Women's Nocturne cancellation proves the need for a British Women's Cycling Council

Since the IG Markets Nocturne began five years ago, it's grown into one of the most popular cycling events in Britain with a combination of top quality hard criterium racing and fun events (including the now-legendary folding bike race) that have ensured thousands of people show up for a night of free family entertainment. It also receives TV coverage; and is therefore precisely the sort of event that can benefit women's cycling - the audience, infrastructure and cameras are already in place; giving the teams a chance to prove that women's cycling is every bit as exciting, competitive and interesting as the men's. Nocturne organisers recognised this fact and decided that they'd benefit too - after all, Britain's female professional cyclists are at the pinnacle of their sport and have a small but dedicated following who will flock to any such an event.

It worked superbly well in 2011. Unfortunately for 2012, "outside influences" - namely British Cycling - have prevented a women's race from going ahead due to a race they organise and which takes place the next day. Are the riders' pretty little heads likely to become confused as to which race they should enter? Are they too weak and feeble to do both? Or is it just sour grapes due to the fact that the Nocturne is a bigger, more successful event than the British Cycling race? (The organisation has been contacted for a response and it'll  add it to this article if they provide one.)

Teams not consulted
Cyclopunk approached Stefan Wyman, manager of the British-based Matrix Fitness-Prendas team, to find out if teams had been consulted in the making of the decision. He sent us the following response:

"The Smithfield nocturne was a stand out event in 2011.  Professional promotion, closed circuit, exciting commentary and a huge crowd, made for a thrilling evening race.  This was all topped off with television coverage making this event exactly what I feel women’s cycling in the UK needs.

My team spent the day with a sponsor on their trade stand and we handed out over 400 signed team fan cards during the event.   This kind of sponsor and fan interface is another big factor missing in women’s racing. 

I understand trying to help promote a national series race in the north of England, but I think that encouraging the cancellation of what was in my opinion the UK’s premier women’s criterium is very short sighted.  We are crying out for more races, and we need opportunities for riders in both the North and the South.  I personally believe that riders that want to compete in both, will compete in both, as they did last year.  But we need CHOICE.  

Perhaps a better and more practical solution to getting riders committed to the National Series would be an increase in overall prize fund, or an adjustment to the rules that encourages greater participation.  Surely cancelling other progressive events is not the answer?

I also feel the most disappointing part of this affair is the lack of consultation with women’s teams and riders in the UK.  Me, nor my riders were consulted as to whether it was a good idea, nor according to what I have read elsewhere were any other riders.  

Perhaps it’s time we start a women’s cycling council in the UK to take forward the work done in the past by the WCRA [Women's Cycle Racing Association]."

Team Mule Bar Girl responded to the news on their Facebook page:

Emma Pooley: "Going on
television is a big step in that
TV time is worth so much to
a sponsor."

"So British Cycling have asked Smithfield Nocturne NOT to hold a women's race because it makes the girls tired for a big BC race the next day. The last I checked we weren't living in North Korea and we are allowed to choose how we spend our time. The Nocturne Women's race is one of the most talked about on the calendar, it's the one we get bubbly with excitment for. It took a big effort and some beautiful support for it to happen in the first place, just to have it taken away, it totally sucks!!!" 

Does BC have women's cycling's interests at heart?
Wyman's point concerning a council promoting women's cycling in Britain is a good one and likely to be shared by Emma Pooley, who has been calling on the women's peloton to unite in an effort to get fairer deals for female cyclists for some time. Right now, it would seem that riders, managers and those with an interest in women's cycling need to push for that more than ever, because with this sort of attitude from the National Federation those who wish to promote women's cycling and ensure it receives the exposure it has for so long deserved have an even harder task ahead of them than was previously thought.

How you can help
Keep an eye on Mule Bar Girl for petitions and further details and you can contact British Cycling to share your opinions on their misguided decision via this link. Nocturne organisers have hinted that if there is sufficient support, they may decide to go ahead with the race anyway - for more details and a pre-prepared email, click here.

Giro di Sardegna cancelled

Just days after it was announced that preparations for the 2012 Holland Ladies' Tour have been suspended while the organisation that runs it seeks new sponsorship, their counterparts at the Giro di Sardegna have revealed that they too are experiencing difficulties and have been forced to cancel this year's edition which was due to start on February the 21st.

The race began in 1958 and was held annually, except for 1979 and 1981, until 1983. It was then not held from 1984 to 1996 when it returned for two editions before vanishing again until 2009. Among others, it has been won by Rik Van Looy, Eddy Merckx, Jacques Anquetil and Roger De Vlaeminck.

Rather than lacking commercial sponsorship, organisers blame local government - stating that they have yet to be paid by towns wishing to host starts and finishes in the race and are still owed money from previous editions, leading to a 150,000 euro hole in the budget.

Tour of Britain Stage 2 cancelled

Sky's Steve Cummings crashed hard yesterday. With
today's much worse weather, the race could easily have
become carnage. (© Racklever CC3.0)

Stage 2 of the 2011 Tour of Britain has been cancelled by organisers due to the high winds that are battering the North-West of Britain as a result of Hurricane Katia.

Stage 1 was raced in atrocious conditions, leading to a crash in which Sky's Steve Cummings fell hard and LeopardTrek's Jens Voigt broke a finger. Cummings was able to continue after receiving attention from medics, Voigt's injury forced him to abandon the race.

With a Yellow Alert - high risk of damage to trees and buildings, probable travel disruption - alert put into place for the region by the Met Office, the decision to cancel the stage had been suspected overnight before confirmation came at 10:00 on the morning of the stage. Sky's Geraint Thomas, a favourite to win the race, Tweeted: "Disappointed but safety is the main issue guys. Got to respect the police decision. Not worth breaking ourselves." Meanwhile, riders are reported to be milling about the start line, disappointed but accepting that the decision had to be made.

However, cycling fans and residents of Kendal will still be able to see some action as riders will be completing a limited number of display laps around the town centre. This will take place in a neutral zone and as such will not affect race standings. Other activities are being planned according to an official Tour Tweet at 10:45, and it appears celebrations will be held at the Blackpool Tower finish line later this afternoon.

The organisers' full statement can be read here.