S4 Ep45: Brother UK Cycling Podcast - 2023 Rayner Foundation Dinner

Co-hosts Timothy John and Phil Jones, the Managing Director of Brother UK, attended the 2023 Rayner Foundation dinner and charity auction. The pair shared a table with former world champion Lizzie Deignan (Lidl-Trek) and her husband Phil, a Grand Tour stage winner, and key members of the Foundation’s organising committee.

Despite enjoying the awards ceremony, charity auction and key note speeches, Phil and Tim found time to gather insights from this unique event: one that unites many of the decision makers in domestic and professional cycling with the stars of tomorrow. The Rayner dinner is at once glamorous and authentic.

Committee members Serena Meakin, Tim Harris and Josh Cutler describe their practical and emotional investment in the Foundation and the importance of the dinner to its excellent work. This year’s event attracted 301 guests: a higher turnout than last year, but still below pre-Covid levels. It must continue to grow.

Listen out for insights and observations from Giles Pidcock, Lewis Askey (Groupama-FDJ), and Oliver Knight (Team Cofidis), the Foundation’s Rider of the Year. Charlie Paige (TDT-Unibet) and Tom Portsmouth (Bingoal WB), other graduates to the professional ranks from the class of 2023, describe their experiences of living and racing abroad.

Hear too from the talented juniors joining prestigious development teams and the young female riders excelling in a new landscape for women’s cycling shaped to a large degree by Lizzie Deignan. And enjoy Tim and Phil’s extended discussion on the Foundation’s work and its intersection with the domestic road scene.

The pair consider the seemingly insatiable appetite of WorldTour development teams for young British riders. They discuss the explosion in British women’s racing too, with as many as seven UCI Continental women’s teams mooted for next season. And they reflect on the purpose of the elite men’s National Road Series.

Hear from those at the heart of the most respected charity in British cycle sport: its tireless volunteers, influential supporters and shooting stars. The Foundation has helped more than 90 British riders turn professional. Phil and Tim, experienced guides in the labyrinthine world of domestic racing, provide an informed commentary.