01 RACING THROUGH THE DARK
The Tour of Britain returns in 2023 battling stiff headwinds. The British men’s national race will take place amid a gloomy economic climate that has seen British pro and elite bike racing hit the buffers. The sport is heavily reliant on sponsorship in order to be a viable proposition, and is the first thing that firms and councils cut back on when budgets tighten, which has meant races and teams struggling to stay afloat. Major casualties in 2023 include the Women’s Tour and Tour Series – both organised by Tour of Britain organiser Sweetspot – being cancelled for the year and put on hiatus until 2024, as they await further
