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Oil Giant Shell's presence in cycling a "shared commitment to supporting Great Britain’s cyclists" Chris Hoy believes
CyclingMonday, 17 October 2022 at 03:00
In a sport that frequently relies on outside investment, stability is key. British Cycling, who propel the nation's riders on several disciplines - but mainly track - have struck a major deal with petrochemical company Shell. A move faced with it's obstacles.
The collaboration will be a "shared commitment to supporting Great Britain’s cyclists and para-cyclists through the sharing of world-class innovation and expertise," British Cycling representative Chris Hoy said in a recent interview. "Helping more – and wider groups of – people to ride, including ways to make cycling more accessible for disabled people.”
Following the announcement of petrochemical giant Shell as a sponsor of British Cycling for the years to come, many questioned the intentions behind the move, and a heap of criticism has been launched in the way of BC. “It’s not unfair to say that it was a controversial partnership to announce," Hoy admits.
"I think most people were quite surprised that a cycling federation aligned with a global corporation that’s in the oil industry. You wouldn’t think those two sit side-by-side. But, put yourself in British Cycling’s management’s position. They need to get a sponsor, they need to have a partner. In the current climate, trying to find a major sponsor for one year, let alone for eight years, is a significant challenge," he justified.
With the presence of INEOS Grenadiers as the the peloton's most-financed squad, and the heavy presence of oil-financed states such as the UAE and Bahrain atop the world ranks, Shell's presence in cycling comes following a familiar pattern. Hoy however is keen that the investment in British Cycling will be one that benefits all.
“It will be interesting to speak to the management to see what they’ve got to say, but I guess a lot of the chatter in the track centre has been saying, well do you know what, if you want to make change, it’s actually better to be on the inside," he continued. "To have a voice within the organisation, to try and make them hear your opinions and what you want to do for your sport.
“It’s not just about elite sport and the national team, it’s about representing the views of the entire membership and putting cycling on the agenda with a massive corporation like Shell. If you can get them to change their policy even slightly, then that’s a positive thing," he concluded.
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