Ten tips for the forthcoming Brompton World Championships 2026

I hope that you are coping with the ongoing hotter weather. On a more serious note, it does confirm certain life choices. I do not travel on an aeroplane, have a hybrid car and use public transport, walk or cycle more than I use said car. As for the cycling, it is, of course, a Brompton, and owning one allows entry into the greatest sporting event of the year! The Brompton World Championships is but a step away, so I thought I would provide some thoughts about how one might prepare for race day – perhaps centred on a gentleman’s point of view.

#1 Blazers/Jackets

The spiel put out by Brompton HQ about the BWC mentions that it encourages fancy dress. Surely sartorial elegance is much more important! Regular readers will know that I favour the blazer, so I will focus on this in more detail. If you do not own a blazer, do not despair – you can use the jacket from a suit. Now, there are many types of blazers and jackets out there. Sadly, bespoke, tailor-made examples are a rare sight. If your blazer or jacket is off the peg, this is fine. Follow these simple steps. I must state that I am referring to single-breasted blazers/jackets. If you have a double-breasted type, I suggest you seek advice elsewhere, perhaps from your local estate agent, where they are very popular. For a two-button blazer/jacket, the top button is all that needs to be fastened. If both are done up, you run the risk of being labelled, at best, a wastrel. For a three-button blazer/jacket, the middle button should be fastened; however, you can button the top two at a push. If all three are done up… oh my goodness.

#2 Grooming

With modern fashions being lazy, there has been a move towards not shaving and cultivating stubble not dissimilar to that of a cowboy who spent several days on the train to Tucumcari. I suggest that the gentleman rider shave before departing. This will have two benefits. First, the absence of stubble will increase aerodynamic efficiency. Second, it will ensure people do not mistake you for a member of the criminal classes or someone in Clint Eastwood fancy dress.

#3 The bike

Your beloved Brompton will need as much attention as you can bestow upon it. Tyres should be inflated to the correct pressures, the chain should benefit from some oil, and generally you need to give things the once-over. Of course, the gentleman rider will leave this to someone else, as I will.

#4 Queensbury Rules

As you traverse the course, whether it be the Brompton World Championships itself or the Relay, remember that a sense of fair play and abiding by the rules is a must. So, do not stray into the middle of the course just for the sake of it, as you may be mistaken for a cad and bounder. Keep to the left. Should the Terry Thomas in you appear, I suppose that would be acceptable.

#5 The shirt

I must warn you that the following advice may cause upset. Please steel yourself. If you are still here, the shirt is a very important item. As the gentleman rider will almost certainly get hot, you could fancy wearing a short-sleeved shirt. Absolutely not! A short-sleeved shirt is not really something a gentleman should wear in London and, at best, would only be acceptable if visiting the tropics. However, for the Brompton World Championships, it is just about acceptable if it is always covered by a blazer (see #1).

#6 Neckwear

The tie is a very important item indeed. Old school ties, sporting club ties, university ties, etc., are all acceptable, as are ties that are colour-coordinated with the colour of one’s Brompton. Under no circumstances should you wear a bow tie unless you want people to think you teach Sociology or Geography!

#7 The unfold

It is vital that, in the weeks leading up to the BWC, you practise the unfold! It must be done again and again… and then again for good measure. You and your Brompton must almost become one, where the fluidity of your movements is so natural, so flowing, that you do not have to think… you simply do! Get your other half, your children, parents, friends or work colleagues to time you. You need to get the unfold done in under 10 seconds. Anything more and you will need to practise. It will be hard, but you can do it!

#8 Entry to the BWC affords you the title of international world-class athlete!

Participating in the Brompton World Championships means you are an international, world-class athlete and, as such, you need a training regime. This is going to involve some training, but you will need to start now and not leave it too late. For me, this is going to probably involve ascending Swain’s Lane, completing some laps of Hyde Park and upping my overall mileage.

#9 The commute

Your commute is important. You must remain a gentleman at all times… standards! What I propose is that, should you see a roadie, or any other cyclist for that matter, on your commute, as long as you can do so safely, chase them down! Overtake them! Get those legs turning and pass them as swiftly as you dare. While doing this, have #8 in your mind!

#10 A Brompton is for life, not just the BWC!

Your Brompton needs to be used as often as possible. Riding a Brompton will make you happier, fitter, save you money on commuting costs and allow you to obtain a greener carbon footprint.

Riding a Brompton on your commute, to the local shops for some supplies, or just going out on an adventure will all help.

There you have it. Ten top tips for the Brompton World Championships. Let me know how you get on if you are taking part and the rest of you reading this, I would love to hear about your efforts for any of the worldwide BWCs out there. 

Once it is all over, remember #8 can be used as and when needed. You will have earned it. If you are going to the BWC and spot me (you will not really be able to miss me, I suspect) do say hello. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!