This Can't Happen Again | Something Needs To Change | The Future Of Cycle Racing In The UK

On April 19th 2023 We headed off to race the 63rd edition of The Wally Gimber cycle race. Unfortunately the race was cancelled after one of the competitors was involved in a collision with a car on the course. This isn't the first time this has happened, but hopefully it will be the last.
We need to find a new way to move forward with cycle racing in the UK. There have been lots of suggestions how we can do this. In this video I share my thoughts about the race and racing in general.
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[@chrisopie87]

I'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone for taking the time to leave any constructive thoughts and comments on this video. There are many sides to approach this topic from and there has been so much added which I had never considered in this original video. I look forward to working towards a solution and bringing an update. Judging by many comments it does seem the overriding consensus is that of better education of riders. Something that it sounds like many of us have had access to at different times and something I myself perhaps took for granted. Thank you again everyone for taking the time to watch and message. Chris

[@mabozza85]

Your honest no messing approach is very much appreciated. Keep up the great work!

[@GordonChaffin]

As mostly a bike commuter in Washington, D.C., I find this discussion very interesting. Most of the time on my bike, I know that a motorist is one short mistake from killing me. And even as America adds protected/separated cycle lanes and bike paths, I'm still not enjoying my riding per se. Recreational riding like your training and racing should be fun. Because, if there's no fun on a bike -- not in commuting or recreational -- then we're forgetting that bikes are for joy.

[@TheRimBrakeGuy]

Open traffic racing is insanity, we barely hold it together as it is in a bunch going 45-50km/h, I cannot imagine other slower cyclists as obstacles suddenly popping up, or some car door opening, or worse a car hitting you. INSANE. You need to find closed 3-4km loops in secondary roads, arrange with the commune the date of the event, close the said road, set a start/finish line in the loop, do the rules/regulations briefing when the riders get on the starting line. Thats what we do in BENELUX for decades. Come on guys, its simple logic.

[@paulmorrison30]

I agree with you totally and if races are going to be held on the roads then the roads should ideally be closed. I know it’s not always feasible but I used to do circuit racing in Jamaica back in the 90’s and even they closed the roads as people were excited to witness these events. It will take a lot of organisation and compromise in order to achieve this but it’s not impossible.

[@ironmantooltime]

I was more on the closed roads side of the fence than rider education but you have read more comments than me. "Moderator" riders could work, designated road captains. 👍

[@severnbridgeroadrace]

Chris, I listened with interest to your podcast. I have been the organiser of the Nat B, Severn Bridge RR for the past 12 years, as well as other Regional road races. I am also an Accredited Marshal and BC coach, and have marshalled at a large number of events over 10 years. Surprisingly, you never mentioned the very important role that Accredited Marshals play in road races, because without them, races can’t take place. Certainly rider behaviour has been an issue for the past few years since Covid, but prior to that there were less issues. However, many riders still don’t seem to behave as though they are riding on an open road. I can tell you that I have spoken to parents of riders that aren’t aware the race is on open roads. There are about 37 Nat B and only 4 Nat A races planned in the UK this year. Moving any Nat B to a Nat A is financially not possible without massive sponsorship, at least £30k, so well beyond most clubs. It is traditional clubs mainly that organise road races, not shop sponsored teams, yet that is where most of the best club riders end up going. So why are teams not making a bigger contribution to road race organisation? The costs involved in organising any road race today are becoming prohibitive without significantly raising entry fees. So when riders complain about a £40 entry fee, with a maximum 80 riders, yet leisure riders are prepared to pay up to £100 for a sportive, with an unlimited number of entries, then there’s a problem. There are less suitable race circuits available than 10 years ago, due to busier villages, more traffic, speed restrictions, poorer road maintenance, less public acceptance, to name just a few reasons. It’s difficult to get new circuits risk assessed, this is certainly something British Cycling could help with. It is extremely difficult to cover every place a motorist could get into a race convoy, so this happens pretty regularly in road races. It is almost always handled well by NEG, Commissaires and lead cars. However, I saw comments from riders about the race you are referring to that seemed astounded that this happened. The resources required to put on a road race are high, on the Severn Bridge we usually have over 70 officials and marshals, all volunteers. So an organiser’s responsibility is very high, with the added anxiety of safety for the riders, when so much is outside your control. As a result of all of this, there are unsurprisingly less organisers coming forward. There is no simple answer, but BC has to take some lead on this. More race equipment support and funding is needed for organising groups. Mentors are required for new organisers. And, of course, more suitable circuits. Basically, road race organisation has to become more professional, but where exactly the money is going to come from is anyone’s guess. My worry is that road racing could disappear in the UK if we do not have a dedicated working group within British Cycling to focus on it. Food for thought I hope. Brian O’Kelly, Bristol Road Club.

[@MrBoggins1234]

Wise words.

[@duringthemeanwhilst]

I retired from racing and organising events 20 years ago. I could see at that time that increasing traffic levels were going to be a huge problem and I didn't want to be ultimately responsible for something disastrous happening. I organised the "gateway to the beacons race" in South Wales for 2 years run on an out and back plus a circuit course. It became a nightmare with marshalls not turning up, etc meaning I had to seriously think about cancelling races at really short notice as I feared I couldn't comply with my risk assessment. It was only drafting in wives, girlfriends, mates, etc that meant the race could go ahead. But there are other factors at play here. 1. people are racing on £15,000 pro bikes without the necessary skill set to actually ride one. Pro bikes today are a completely different beast to the ones I rode on. And the trend towards narrower handlebars and their effect on your ability to handle your bike is dangerous. You wouldn't jump out of your VW Golf into a World rally car and think you could handle its full power. 2. the increased TV coverage sees riders (not just younger ones either) trying to emulate what they see the pro's do on TV - so riding in ultra-close proximity to cars, taking risks to go through gaps that aren't there. Taking stupid risks to win a 3/4 cat event does not make you look like WVA. 3. I grew up through cycling club runs where you learned your road craft in a bunch of 50-60 riders at a leisurely pace, and risked a massive bollocking from the club captain if you did something stupid. I'm not sure whether these Sunday rides even take place that much any more or if they do perhaps they're more like unofficial races. When I raced we were always warned about being DQ'd for crossing solid white lines, dangerous riding, not obeying the rules of the road, etc. In over 100 road races I never felt in danger or threatened by either traffic or rider stupidity. We all looked out for each other. Do those same warnings exist now, and more importantly are they seen to be carried out? Does this same duty of care for your fellow rider exist? Probably not. And it's not just in races either. I regularly see medium sized training groups riding like they own the road, surrounding cars, riding up pavements, etc just to win a road-sign sprint. Come on! 20 years ago I forecast the end of cycle racing on open roads in busy areas, with races being forced into more and more remote areas just to be run off safely. It's not come to that just yet, but if it continues in the same vein then that's the future.

