News: British Cycling Competition Framework

A dedicated project team at British Cycling has created a competition framework for the future, bringing a simpler, more fun and effective competition structure by 2029,

British Cycling News (Press Release) – BRITISH CYCLING LAUNCHES COMPETITION STRUCTURE TO RESHAPE THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT AND WELCOME NEW AUDIENCES

In the continued journey to modernise the sport of cycling, a new competition framework has been released today following a period of consultation with a variety of key stakeholders across the cycling community. Read the “Winning Together: Building a Competition Framework for the Future” https://www.velouk.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/BRITISH-CYCLING-A-competition-framework-for-the-future.pdf
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Following the feedback from a survey shared back in August and as the result of months of consultation with riders, clubs, volunteers, fans and the wider cycling community, a dedicated project team at British Cycling has created a competition framework for the future, bringing a simpler, more fun and effective competition structure by 2029, that is standardised across all disciplines.

The key outcomes from the project are to:
— Put riders at the heart of all British Cycling’s competitive events which will help people have great experiences.
— Simplify competition by ensuring greater consistency across all governed disciplines, which will help to attract new people into our clubs and events.
— Support new and existing event organisers by making competitions and events more efficient to deliver
— Create a sustainable financial future for our sport through smarter, and innovative ways of working.

From the first wave of consultation, our research showed that currently, only 1 in 5 competitive events cater for newcomers to the sport, and 67% of people responded saying they want an easier way to find events that are suitable for their age and ability – a key consideration in the proposed framework. Notably, 61% of people are seeking a fun and welcoming environment at competitive cycling events.

The new framework will structure the sport into five clear and easy to understand levels:
— Discover – A great introduction for newcomers to competition, delivered in a safe, welcoming, and accessible way. These coach-supported events will build learning and excitement while removing barriers to entry.
— Engage – Grassroots, club, and local-level events, focused on fun competition and supported by a welcoming community.
— Challenge – Regular competition for developing riders, offering meaningful, discipline-specific opportunities for personal achievement and goals.
— Advance – A proving ground for experienced competitors aiming for the top, with a strong focus on technical standards, and progression.
— Elite – The pinnacle of domestic cycling, showcasing excellence and inspiring others while setting the highest standards of performance & event delivery.

Over the next 14 months, working with the community, the project team will co-design and deliver these changes, which will ride in tandem with the ongoing digital transformation programme. For a more detailed breakdown of the roadmap ahead, please read more in the document.

Amy Gardner, Sport and Participation Director at British Cycling said: “This project comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of our sport as we undertake a bold and comprehensive transformation of our competition framework, so it reflects the needs of riders, coaches, volunteers and communities across the country.

“It will play a vital role in delivering British Cycling’s strategic priorities to support and grow the sport, and the framework sets out our vision for a modern, inclusive and high-quality competition structure that will shape the future of competitive cycling in Britain.”