Dear Mr Cookson

As you know, I have made several applications for the 75+ category in British Nationals but it continues to be refused without explanation from officials or from yourself. I am sure you will recall your intention to get a report but neither its content nor your views have reached me.

I see this refusal as a breach of your Equality Policy that is full of calls for cycling to be expanded into all sections of the community. British Cycling rules state that three riders are required for a championship and I am entirely confident that this number would be exceeded on introducing the category. Despite this existing rule, officials have stipulated to me a minimum of six before the category would even be considered - thus making obvious a charge of discrimination.

I worked hard to get the 75+ category at World and European level, but I fear the category is under threat from BC’s own management of the World Masters for the next three years. Australia and Portugal for four years did not have a minimum rider rule and this gave older riders the necessary confidence to travel around the world at great expense, knowing they would be able to compete on equal terms. Now, the World Masters regulations for Manchester contain the 6,12 rule which is certain to affect confidence and may result in lower entries.

As was seen, in Portugal one individual championship had five riders and both Scratch and Points had fewer than twelve. Therefore, under Manchester rules, three of the five championships would have been cancelled. A similar low number situation arose for the 70-74 category. So, the death of the 75+ category is real and I consider it to be a consequence of British Cycling policy. I asked Ian Emmerson to consider this but he has rejected amendment, citing UCI rules that appear to be discretionary. Your intervention and comment will be welcome to all including those who look to move up next year.

Yours sincerely

Walter Fowler

PS I enclose a local press article that calls for BC to change its policy. It is not self-promotion but an effort to improve things for older riders. They continue to be relevant to society and to the sport. ‘Has-beens’ still have their place.