[@garthcox4]

Agree with every word. They should be using closed roads and there should be a qualification to enter a road race requiring membership and assessment by a club.

[@joules531]

This certainly isn't a new phenomenon. When I was racing back in the 70s/80s, road racing was just as dangerous, with many riders taking extreme risks, not just with the safety of other riders, but also with drivers and horse riders. It was quite embarrassing at times. I always felt much safer doing criteriums. Your comment about riders not paying attention to commissaires rang true too - this level of ignorance was also very common 40 years ago. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these important issues.

[@chesterthomas5093]

I think a big factor is also that so many riders these days get started with indoor riding, and do the majority of their training indoors. While it may be good for fitness, it doesn’t help with real worldwide bike handling skills, group riding, safety,etc.

[@julianmorris9951]

As a cyclist and motorcyclist I cannot see how it’s even possible to race on a “live road” without putting yourself and other road users at risk 🤔

[@billyb3689]

As a mountain biker, driver, and road rider I find racing on open roads to be just wild as a concept

[@aAnd67]

Very well put Chris. Racing on open roads shouldn't exist in my opinion. Regardless of how well the organisation is, when you add cycling at speed, to cars, lorries, vans and pedestrian access, you're asking for trouble. Even some Sunday club runs, of 20 plus cyclists can be dangerous, if not led correctly.This needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Excellent video 👍

[@mikejackson1949]

Myself and my club had organised many Regional A, Nat B and even Prem events over the years, and I've seen the standard of rider behaviour slip so far that during the last event we hosted a young rider also hit a stationary car that was parked in the right hand side of the road! He also managed to take out four other riders in the process. But to make matters even worse, the riders father made a beeline for me after the race to tell it was my fault that I'd allowed the car to be parked on the opposite side of the road (I'd asked the villagers to move their cars to the opposite side of the road for the duration of the event (6 laps) which they kindly did).. At that point I told our regional BC rep that we were never going to host a race again as the lack of respect to the organisers and volunteers from the generation of riders and their families was too much....

[@thomasbutcher3593]

I actually think the fact so much racing is televised these days made things worse - riders think they can do what the pros on TV do.

[@cornishcat11]

@@thomasbutcher3593 ok so televising events makes it worse? how about people take some personal responsability and stop blaming everyone else for thier own stupidity? so we had better ban all soap operas because men watch them and have affairs? really? bollocks

[@DanFleming114]

@@thomasbutcher3593 Yeah that’s not the reason. I watch formula 1, but I don’t do 120 down a b-road…because I’m not an idiot.

[@MrBoggins1234]

​@@cornishcat11 💯%

[@thomasbutcher3593]

@@DanFleming114 People are influenced by the behaviour of others - see football and the way kids copy the behaviour of top players.

[@andypearce5599]

Chris, I am the race organiser for another National B event, the Verco Victor Berlemont to be held in August. The excellent points you made in your video are obviously highly relevant to me so if you are interested in helping me make the event even safer please let me know. Would be great to see you ride it.

[@TheOliogs]

Maybe one solution might be to start races much earlier in the morning. 8am on a Sunday for example. The Gimber started at 11am, by which time Sunday traffic is picking up.

[@greggjames2168]

I do believe the main problem is the actual lack of clubs ,proper cycling clubs..the fact that most riders (racers) train on swift ect and dont do sunday club runs ..also strong comms should not be afraid to stop a race and throw riders off ..there are lots of reasons, but as you say riders need to care of each other

[@nathanielrosa1]

This! It should be mandatory to go through ~2 years of club cycling (and your license signed off and approved by the club that you've proven yourself a safe, reliable, disciplined club rider on *many* weekend club rides in all weathers) before being allowed to race

[@greggjames2168]

@@nathanielrosa1 unfortunately British Cycling would never go for something like this nor would any regions, it would lose way too much money!! There should be some sort of test to get a race license but what Chris is talking about happened in an elite race, these are supposed to be experienced riders. You will never stop crashes it's part of the sport ,if the pros crash what chance do the amateurs have? It's just a shame most people now have never been on a proper old school club ride (especially the ones that need it)

[@ianmangham4570]

​@@nathanielrosa1The last thing we need in England is more nanny state

[@cleggy210]

Excellent video on an unfortunate topic. This really hit home here Chris. You mentioned the 2013 Severn Bridge RR where Junior Heffernan lost his life... I unknowingly raced the same circuit in the 2021 edition which was also cancelled. 1st lap 30 guys went down when some of them were squeezed into parked cars. Then lap 4 an 18 year old crashed so badly, he was airlifted to ICU, had a bleed on the brain and many thought it would be a repeat tragedy. That was the last race I did and combined with losing a friend to a driver on the phone whilst out training, I've really struggled to enjoy riding bikes since. You're completely right on rider attitude. Even if this were the TdF, it would not excuse how sketchy and selfish the scene has become. When I started racing in 2015, there was a mutual respectful understanding to look after each other and that your actions have consequences not just for yourself, but for everyone around and behind you. That wasn't there after Covid when racing resumed and I'm sad to see you've experienced the same thing 2 years later. Some courses are definitely unsuitable for sending 80 people down at 30mph, but the vast majority are absolutely fine providing riders have that respect and responsibility we used to have... (I'm 26 and I feel very old writing this!) I REALLY hope things improve and people like yourselves can go and race for the fun of it. Without the worry that you're not going to come home to your family in one piece. Cheers, Matt

[@cornishcat11]

great comment

[@4879daniel]

Reading this, you do wonder, why do people bother with it at all. I have done bike racing but for fun I’d rather do a parkrun, nice atmosphere and very unlikely to get hurt.

