The Brompton World Championships is but a step away. I am looking forward to it with some glee, however there are the usual naysayers emerging from stage left and right spouting out the usual pessimism and some that is rather new.
Cost
To my shame, I cannot actually remember what it cost me to enter the BWC this year and I had to look it up. £55 plus £3.50 admin fee. Not inexpensive but I cannot really understand why you would moan about it? There is no one forcing you to do so and you could always spectate. (If you come to spectate and then moan about how you might have entered if it were cheaper, I equally cannot fathom)? Even if this is the only time you will ever participate in a BWC, that entry fee will be worth it. The event is a spectacle to watch but being in the thick of it is almost something you cannot explain fully - you just need to experience it.
Location
Many who remember Blenheim, Goodwood and the first set in London that saw us racing up The Mall and around St James’s Park hark back to those locations saying that these locations are better. I suspect that the prospect of a BWC event being in any of these former locations is zero. Yes, they were good, but I am sure the circuit around the Olympic Park will prove to be memorable. For me it is better than the one held in Coal Drops Yard and that is a plus.
Current/retired professional / semi-professional cyclists
A few people have pointed out that they suspect Brompton HQ may well invite a few current or retired professional, semi-professional cyclists. They give them a Titanium Brompton for the day and let them loose on the track. They might win. The naysayers moan that is not fair and reduces their chances of winning the BWC. I would delicately point out that many of those moaning have more chance of becoming the next Archbishop of Canterbury than winning the BWC. I mean, in all seriousness do I really think that I will win the BWC? Of course not!
Influencers.
One day I will write a blog post about all things influencers. Most have a bicycle and are more concerned with what they are wearing, where they are having a meal or just fake smiling taking selfies as they cycle 200 metres down the road expecting that it should be taken seriously! Some even place an animal in a basket and cycle around, making a living out it?! Like the professional cyclist, some suspect, influencers are given entry to the BWC to participate and…influence. A few of you out there have actually asked whether I fall into this category. What a cheek! It has been a good year on my humble blog, and I now approach 7 million page views but no, I am not an influencer, and Brompton HQ would not care to give me a free sticker or cup of tea, let alone free entry to the BWC!
I am looking forward to the BWC. I doubt they will, but the only thing I would be disappointed by would be the lack of a BWC medal. The BWC 2026 may not be perfect, but I am going there to enjoy myself rather than construct reasons why I should not.
Until next time, stay safe out there people!
P.S. When I wrote above, 'I mean, in all seriousness do I really think that I will win the BWC? Of course not!' I was of course joking. 2026 is going to be my year!!
Brompton HQ as you call it, should be giving you a free Orange Brompton as I look forward to your blog over here in NY every Sunday. Good luck with the race!!!!
ReplyDeleteTruth be told, you’re riding for the right reasons. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteRe both cost and location, apart from one Goodwood, Brompton HQ have always partnered with an event company so sharing the cost of road closures, booking necessary support (first aid, marshals etc), dealing with all the admin etc so not surprised it’s at a venue instead of closing roads. Velopark solves a bunch of those issues
ReplyDeleteAlso closing roads can be stupidly expensive, Surrey Council confused my cycling club’s hill climb event with something the size of Ride London about 10 years ago and wanted £3000 to close less than a mile of minor country road for the day, so closing a “cool location” for long enough to barrier/setup, run the event and clear up is going to be “how beeping much?”
I competed in BWCs at Goodwood in 2013 and 2014, then London in 2015. They were a lot of fun and I remember shaking your hand before the start on The Mall in 2015. I’m now happily retired in North Yorkshire and, although I still ride my original Brompton, my days of travelling south for BWCs are over. So I wish you the very best of luck for this year’s BWC. Stay out of trouble and I look forward to reading your race report. I’m sure it will be entertaining and informative as per your usual style. :-)
ReplyDelete