S4 Ep41: Brother UK Cycling Podcast - 2023 Tour of Britain preview

This packed preview of the 2023 Brother UK-sponsored Tour of Britain takes you to the heart of Britain’s biggest bike race, as well as considering its economic and environmental context. Co-hosts Timothy John and Phil Jones MBE, the Managing Director of Brother UK, hear from a host of expert witnesses.

Connor Swift (INEOS Grenadiers) will start his sixth Tour of Britain on Sunday September 3. A ‘graduate’ of the domestic scene, Connor has long experience of British roads. He shares insights gained from racing Britain’s national tour for teams at every level of professional racing and the national team, too.

Cycling is by no means immune from the depressed economic climate affecting every organisation in Britain, private or public. Race director Mick Bennett describes the various economic headwinds affecting the Tour of Britain. He explains why he and his team decided to hold this year’s edition without a title sponsor.

Environmental issues are another external pressure shaping the sport. The UCI is the sport’s world governing body. It joined the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework three years ago. Ben Barrett, the UCI’s Sustainability Consultant, describes the sport’s need to change and adapt in the face of the climate emergency.

Brother UK will serve the Tour of Britain as presenting partner of the Green Zones for a second successive year. Phil explains Brother’s purpose in supporting the race’s sustainability initiatives. He describes how the company’s award-winning environmental approach has aligned its business operations with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Route Director Andy Hawes provides an inside line on the flattest Tour of Britain parcours for many years. Andy offers sporting insights on where the race might be won or lost. He reveals the best locations for spectators, too, with several stages offering multiple opportunities to watch the riders pass.

The Tour of Britain isn’t the only stage race we’ll be following in the first week of September. Both of our sponsored teams, Brother UK-Orientation Marketing and Hutchinson-Brother UK, will take part in the Ras na mBan, Ireland’s leading stage race for women. Team manager Mark Botteley describes its appeal.