Aug 27 2024 54 mins 3
The National Circuit Series is a key component of the British domestic road scene. Its impact extends beyond racing, however. As road racing’s most immediate and accessible format, crits bring bike racing into town and city centres, serving a range of purposes for councils, communities, sponsors, local businesses and more.
In this new episode of the Brother UK Cycling Podcast, Marc Etches, organiser of the Sheffield Grand Prix, arguably the jewel in the crown of the National Circuit Series, offers valuable insights into the winning patterns behind his successful event. From prioritising rider safety to securing sponsors, Marc takes us inside the race.
Drawing on his experience as a business leader, co-host Phil Jones, Brother UK’s Managing Director, provides an expert commentary on issues ranging from crisis management to commercial sustainability and from chains of command to the changing face of city centres shaped by forces as diverse as pedestrianisation and hybrid working.
Phil’s unique perspective is informed by his membership of British Cycling’s Elite Road Racing Task Force, which recommended a complete review of the National Circuit Series, including the establishment of a ‘winning patterns’ playbook and a standardised economic model. Phil offers insights from inside this independent and influential panel.
In a packed episode, co-host Timothy John introduces further topics and interviews. From the recent Olympic Games to the forthcoming Tour of Britain, Tim and Phil discuss the biggest events in cycle sport, with insights from DAS-Hutchinson-Brother UK’s newly-minted Olympians, Tiffany Keep and Alice Sharpe, on their once in a lifetime experiences at Paris 2024.
