The guest speaker, Jon Dutton, the CEO of British Cycling

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.