Episode 48: How do we save UK bike racing?? Peter Hodges on Women's Tour cancellation + riding 2000 miles for Mind!

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Last Friday’s announcement that the Women’s Tour – one of the biggest races on the women’s international calendar – has been cancelled for 2023 capped off a miserable few months for British bike racing.
In this episode, Ryan chats to Peter Hodges, PR director for Women’s Tour organisers SweetSpot, about the various factors that forced them to pull the pin on one of the most prestigious and popular races in the world, as well as the struggles of keeping a big bike race afloat in such a challenging economic climate, which has resulted in the collapse of several domestic teams and placed a significant strain on race organisers at all levels.
Hodges also discusses the often overlooked ins and outs of what it takes to actually run a major week-long stage race like the Women’s Tour, its continued importance to the growth of women’s cycling, and why we should be viewing the future of British cycling – a picture of doom and gloom in recent months – with positivity.
We’ve got something a bit different for part 2, our first on-bike podcast recording! Dave tries to keep up with Chris Parr, a recycling artist and BBC Environmental Award winner who is currently riding 2,000 miles across Great Britain to raise funds for the mental health charity MIND. Hear Chris’s great story and get inspired to head out over the bank holiday.
If you're inspired by Chris' challenge to support Mind you can donate here