British Cycling told riders 'not to divulge details' of 100-person Manchester training event
The governing body has defended the 'simulated Olympic competition' as being within the government lockdown guidance

(Getty)
British Cycling has insisted it was following government lockdown guidelines after it emerged a 100-person training simulation took place at the Manchester velodrome last week.
The three-day 'simulated Olympic competition' coincided with the planned dates of the British National Track Championships, which had been cancelled in December due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It involved 90 Olympic and Paralympic athletes and around 35 coaching staff, with a source close to the track team telling the Observer that athletes were "told not to divulge details", while riders also deleted images of the velodrome they had posted on Instagram, with news of the event first emerging on social media on Friday evening.
British Cycling clarified that the presence of 90 riders was split over three days and that while some riders travelled from further afield, the majority are Manchester-based and weren't staying away from home, the National Cycling Centre has also been open since May and where they train regularly.
The event was said to have replicated a World Cup event so that the team could figure out the timings to work to and fine-tune their nutrition and recovery protocols ahead of the Tokyo Games.
>>> Rapha and EF Education-Nippo unveil ‘world’s most compliant’ 2021 kit
"Under the current government guidance, elite training and competition can continue and stringent Covid protocols are being followed at all times, as they always are in our training sessions." British Cycling’s performance director, Stephen Park, said.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"We acknowledge that as an elite sports team, we are in an extremely privileged position to be able to continue with our operations, and the race simulation activity forms part of our strategy to ensure we are on track to achieve our ambitions in Tokyo."
All athletes were tested before entering the velodrome and also required to leave if they were not warming up, racing, or warming down. The highest number of riders on the track at any one time was 18 for the madison. Government guidelines state a maximum of 180 people is allowed in the velodrome at any one time.
While there is no limit on the number of riders and support staff allowed to be present for training purposes, guidelines urge only essential members to be in attendance.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Jonny was Cycling Weekly's Weekend Editor until 2022.
I like writing offbeat features and eating too much bread when working out on the road at bike races.
Before joining Cycling Weekly I worked at The Tab and I've also written for Vice, Time Out, and worked freelance for The Telegraph (I know, but I needed the money at the time so let me live).
I also worked for ITV Cycling between 2011-2018 on their Tour de France and Vuelta a España coverage. Sometimes I'd be helping the producers make the programme and other times I'd be getting the lunches. Just in case you were wondering - Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen had the same ham sandwich every day, it was great.
-
Lidl-Trek, EF Education-EasyPost among first teams to seize ‘the only chance to race in the United States’
With a world-class field of competitors, organisers hope to showcase professional cycling to American spectators and reignite fan interest
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
'This sucks': Brixton Cycles closes its doors after 42 years
Iconic London shop announces closure after premises listed on property site
By James Shrubsall Published
-
UCI Track Champions League cancelled after four years
Commitment to track cycling series proves short-lived as it is axed prematurely
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Matthew Richardson breaks world record, UCI rules it out
Brit's flying 200m time voided after exiting the track during his effort
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Why hasn't GB sent a full squad to this year's only Track Nations Cup?
Eight riders will represent GB in Turkey this weekend, with the women's endurance squad left at home
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Class of 2025: Meet the 12 British cyclists who turned pro this year
A bounteous 12 Brits have stepped up to the pro ranks in 2025. Tom Davidson traces the skyward trajectories of a former runner, an adoptive Italian, and the WorldTour’s youngest rider
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Matthew Richardson seals clean sweep on British National Track Championships debut
"Being part of the racing makes me feel British," says Richardson, who previously represented Australia
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I completely blew my doors' - Katie Archibald wins first national track title in six years
Double Olympic champion enjoys "nice reset" on National Track Championships return
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'I almost didn't race' - Amateur with broken elbow wins gold medal at National Track Championships
Niall Monks defied doctor's orders to win his first national title
By Tom Davidson Published
-
'It's going to keep coming down' - Anna Morris breaks world record for a third time in the individual pursuit
World and European champion adds national title to her honours
By Tom Davidson Published