The Isle of Man has been unsuccessful in its bid to host the 2016 British Cycling National Road Championships. The Isle of Man did, however, make it to the final shortlist of two.
British Cycling were very complimentary on the strength of the bid and are encouraging the Island to host a National Series event, which is typically a stepping stone to hosting the Championships in the future. This was the path that the winner Stockton took.
Following the announcement the Minister for Economic Development Laurence Skelly MHK commented:
‘I would like to thank the Isle of Man Cycling Association and the team in my Department for investing their time and preparing such a strong and comprehensive bid for the event. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Stockton on their successful bid.
‘I am very conscious that Stockton has previously held National Series events which helped towards their award of the National Championships. I believe this is a path that the Isle of Man can follow so we still have every opportunity to win this event in the future. Indeed I understand we were complimented on the strength of our bid and I have asked my officers to work with the Isle of Man Cycling Association to secure a British Cycling National Series event in 2016.’
Richard Fletcher, Chairman of the Isle of Man Cycling Association, commented:
‘While we are disappointed that the event will not be coming to the Island next year the hard work of the bid team has not been solely about the 2016 Championships. In its feedback on the Bid, British Cycling made clear that they wish to see the return of an annual cycle racing festival on the Isle of Man which will combine both elite National Series and club level competition and will add to the already exceptional portfolio of events on the Island and enhance our reputation as a world class destination for cycling.’
