (2024 vs. 2025)
Volunteer Effort: The Hidden Cost
In addition to financial costs, the race relies on an enormous amount of volunteer time. Ottley’s team consists of 22 club members and friends, all of whom work a full 10-hour day on race day, with additional preparation leading up to the event:
The total volunteer time amounts to around 300 hours, underscoring the invisible costs in manpower that make the race possible. This volunteer commitment is essential to keep events like the RCR FatCreations Road Race viable.
Table 2: Volunteer Time Contribution
Note: The total volunteer time represents the cumulative hours contributed by all volunteers and organisers to make the event possible.
Feedback from Other Organisers: Rising Costs and New Challenges
The increase in British Cycling levies is not the only issue worrying race organisers. Another National B organiser reports that their costs are “similar, give or take a few items,” but their biggest concern for 2025 is attracting enough entries. With more and more riders, particularly in the open category, choosing to race in France and other parts of Europe, organisers face stiffer competition to fill their rosters.
As one organiser shared: “Raising the fees for registration and levies is not my biggest concern; it will cost us an extra £128 over a race of two full fields. It is more problematic issues involving a lack of timeliness, clarity, and response from BC’s head offices that have made running our races progressively harder and less rewarding over the seven years we’ve been in the game. The loss of £1 from the levy for Regional BC teams is a shame too—it’s those teams that support us and know what the organisers in their regions need.”
This perspective highlights deeper issues: while levies contribute to rising costs, competition for rider interest is intensifying, and administrative challenges with British Cycling add further strain. These organisers now face the dual challenge of managing escalating costs while ensuring that National B races remain a competitive, appealing option for racers at home.
Conclusion: a call for support to sustain grassroots road racing
For National B road races to survive, the cycling community must recognise the financial and volunteer effort that organisers like Seb Ottley pour into these events. While the RCR FatCreations Road Race continues to draw strong participation, rising costs and administrative hurdles threaten its future. The reality of organising a National B race is a balancing act between costs, volunteer dedication, and financial viability.
Grassroots cycling events need community support—whether from participants, local businesses, or cycling fans willing to contribute time, sponsorship, or resources. Without this, the sport risks losing vital events that fuel the pipeline of competitive cycling in Britain.
In the face of mounting challenges, Ottley’s story serves as a reminder: every National B race on the calendar is the product of passion, commitment, and considerable sacrifice – both financial and personal.
Featured image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
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