[@tomrachellesfirstdance7843]

You are 100% correct on humility, one of the major problems we have in the UK is the pure hatred toward cyclists. It is almost allowed in media to hate and especially in papers like the Daily Mail they almost actively push people to hate cycling. I remember when the commonwealth games TT came through my area and people were in the papers claiming to be locked down for 13 hours and they cannot leave the house. They did the Velo 100 and only managed it once and one person drove through a police blockade. It's a shame but I really think the government needs to help as the help before worked wonders.

[@chrisopie87]

This isn't nice reading, but you're right in what you say! Hopefully there's a healthy future, somehow.

[@HarryTzianakisTheGodOfSpeed]

The media in America would demonized cyclists as well. At one point they tried to make cyclists register their bikes but that did not go through. There has to be some agenda behind the media spreading hate for cyclists. The last few years the media hasn't said nothing negative..

[@GelDouche12]

Too much of a bogan attitude in this country towards cyclists.

[@Mikeatcitycycle]

It's the inexperience. Since Zwift had it's huge uptick, and there were thousands of new riders born from the pandemic, these racers are still fairly new to the sport. Like you said. there is no "Road Captain" very often any longer. This is happening in the US as well. You are also correct that super narrow bars exacerbate already less than ideal bike handling skills.

[@nishiki7047]

I’m a lifelong cyclist , love all forms of cycle racing on and of road, I’ve competed and helped out at many types of events . I have massive respect for the hard working people who put these events on , but the Gimber cannot be run on these roads anymore ( I’m fairly local and know these roads) And as for the standard of riding , it’s become dreadful, a local club has or had a couple of high catagory riders , they apparently got there by just racking up points in small low level circuit races , hence very little real road race experience and they seem very bullish and think there bombproof. Fantastic comments from Mr Opie , he’s spot on

[@CG-99]

Racing on open roads is madness. Only happens in the UK. I have raced in UK and Europe and only ever feel unsafe when racing in the uk.

[@MalcolmJameson_1]

apparently u are not familiar with the concept of alleycat racing and messenger races, like they do in NYC. a race through a busy city along with the cars, running red lights and defying every single traffic rule. thats a spectacular race - it is exciting not only being a particiant but watching it too. i never ever watch a full vid of a stage of a TdF, Giro or the Roubaix race, but i always watch a full vid of an alleycat race. best cycling races ever these are.

[@sgameirojr]

Common in NZ as well to race in open roads. I've seen crits in NorCal channel also happening in open roads. I think it's more common than you think.

[@paulprottey6950]

Normal to race on open roads like this description in Perth Australia with similar rules on road use

[@gilesbyford3773]

We too race on open roads here in Ireland. Fortunately much less busy than English roads though.

[@chrispalmer3096]

​@@MalcolmJameson_1 those died out in London when the bike courier industry died. Used to be last Friday of the month.

[@mikedean7199]

Well done Chris - this needs saying and you've put forward a very honest and insightful view here. The sport at grass roots in the UK is in a mess - and I'd go so far as to say that even just riding on the roads, let alone racing, has become a bit of a nightmare. I'm a long time cyclist, having raced at national level in the 80's and ridden/raced pretty much all of my life, but the interaction that I see nowadays between road users is at an all time low - riders often don't help themselves (and of course I don't mean to tar all of us with the same brush) but some of the behaviour you outline here, including the surrounding if a car by the bunch, is outrageous and riders need to have a look at themselves.......I see the same in sportives (if not worse)....it's grim

[@pg15702]

A pure proffesional outlook on what things need to be addressed, a great listen to all racers of all categories, you have always been a great ambassador for the sport Chris 👌

[@MrPoodletamer]

Thanks Chris for the video. There’s hope for the future of racing when there’s ideas to educate. It seems things have been lost in time that were taught during club riding.

[@samshepherd9729]

Well said Chris. Something needs to change, something I’ve found is riders often take too many risks. As a risk adverse rider, I feel like I am at a serious disadvantage. I know that at the end of the day taking risks here and there is part of bike racing, diving up the inside, hopping into a small gap, potentially riding in the gutter, but at the end of the day, riding into oncoming traffic needs to change. I personally find it very fun moving up the peloton from within. That’s what you have to do at higher levels with closed roads, but it’s effectively nulled when someone can dive down the other side of the road, and wait till the last second to avoid a car to move up in the peloton. I often shout at people taking unnecessary risks, you’re not pogacar, it’s not worth it to come top 20 in a Nat B.

[@nJc_Colour]

Well spoken with great points. I really hope things improve for the better soon.

[@bitchoflivingblah]

Thank you for your honesty and highlighting this particularly important aspect of racing, safety.

[@Stu_2112]

Good points, well presented. It's good to have experienced, proven riders like yourself articulate these points.

[@dorydiavelone3531]

Great job Chris having the courage to step up and say something !!! Just another reason why I love your input and channel ….BRAVO!!!…….you are right!!!

[@benround948]

Thank you Chris, this is, in my opinion your best video to date. You clearly care a great deal about cycling in the UK. I would imagine that people would really listen to you if you pursued this type of content.

[@drchrisbartlett]

A great, necessary video Chris. Nice one. About to do my first open road race in 8 years, and good to be reminded of the responsibilities riders have to get each other round safe. I did laugh at "If there's a vehicle in the road, you don't *need* to hit it." Well put!

[@idramsbottom]

Excellent video and a topic I care about as my son races U23. Some many of your points struck home and British Cycling really need to step up and embrace this rider safety topic.

