The Sportive world in the UK does seem to be in a bit of a mess. If there is any blame to be apportioned then some will have to go to British Cycling. Only a blind man in a coal hole couldn't see the enthusiasm for this type of event coming a mile off. BC should have been ready, both because as their function as a 'National Governing Body', but mainly as a way of channelling the surge in interest in road cycling that has come off the back of these events.
Now there seems to be some unsightly power struggle which could well result in there being YET ANOTHER body representing cycling in this country. Just what we need. Is that number 6 or 7 we've got? Strength in numbers eh?
But as to the issue about racing or not, BC's position (and the only one that's possible under British law), is that Sportives in the UK are not races:
The British Cycling Rule Book says…
APPENDIX 4- REGULATIONS FOR BC CYCLOSPORTIVE (CYCLING FOR ALL) EVENTS
These Events will be known as Cyclosportive events…
The organiser shall wherever possible select a route that is low in traffic volumes and away from major towns. When choosing a suitable route consideration should be given to finding a hill early in the event to alleviate the possibility of bunches forming
There will be no list published which indicates a finishing position or time. An alphabetical list of finishers and times will be published.
However the situation on the ground seems to be in direct contradiction to this. BC endorse the Highclear event which appears to fly in the face of their own guidelines. As a result Cyclosport.org has got all high and mighty about this event but promotes the Fred Whitton as being the first and best Cyclosportive, an event which is happy to report in the local paper that the 'six riders of the Wheelbase team worked well together as far as the foot of Honister where team captain Rob Jebb put the hammer down, causing the field to fragment and allowing only one other rider to be able to handle the pace. The two then worked together over the remains of the course to a joint win in a new record time."
Doesn't read like a 'jolly non competitive cycling day out for all' in my book.
It's all needs sorting out, because if something goes wrong and there is a big incident, the resulting 'solution' imposed by the road authorities are unlikely to make it easier for cycling.
and challenges without racing for those who are.
