British Cycling is pleased to announce that former professional rider Erick Rowsell has joined the organisation in the new role of Elite Road Racing Manager.
Rowsell officially started with the organisation on Monday 6 January. The role is focused on developing and growing our men’s and women’s domestic road calendar; driving sustainability through races and teams and ensuring a pipeline exists for British riders to progress through to UCI Continental and World Tour Teams.
Prior to his retirement from professional racing in September last year, Rowsell enjoyed a successful career which included five years with Madison Genesis, 8th place in the general classification at the 2015 Tour de Yorkshire and a junior national road race title in 2008.
Ahead of today’s announcement, Rowsell said:
“I’m thrilled to be given the opportunity to work closely alongside riders, teams and organisers to develop a domestic racing calendar which is both attractive and sustainable, and which capitalises on the unprecedented success we have seen British riders achieve in recent years.
“Through my own racing career I have a broad understanding of the challenges in front of us, and I want to draw upon all of that knowledge and experience to ensure that we are providing the best possible support to our teams and organisers in the years ahead.”
Over the coming months Rowsell will be heavily involved in the organisation’s ongoing discipline plan consultations, the first stage of which closes on Friday 31 January. The consultations – which are open to feedback from anyone – are designed to gather the views of riders, coaches, commissaires, event organisers and of all those involved in each of the cycling disciplines, in order to ensure that the voice of the sport is heard, listened to and acted upon.
British Cycling’s Integrity and Compliance Director, Rod Findlay, said:
“We’re delighted to bring Erick on board at such a crucial time for the organisation, as we really begin to press ahead with our work to map out the future of the cycling disciplines and ensure that we unlock the unique potential of each.
“Erick’s vast experience and insight from his career as a pro rider and a life in the sport will be invaluable as we continue to work with teams and race organisers to ensure that we are offering them the best possible support. This new role will also ensure that the growing popularity of cycling translates into a more attractive and sustainable offer for commercial partners.”