[@L.O.K.I]

Chris this is a very touching video because it deals with the human side of cycling. This is applicable to all the countries where cycling is popular, including Canada. I agree that establishing a 4-6 km loop out of city or village limits is the best option for safe racing.

[@jamesbonnington912]

Thank you. I thought it was just me “bottling it” but I’m in my 40s, with a family and a mortgage and I’m not sure about road racing any more. I love racing track and feel way safer on the boards. Commissaire every 250m and no oncoming traffic 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@nishiki7047]

Well said James , I started feeling very unsafe in road races seven or eight years ago . So many riders ( who thankfully have never had a crash) think they are invincible

[@michaelyblam]

The basic bottomline is there are always a few over competitive riders who when adrenaline is flowing fast, have forgotten cycling etiquette, rules and regulations. They put safety of themselves and others low in priority.

[@simonwilliams7885]

It’s bad enough in races with marshals and motorbikes controlling the traffic, but when people are riding on the wrong side of the road and the wrong way round roundabouts during reliabilities it’s just insane.

[@EdgeRowing]

Well said, well thought out - considered yet honest. Good of you to put thisout there.

[@cutsy75]

Well said 🙌🏼 I raced the Gimber at the weekend and had a lot of the same conclusions, and I’ve also spoken to many mates in the sport since the weekend about the future of the sport since Sunday . We accept the risks in terms of the potential for road rash with a touch of wheels or even a broken collarbone - both of which should be rare but it’s a risk I accept racing, I don’t accept life threatening injuries - everyone should come home safe it’s a hobby for most at Nat B level. Thankfully the rider is ok. I can’t help think that a remote 3 mile circuit would be far better, I wonder if it’s also possible to have 3 races on the same day (women, junior, e123) with more entries you’d have a higher budget for the races and could get closer to closing the roads. It would potentially mean multiple clubs put the races on and they’re less frequent (1 a month per region) but it would keep road racing and mean you could do a mix of closed circuits crits and road racing.

[@chrisopie87]

This does sound like a logically brilliant idea. I can only see this being beneficial for all involved.

[@assaultedpeanut9]

What's the cost of closing a road loop? I have a feeling it's a lot more than what you get from more people entering the race

[@cutsy75]

@@assaultedpeanut9 I genuinely don’t know, although I do know of a local 10k where they had 1000 entries and the police decided to close the roads for it. With more races in one day you would have a bigger case for that as you would have more participants. It might not be possible to close the roads but with more race entries due to multiple races you may have a bigger budget for more NEG or barriers to help with temporary junction closures. But you would need to have a large field of riders (over 100) like in Belgium, as Surrey league does a two race a day model but probably only has 100 riders over the two races.

[@beeble2003]

@@cutsy75 A possible problem with having multiple races in a day is that you'd be trying to close the road for most of a day. Would probably be harder to get the council to agree to that.

[@hisdadjames4876]

Very thoughtful and timely contribution to the cycling safety debate. Thanks. 👍

[@marcusFZ6]

Well said. Lots of points that do need to be looked at and taken into consideration. Knowing what you know and said, how do you/people/organisers/teams go about making these changes to make racing better & safer for everyone.

[@paulsonjeff]

So interesting to hear about anxiety from someone other than myself! Cycling is a huge component for me the past number of years and incremental in changing former bad habits Ive had. Mental health is a serious thing, I've been able to open up and discover by talking about what I've held in. Cheers for this video.

[@mookie2637]

In fairness, this decline has been going on at least since the late 00s when road racing went nuts, the price of everything went through the roof, and road cycling becamse the "new golf". Club rides became races in all but name (leading clubs to become very wary of actually hosting them), and actual races became increasingly risky - especially in the 3/4 bunch, where mass pile ups and serious injuries became common. .

[@reneegroeninx7076]

Walking out of briefings should lead to DQ. As you say important info being shared.

[@MediaMotos-ho7lt]

Hey Chris - we’ll gladly help with any feedback from our little window into the world of racing. Great video mate!

[@pinnaclewd]

I totally agree and fear open road races are going to die a death and be forced into closed circuits. As a oldie who finished racing in 2004 (11 years 1st cat) I dipped my finger back into it in 2019 and was shocked at the lack of bike handling in the bunch. There must have been at least 7 or 8 pile ups.....given the risks people seem to take now is utter madness it like they are racing for a million quid.....Maybe mentality on the riders need to change like you say. Time to look to the old boys LVRC who tend to be experienced riders who have been there and done it. Great video Chris 👍

[@percyveer2355]

i think that is part of the problem, back in the day there was limited coverage on tv, so people were introduced to road racing in clubs where mature, experienced riders were able to educate new riders. now people see the pro's flying round and think they can copy their style. combine this with the increased number of cars on the roads, carnage.

[@roadkill_toronto]

Great video and topic most people seem scared to touch. I was racing in a big city without organization barriers or closed roads with a guy years ago and we where about to get passed by a street car so I gave him space and he blew by me and won the race. I was angry at myself that night for being soft and giving him the space he needed to win. I found out 6 months later he was deaf and had no clue the street car was coming. I saved his life not taking the spot in the road I knew I should have taken to win. He would have been run over %100. It’s one of those life moments you never forget and I still remember it vividly … thankfully no one else remembers that race anymore. I think he won $20 and some stickers and was his only win ever racing bikes. Im currently taking a break from races deciding what type of racing to do in the future. So far everything I’m interested in is solo. Where I alone are responsible for my own actions and not anything else. Be it questionable moral behaviour or breaking traffic laws, I think I’m done racing other peoples races in a way others before me did it. And everyone is to blame. Myself included. To end on a funny note I’ll add ; What’s with guys at the tour du France giving victory speech’s in snowboard googles?

[@Oricottage]

You articulated it very well Chris. Surely there’s a role for someone like you in British Cycling to help with sort of thing?

[@leemundoMadDog]

Great analysis Chris, thanks for speaking up and bringing all that up.

