The guest speaker, Jon Dutton, the CEO of British Cycling
Chris Lovibond • June 4, 2024
The guest speaker, Jon Dutton, the CEO of British Cycling, must have suspected he was entering a lion’s den when he addressed the club at the April lunch.
The guest speaker, Jon Dutton, the CEO of British Cycling, must have suspected he was entering a lion’s den when he addressed the club at the April lunch.
Why was this? Mr Dutton is doubtless well aware there is a feeling among old style club cyclists that their organisation has been taken over by a quasi government corporation which has no interest in the interests of club cyclists; the membership of the Pedal Club consists mainly of such clubmen. However, in the event no blood was spilt and whatever the members actually thought, they did not give the CEO a hard time.
Jon Dutton put forward his vision for the future of BC in a clear and efficient manner. He told us that BC is entrusted with government and commercial finance, and that this money must be used in a responsible way to achieve the results desired by BC’s paymasters. Essentially this means gaining international success, particularly at the Olympics and World Championships. Secondly, BC hopes that headline success in those events will bring about an increase in recreational cycling, although this sounded to be more of an aspiration than a commitment.
Stress was put on the need to recognise that circumstances have changed since the ‘golden age’ to which Mr. Dutton guessed many of his hearers longed to return. “Road Racing has become very expensive” he said, implying that it was altogether unaffordable except for a small elite, and although there is a Road Racing Commission under the chairmanship of Ed Clancy, no real progress can be expected this year or in 2025.
Mr Dutton put his arguments well, but they were probably more what his audience expected rather than what they hoped for.
The May Flyer Double 100 (also known as the SWRC May Flyer) is a long-standing cycling sportive in the UK. It is organised by the South Western Road Club (SWRC) and has been running for over 25 years. The "Double 100" refers to the event's signature offering of two distinct route options for participants: The Flyer: A 100-kilometre (approx. 62-mile) route that meanders through the North Downs and Surrey Hills. The Flyer Challenge: A 100-mile (approx. 162-kilometre) route that crosses the North Downs into West Sussex and back. Event Details Next Event Date: Sunday, 17th May 2026. Start/Finish Location: Cobham Village Hall, Surrey. Terrain: Scenic but challenging, featuring notable climbs like Staple Lane, Pitch Hill, and Combe Bottom. Entry: Limited to 500 riders, with registration typically available through platforms like SiEntries. Charity: All profits from the event are donated to local charities. https://www.swrc.org.uk/may-flyer/about-the-may-flyer
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