S4 Ep52: Brother UK Cycling Podcast - Chris Lawrence interview

Race organiser Chris Lawrence is the man behind the Newark Town Centre Races and Dudley Grand Prix, both National Circuit Series events. As a member of British Cycling’s Elite Road Racing Task Force, his insights into the mechanics of race organisation proved invaluable to a panel chaired by triple Olympic champion Ed Clancy OBE and which included Phil Jones, Brother UK’s Managing Director.

A lack of races is the principal challenge affecting elite domestic road racing, and several of the 16 recommendations made by the Task Force to British Cycling, including succession planning for race organisers and the creation of ‘winning pattern playbooks’, inspired by successful events, are focussed on addressing this issue.

In this detailed conversation with co-host Timothy John, Chris describes the practical and logistical requirements for staging a race in the UK, from winning the support of local authorities to engaging communities. Sponsorship, networking, and the role of British Cycling’s Sport Developers are among several other topics discussed.

Chris describes his ‘light bulb moment’, walking across Newark’s Royal Market Square, having recently moved to the town. He shares his hopes for the Task Force’s recommendations and the broader pyramid of British road racing. He offers insights into the challenges and rewards of race organisation, from managing people to celebrating a job well done.

Enjoy this in-depth interview and gain a deeper insight into the mechanics of race organisation, arguably the most important piece in elite road racing’s puzzle. From reverse engineering entry fees from event costs to engendering a carnival atmosphere, Chris reveals the practical and social requirements for a successful bike race.

Budding race organisers can watch Chris' invaluable YouTube workshop here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O42K33tfYiU