[@charliebiggers1810]

Thanks for speaking out Chris O, my experience of open road racing has been similar with riders clearly disregarding race direction and constantly on the wrong side of the road with on coming traffic. I think you're right, smaller circuits in the country side where roads can be controlled better is the way forward for alls safety

[@ColdDarkNorth.]

Thanks for this video Chris. Thought-provoking and articulate as always. We’d love to see you at one of the rounds of the Proper Northern Road Race in the Cold Dark North - quieter roads than you’re used to in the overpopulated South. Some of the same problems, but we think fewer!

[@davehollingworth5537]

Very well put. I hope the grown ups are listening - you make total sense with valid reasoning. ❤

[@micktarrant7733]

Chapeau Chris for the considerable time and consideration involved in making this. Although my racing days finished over 20 years ago I can identify with much of what you say. Most of my riding these days consists of dedicated cycleways, gravel tracks and off road due to the high anxiety of riding on public roads. Sometimes our route uses short sections of highway that were once used for local road races and we shudder at the thought of how that would be possible now. Disappointing to learn that many participants in the race you feature couldn't be arsed to listen to the pre-race briefing but it doesn't surprise me as many of today's riders seem to have a certain arrogance. In my time, the wisdom was passed down from your elders in the cycling club structure and you learnt how to ride in a group at an early stage and later learned race etiquette. Club captain was akin to a 'Patron' in the peloton and by the sounds of it, nobody was taking that responsibility in your race. Like you, I don't have the answers (nor do BC it seems) but I can't see that racing on open roads has a future which probably goes for time trialling too.

[@GaryDavidson-gr7vb]

Lots of good points raised in the video, rider responsibility is key at all times. Easy to get caught up in the middle of a race and this leads to the question of appropriate roads/circuits to race on. Getting harder and harder to get permits to race on open roads hence a decline in races. Without dedicated circuits it’s hard to find an answer. Great video Chris.

[@Darthshearer]

Great starting point for a discussion that really needs to be had. Hope the lad who crashed is making a good recovery.

[@simonyearsley1805]

For years whilst living and racing in Belgium Ive said the same thing. Its absolute madness to have road races and TT’s on open roads. Just training on roads in UK is dangerous enough. Short circuits of 2-7km which are controlled and always a one way system in place. Come see amateur racing in Belgium and do the same !

[@adampalmer8244]

I was chatting to a mate about the state of the UK road / club scene and how it's changed over the years. Virtual indoor training through the winter is the new riders default these days where perhaps learning skills to ride in a group safely, communicating with each other and ulitmately keeping each other safe on the road at a club level has been lost.

[@horizonchasing]

I have a similar feeling. Coming through the club scene in the 1980's, with a club captain and club runs, was instructional. I don't particularly blame the indoor training for the fall-off in road discipline so much as I blame the wrong type of rider. With the rise in popularity of cycling since 2012, there has been an influx of new riders who have not been indoctrinated in the same way. Many don't know how to share the road or ride defensively, and they don't think to look out for others. They also seem to go along with a righteous indignation that would defeat any common sense.

[@John_Wood_]

People in general seem to have lost all spatial awareness. Being glued to a screen for hours on end is most likely the main problem. Even when pushing out big watts on an open road they are glued to their little screen of data.

[@robertallardice8119]

@@horizonchasing 8

[@sharpyt1]

This is a really important video, thank you or sharing. I agree wholeheartedly with the points you raise here, and would like to follow up with my own recent experience. I've not raced for the last year for a multitude of reasons, but my last road race (the 2021 Severn Bridge) ended in similar circumstances to this. It was black flagged following a huge crash at a pinch point due to parked cars on a fast corner. I was probably the last rider to go down at the back of the incident, but a young lad sustained major head injuries and had to be resuscitated on the road. Prior to the crash, the bunch felt unbelievably sketchy like we were just waiting for something bad to happen. It made me seriously consider whether I wanted to race on open roads anymore. There are definitely a few factors at play, and the fact that road circuits that have been used for decades are getting busier is definitely one of them. However, I do think rider behaviour is also a problem. Perhaps bike handling has deteriorated, and the lack of big-name riders and teams to control things doesn't help (I remember Steve Lampier giving riders a right bollocking for riding over the white line a few times). I also think that the diminishing number of road races plays a role. There aren't nearly enough Nat A or Nat B races nowadays, so riders are now ultra-competitive to try and grab a result or maintain licence points. Sadly I have no idea how to fix these issues, but more investment from BC in amateur racing would probably help. I'd also like to see more clubs putting on regional level races, and club riders stepping up as organisers and marshals to put them on. Fundamentally, as riders we need to have a look at ourselves and make sure we're keeping each other safe.

[@leewild8494]

Well put Chris. As a UK Commissaire it’s very difficult to influence Riders behaviour during the race so we do hope riders look after each other and make sensible choices in races. From my experience it’s not unusual if at least 50% of riders don’t listen to briefings or read the pre event information. AMS and NEG do a great job, but you are always at the mercy of the general public too.

[@beeble2003]

You can't leave yourself at the mercy of the general public: the general public never agreed to be involved in a bike race. If you need more cooperation from the general public than is needed by somebody who's just driving (or cycling) to Tesco, then your whole model is broken.

[@germurphy4986]

Well said Chris. Unfortunately there will be further problems, and I fear for the future of open road races.

[@thegamingmonkey6350]

Thanks Chris, great video raising the current situation. As a Kent Cyclist and now an old vet I stopped racing on the road in the county 15 years ago due to the exact same issues and behaviour. I now only ride cycle-cross as I find it the safest form of racing for me and family. Good to really start talking about this and pushing for change.

[@chrisshubotham3732]

Totally agree with your comments, hopefully people will take this onboard as more incidents like this will put further races in jeopardy of being cancelled altogether.

[@anonymous-rj6ok]

I don't think you're addressing the real problem. There is no way for a race to be safe unless you're racing on closed roads. I'm not from the UK but I'm just shocked by the fact you guys are racing among traffic.

