S4 Ep53: Brother UK Cycling Podcast - 2024 Women's CiCLE Classic Review

The 2024 Women’s CiCLE Classic, Rod Ellingworth’s appointment as Race Director of the Tours of Britain and Cold Dark North’s Proper Northern Road Race Series are just some of the topics covered in this new episode, presented by co-hosts Timothy John and Phil Jones, the Managing Director of Brother UK.

Phil shares insights from inside the race convoy of the Women’s CiCLE Classic: a gruelling, mixed surface event in Rutland. From tyre choice to rider safety, mechanical issues to roadside crowds, Phil gives an eyewitness account of the race gained from inside the DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK team car.

Rod Ellingworth’s achievements as a coach and manager are well known, but his appointment as race director for the Tours of Britain represents a new challenge. Will his previous experience be sufficient in the face of innumerable operational challenges and hugely demanding timescales? Peter Harrison, race director of the Beaumont Trophy and Curlew Cup, gives his assessment.

Toby Cummins and Deb John, co-founders of Cold Dark North, are the architects of the Proper Northern Road Race Series, which Brother UK will serve as prize fund sponsor. We hear from Tobes on the value of prize money to attracting entrants and from Deb on the regulatory and administrative hurdles that are adding to the already difficult task of organising bike races in Britain.

Team Brother UK-OnForm, an Elite Development Team with a cohort of junior and U23 riders, as well as seniors, exemplifies our sponsorship of grassroots road racing. We hear from rider Hope Inglis, her mother Claire, and team manager Mark Botteley on how practical support from parents and financial support from a major business combines to develop resilient and resourceful young people.

Enjoy this episode, which also contains a summary of the recent Peaks 2 Day race, a look ahead to National A and B events to come, and insights from DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK’s Morven Yeoman on her impressive start to the season, overseas and on British roads.