British Cycling, Forestry Commission Reach Historic Agreement
British Cycling and Forestry Commission England have signed a ten year agreement, creating a formidable partnership designed to bring more mountain bike events to forests across the country.
As Forestry Commission's preferred partner, British Cycling will authorise and help manage mountain bike events across 250,000 hectares of Forestry Commission land, resulting in British Cycling affiliated event organisers benefitting from preferential rates and a standard process for staging cycle events, from local club rides to major international competitions.
The agreement will also improve the development of new trails and event venues and will make 24 visitor centres nationwide more bike friendly for cycling clubs, tourists and local communities.
Ian Drake, British Cycling's CEO, said: "This partnership is crucial to the development of mountain biking. By working together with the Forestry Commission we can further drive participation identifing areas of funding for future investment in trail centres and event venues.
"The Dalby Forest World Cup course, which was custom-built for the event is one example and is now open for anyone to ride year-round. Without the partnership between British Cycling and the Forestry Commission this wouldn't have been possible and we're continuing to look at future projects to create new opportunities for more people to enjoy cycling in England's most beautiful countryside."
Covering all mountain bike disciplines, the agreement marks a significant step forward in driving the development in British mountain biking, from grass roots through to world-class.
Simon Hodgson, CEO at the Forestry Commission, said: "Getting more people doing more things in our forests for their enjoyment, excitement and keeping them healthy is incredibly important to the Forestry Commission. Cycling is a great way for people to get out and experience woodlands whatever their level of experience.
"We are very excited about this partnership that will improve what we can offer from everyday cycling to full on mountain biking.