[@martintin250]

Yup, the UK is that shit.

[@mindy_monster]

Excellent video Chris, with some great points. I've just come away from volunteering as an AMS, in a large part due to feeling that the car-driving public do not respect the race, and that I was putting myself and the race in danger. Your other points about rider attitude make an awful lot of sense too. The mind boggles that we race on open roads- there must be a shift to closed roads and shorter circuits.

[@ricf9592]

I've ridden for years. However, I really didn't know that races were held on unclosed roads. Time Trials sure. But actual races with packs of riders? Can't be safe. Even running races have been gradually removed from the calendar.

[@nickbell6435]

I think you have a great perspective on this, thanks for putting your opinion across.

[@scottishjohn]

Thanks for the video. Yeah really big topic and one which is a hard one to solve. I think that running bike races on open roads is sadly always going to be increasingly dangerous here in the UK where there appears to be more and more traffic on the road and sadly there appears to be less and less respect and time for road users who are more vunerable. Sadly seen first hand how impatient people can become when they have to wait for a road race ( both when tour of britain and the brief tour of scotland) have come by and closed junctions for maybe 5-10 minutes whilst the race passes. I think better signage would be a huge help when a race is going to be held so that drivers know a race is on and hopefully know to avoid an area so that they don't come into contact with a race and having some sort of no parking for the few hours that the race is being run so that we can try and make the race as safe as we can within the confines of our busy roads and towns. Definately hope that rider behavour does change, perhaps the blinkers come down a little too much and rider safety sadly is neglected when in competition. I think that your perspective is one which I wish many riders have and I hope that this serves as a really good wake up to people to listen to more experienced riders like you. Glad that you are well and hope that this doesn't deter you from future racing as love seeing your coverage. Stay safe and thanks for touching on a hard subject!

[@bikotic]

Thanks for making this video. This is huge and I agree with all your points.

[@EnterTheOrb]

Chris, a series on event organising would be interesting. Would answer a lot of your questions

[@We_do_phys]

Great video all super points. I feel the education and courses are the top numbers, over the Belgium the kermesses are great examples, 10-20 lap races easy to police, easy to learn, great to watch. Also I feel like the courses are so “easy” to get around you don’t have that natural selection you normally have. It’s an odd concept but the more difficult the course the safer it usually is. Same goes for these purpose built tracks, great for learning but usually very crash heavy. Compassion will definitely have to be number one, maybe it’s because nobody really rides at clubs anymore the respect has gone :(

[@adunnthing]

Really though provoking video. So many good points raised and as a rider and racer I agree with everything you discussed.

[@stefetienne6560]

Good video. But coming from Belgium (home of cycling), this just looks weird Here in Belgium, even the junior or Youth races are well organised. Mind you most local races have circuit < 10km/lap, but every intersection there is a signal dude/seingever. Even though they are volunteers, they have the authority to stop traffic. Also if there isnt enough police and/or volunteers signal dudes, their is no race: safety goes above all else. Like Chris mentioned numerous times in the video. Also their is almost so such thing as omcoming trafic in bikes race here. Thats what the signal dudes are for, they are their to keep the race course trafic free. Even if somehow some car gets on the circuit when the race is approaching, they swiftly get signaled by the police to directly park their car on the side of the road. We also have 2 cars signaling a race is coming, so at point if you are on the road you have pull over and can only resume your ride when the race and 2nd car has past. One of the car has a green flag, they other a red flag. Cant remember which colour the first car has and which the last one has.

[@daveyboy6210]

I think you have completely answered all the points . My thoughts about open road racing years

[@MrDazP1adv3ntures]

What a well constructed point of view you put forward there Chris. We don't want to see anyone get hurt so maybe the riders themselves need to take heed of what you have just said. Self preservation has to come into the calculation at some point and a mindset that adopts a dynamic and continual risk assessment of the situations on the open roads.

[@grupettoitalia3049]

Thanks for taking the time to highlight the problems surrounding the Wally Gimber event last week and opening up the conversation of how to reduce the risks of racing on open roads in the UK going forward. Most importantly the rider that hit the car is on the mend, but as the father of one of the junior riders in the race I totally agree that there was a very shall we say "unstructured" feel about the race from the start, and its impossible to observe this (and at so many other races at this level) and not think things could be safer. Whilst there is no template for a perfectly safe 100% guaranteed no incidents event, there are I'd suggest some very basic points that will reduce risk and ensure the bunch self regulates as you rightly suggest. The first of these is and I'm going to sound like a 55 year old dad here (which I am), is Social Media - whilst it's obviously got huge positives in cycling, promoting events, teams, sponsors, race comms etc. it also gives riders a massive pressure to "perform" at whatever cost - posting every pedal turn and bigging yourself up leading into these events ensures that although unspoken, most riders are like coiled springs from the start and put stars in their own eyes which in turns leads to the risk taking in lower level events that you witnessed. As you say a Nat B results is not the world champs and using a social media platform to turn them into something bigger is not helping anyone. Of course be proud of personal achievement and celebrate success, but be humble and keep things in perspective - respect everyone in the race, before during and after. Secondly - Organising Protocols, I appreciate that these long established races have lots of volunteers and club helpers behind them all giving of their time freely as they have done for many years, but times have changed and what I witnessed last weekend was I think a typical example of how most UK Road and even Closed circuit racing takes place. It is left to individual organisers and their volunteer teams to set up and juggle so many tasks from sign on to briefing to marshalling... inevitably some plates are going to be dropped as resource is stretched in every direction. The confusion outside the HQ before the race even started, with riders blocking the road, annoying other road users, missing briefings, jostling for start position already created a risk and can easily be avoided with just some clear leadership and direction. I know BC comms do an excellent job, but Is it not time for BC to take a leaf out of other federations books - I am thinking Belgian Cycling and the Italian federation who supply a full team of trained specialists for every level event, who arrive a couple of hours before races start and use the "exact same protocol" for every race thus freeing up the organisers and their club team to focus on just their alloted job. Nothing is left to chance or the organiser calling on favours, the riders know the score, the chaos is reduced, risk is better managed and you get a much more professional delivery that everyone contributes to, Organiser, BC Comms, NEG, all without any over stretching and the associated risks. Yes this would mean BC dipping its hand in it's pocket to cover costs of 'on the day' race organising teams, but with the domestic scene in decline I would suggest that having a proper BC system and protocol in place will actually attract organisers, and grow the number of events because you're not counting on the good will and enthusiasm of a few individuals who take on the grief and danger of things going wrong like last week. If there is a proper race delivery Protocol and trained BC teams are tasked with implementing it on the day its going to take away the hassle and risk for organisers = more races. Finally, circuit size I agree is important but most important is it's location. Reccing the course with my son last sunday I was reminded that I had raced on the same roads back in 1983. FFS!!! we all know that traffic has increased tenfold and simply moving to quiter roads is going to reduce accidents massively. As mentioned taking the race through 2 villages with convenience stores and sunday morning shoppers is always going to create problems. Like you say in an Ideal world everyone is patient and gets out of their car to cheer on the race for 60 seconds but in reality the way to avoid pissing off car drivers is to avoid cars by using quiter roads. Like many of the riders and people at the race my son and I both felt angry and confused as many of the things you mentioned could have been avoided with just a few of the points above in place. Riders certainly need to take more responsability for each other, organisers need to have more support from BC and we all need to remember that despite cycling being the most important thing in the known universe to us all, your average car driver hasn't a clue or doesn't give a monkey who wins the Wally Gimber.

