News: Crowd Funding for Women’s CiCLE Classic

A ‘Crowdfunding’ initiative aimed at raising the required £15,000 funding gap for the 2022 Women’s CiCLE Classic left by the withdrawal of sponsorship last week has been launched today.

News: Crowd Funding for Women’s CiCLE Classic

A ‘Crowdfunding’ initiative aimed at raising the required £15,000 funding gap for the 2022 Women’s CiCLE Classic left by the withdrawal of sponsorship last week has been launched today.

Speaking in advance of the launch, Race Director Colin Clews said, “ We cannot thank enough all those who have given their support to us regarding this issue. We wish to particularly thank the joint “Sex Matters” and the “Fair play for Women” offer to make good the shortfall this year from a single source. That immediately gave us heart that come what may, the race would continue. We remain eternally grateful for this offer. “

He continued, “Most important to ourselves and for Women’s cycling however, was that we secure the future of the race in the longer term. Three years being the minimum. In recent days such an offer has now been received and advanced discussions are continuing regarding a formal contract to commence in 2023.

That left us with how to deal with the funding of the race in 2022. Despite the initial joint offer being attractive, receipt of funds from a single source for one year presents problems to a small organisation such as ourselves. A not insignificant cost would be incurred associated with the rebranding of the event ‘on the day’ which would then be repeated in 2023 as the new contract becomes effective.”

“Those costs if avoided could alternatively be used beneficially to further develop the event. We are not a large permanent organisation and this issue has taken time and effort that we would have preferred to avoid, especially as we shortly commence our promotional programme on 24th April with our international Men’s race.

With so many who have contacted us suggesting and indicating their willingness to contribute to the continuation of the race via “‘Crowdfunding” we believe that is our immediate way forward. This also allows for everyone showing support for the race to share in its successful survival and receive acknowledgement for their contributions, large or small.”

The crowdfunding page was formally launched at 12.00 noon on Saturday 16th April. Details of the link to the page are provided below.

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ciclewomens4ever

Choice of this timing is significant as it is around the mid point of the 2nd ever Women’s ‘Paris-Roubaix’ race. A race which we hope our own smaller efforts encourage our past and future Women competitors to strive to emulate the success of Lizzie last year.

We hope that a further announcement concerning the longer term sponsorship of the Women’s CiCLE Classic and its associated Junior Men’s race, can then be made in due course.

We believe that the above decision presents a ‘best fit’ solution for the race, and ourselves, as well as harnessing the extensive groundswell of support for fairness in sport as well as life that this controversial issue has engendered. ALL can be assured that we will continue to do our small part in maintaining these principles in all our involvement in Women’s cycling.