[@John_Wood_]

Sadly all to common these days - organisation skills are sadly lacking in many areas. Common sense is not so common.

[@severnbridgeroadrace]

Certainly it would be good to have quieter circuits, but there are always likely to be parked cars on any road, and they may appear unexpectedly. Does anyone know how the rider managed to hit the car? I heard that a motorist managed to get into the convoy, in front of the bunch, but don’t know if that was the car the rider hit.

[@pauljenkins2501]

Thank you, Chris, for a very thought provoking video.

[@robertevans8797]

Superb mate. Sounds like the some riders don't learn the "etiquette" of racing. As a junior golfer I had to learn golfing etiquette so I could enter competitions, I also had 3 rounds of golf witnessed by older players, perhaps there could even be a card/certificate everyone has to earn to be allowed to race to prove you know the rules.

[@TheOliogs]

Good video Chris. I remember road racing throughout the southeast (at a low level) in the mid and late 90's. The world was a different place back then. In Hertfordshire alone there was a road race on most weekends during the season, and all Herts races had the luxury (unimaginable now) of a free police motorcycle escort, though with the roads being so quiet it was hardly needed at times. These days there are no easy solutions, but I think, unfortunately, we may find that most road racing naturally ends up confined to the quieter parts of the country - like the rural parts of the North and Midlands.

[@paulshaw4013]

A very thought provoking summary. Had a similar thing happen on a sportive of all things a few years ago. Guy went stright through a parked car in a quiet, rural Nottinghamshire village. Wasn't even supossed to be a race but there's the human side of things for you.

[@michaelblack7894]

In Spain the roads are all closed for amateurs cycling races. There is no infrastructure in the UK to enable safe racing. The problem is that getting a road closed here is not easy and requires labour and patience.

[@Multistan85]

Discipline and respect needed, even if told that an event is NOT a race, some cyclists will take it as a race and disregard that rule all throughout. Some people are mental.

[@2derohan]

Great video Chris. Really interesting insight.

[@adamcurpier]

One of the best videos I've watched in awhile, completely agree Chris!

[@carlsiveyer7164]

Top message mate, rider attitudes is a big problem from racing to even road riders on a Strava hero level. The relationship between riders and drivers is now in a bad place - both sides carrying individuals who have bad attitudes, making the problem worse. A bit of humility can go a long way

[@chrisopie87]

Completely agree Carl!! Hopefully in time this happens.

[@carlsiveyer7164]

@@chrisopie87 I fear, from the many cyclists I know, there is at least a 30% ratio of people who make it worse for the rest of us. Consideration to the motorist is noticed and very quickly reacted too! Waving someone on who can't see, signalling a lorry when they can pull back across in front..... The drivers respond with waves and blinkers like it's a rarity. If we all do it, it will feedback really quickly. Only one piece to a big puzzle that is the race organisation

[@chrisopie87]

100% agreed with this. It's nice when you see a response of surprise.

[@jasegestro3828]

All good points made here Chris This is why I left road racing, some of these guys are out of control and we are not racing for high country sheep station in little old New Zealand

[@pamsarker3978]

Great vid! In reference to this and the recent collapse of another UK based Pro team, I've often thought that a Nat A/B race series using the UKs many race tracks would be a good idea. We already do it for local mid week/lower level races. Spectators can see the whole race, you can have support races, kids races, get trade stands there. A proper day out! Easy to film and stream/make content. Plus race tracks can only operate so many days a year with motorsports due to noise, so another revenue stream for them. Apart from the tour series no other Nat As are interesting or worth watching. I wouldn't go and watch one even if it was on my local course...... So who'd sponsor those teams knowing that no one will see them racing?? However, a proper race series that's streamed/televised, sponsors can have stands at each race etc etc much more enticing. Currently just seems a classic case of "we've always done it this way..." and wondering why it's in decline. It would be nice if BC would run/provide structure for proper regional then national leagues and then clubs/teams could perhaps gain a better following and more consistency year to year. Most other sports work this way.....not sure why we don't? Either way it needs fixing or it'll be gone. Just not sure BC will save it and think there needs to be an evolution in what "road racing" looks like in the UK.

[@andygriffiths4910]

Top job as always Chris, as a former racer and parent to a racer I have gone through the same turmoil. My lad suffered a ruptured spleen following a collision on the Severn Bridge circuit a couple of years back. The cause, well it was a Sunday morning and a local who’d popped to the shops for a paper innocently left the back end of his car sticking out a bit. It just happened to be a pinch point on the circuit. It did for him really, I think he fell out of love with the sport after that. Like you, I have no idea how to fix… detailed risk assessments of circuits, more bike race in progress notices, more escort group riders….. more of anything will result in more cost so you’ll see an increase in entry fees, and I am sure this will have an impact on participation……….. so who knows what the answer is eh!

[@chesterthomas5093]

Very well said Chris. Thank you.

[@D-enson]

Well said. I myself am looking to get back into racing and am mainly looking at races on closed circuits and tracks because ultimately as with my day job my main goal is to stay safe and get home in one piece.

[@flurblewibble7735]

Very well said. An excellent discussion point.

[@bikedockbicycles]

I've not raced for 10 years but I'm hoping to get a few in this year. Ive seen everything you bring up multiple times before. Non of this is new. Completely agree lots of things can be done to make road races safer and better.

[@MorganBrown]

Frankly I have quit road races and gone over to the gravel scene

[@workshopninjathe1st]

I grew up in London and the idea that roads could be closed for a bike race seemed impossible. I now live in Oregon and have seen very short criteriums (with downtown road closures) and also many long loops with 15 minute rolling road closures. I don’t see why these tactics could not be used in the UK to make racing safer.

[@peterlanganke6716]

Well said Chris. Your a great ambassador to the sport. Like with everything safety comes first. Just common sense.

[@RobbieChopSticks]

Really nice to hear your thoughts, Chris. I truly feel and experience an "Elitist" attitude within the peloton. As you said, riders were walking out of the briefing,... It's disrespectful. That's it, really. You have to be compassionate at any level, some riders are not being paid to race (Or not much), and we have to look out for each other... most of all, be kind. It's not complicated.

[@DingbatToast]

It's illegal to use your phone while driving because it takes your concentration from the road. This must be true for racing. I know personally from my x-country racing days, I was fully focused on the race, riding at the edge of my ability and exhaustion. Focussed on my competitors, hydration etc etc. To do all that and the pressure of competition, and imagine you can be operating safely on a public road? It may be safe and sensible to slow down when approaching a slow-moving car. But if you don't want to loose time or position, the temptation is strong to go for the pass without slowing, and hope your competitors do slow. Roads should be closed for race sections. Most drivers I've seen have no idea how to safely overtake a Pelton

[@dominickbrookes5103]

Races organized by people who also race always end up being safest. Open roads in small communities in a road race is insane, far too many opportunities for random issues. You should be angry.

[@fitzy4578]

When I started out riding crits back in 2014 I was always very nervous about stepping up to racing on the open road. I did a few, then on my third road race someone was laid out on the top of the bonnet of an oncoming car. Luckily the car had managed to slow down to the point that the impact wasn't too serious, but it confirmed my fears about road racing and I never raced one again. Bear in mind this was 7/8 years ago, roads are busier now and the attitude to cycling among the general public has severly deteriorated. It's genuinely terrifying that BC continues to run elite level races on open roads.

[@chrisopie87]

Sorry to hear about your experiences, I wish it was possible to say it was an isolated incident... Hope you continue to enjoy riding bikes!

[@beeble2003]

Has the attitude to cycling among the public really deteriorated? I commuted by bike for about a decade in the 90's/noughties and again for the last decade or so. That's been in some places with a lot of cyclists and some places without many. Most of my fellow road-users have no problem with my being there. As with everything, there's the occasional 🍆 but I really don't think it's become any better or any worse.

[@merckxy54]

BC need to look at themselves and the way they run BC. Its all money, money money, like the CTT or RTTC as they used to be! Living in the past!

[@MADTASS]

Said to a Mate of mine the other Day, if i had the Finances i would Happily Build a Track Within Cornwall somewhere where we could Hold Crit Races and Fitness/Leisure Rides in an Enclosed Safe Enviroment, somewhere where someone could go for a Chilled out Ride, including a Cafe for a Coffee and a Cake Afterwards. Iv'e been Riding an Old Hybrid just of Late and Love it, you can Access more Areas that i Personally wouldn't want to take my Specialized SL6, the Hybrid even has a Bell on it. Basically i think in a Race, the Green Mist comes down and the Rider Rides as if his Life Depends on Winning, i used to be like that but not anymore, to many Injuries.

[@chrisstrider]

I think you make excellent points relevant to all levels of cycling.

[@chrisopie87]

Thank you. Hopefully a healthy movement can start somewhere.

[@johndef5075]

The sound of snapping carbon frames in a cat 5 race was enough to scare me off racing again. Its just not worth getting a serious injury if you arent a pro.

[@lucasm4919]

100% agree. There are safer ways to enjoy cycling. You can still get the competition with doing something like a hill climb event

[@dragoclarke9497]

Thoughtful. Considered. Well said, Sir.

[@liamg9846]

Lack of funding. Same old UK lagging behind all other countries. Go to anywhere on the continent and the roads would be closed.

[@christoforobarra875]

Chris I think your views expressed in this video are bang on. I sometimes do a sportive and the open road seems fine for those lower pressure events. I’d like to take part in higher level racing but it’s so badly organised and risky

[@johno1978]

Incidents like this is why I gave up road racing. Riders taking too many risks in races made me scared to be in the bunch and took any enjoyment away. New riders aren't educated like previously in their local club rides yet are stronger than ever thanks to platforms such as Zwift. This leads to chaos in the bunch. I've moved away from the road to Cx and XC, and still get the enjoyment of competition and close racing, in a more relaxed and friendly environment.

[@GrimaceCX]

Good point. Seeing the same thing here in SA - complete novice riders who are very strong from Zwift with no clue about racing skills. Very very dangerous. It is killing safe racing.

[@georgefreeman9438]

As a road cyclist of 10 years I never knew there was open road racing at this level. I stopped doing cycle sportives on open roads for this very reason - I will only do closed roads now having witnessed bad riders, bad drivers and bad roads. There’s too many variables on a closed road event, let alone an open road event! Surely this type of racing needs to take place on either a circuit or a closed road.