There's a new boss at British Cycling...
> British Cycling appoints Jon Dutton as new permanent CEO
No sooner had the email dropped and the social media posts sent, the requests for Mr Dutton's 'to-do' list were already flooding in from British Cycling members and the wider cycling community. We had mentions of Shell, the state of the British domestic racing scene, inclusivity concerns, too much focus on road and track, plus just about every other conceivable ask...
If he leads a roots and branch reform, with culture change at its heart, he'll have my support for what it's worth. Anything less will be pointless tinkering. I hope he doesn't turn out to be yet another journeyman CEO.
— RideFastCoaching (@RideFastCoach) April 13, 2023
On Facebook, British Cycling's post received a comment from one onlooker asking Dutton to not forget "cycling is so much more than just road bikes", pointing out there's 'cross, MTB and BMX, all "massively underfunded".
A big in-tray for this man.
How high up will domestic road racing be in his list of early priorities? https://t.co/uSZDU2YmAJ
— The British Continental (@BritishConti) April 13, 2023
Another, Lee Haigh, said: "I'm a 'working class' cyclist, but cycling especially road cycling, in my opinion, is far too much of a 'white middle class' sport dominated by mamil's (many drs, solicitors and dentists etc) who can afford tens of thousands of pounds of the best equipment available to the pros!
"We've never been a cycling nation like Belgium or France and never will be whilst it's only rich middle aged men that can afford it! That needs changing! I hope the new CEO will do something about that, but doubt it! Rich kids on expensive bikes!"
Rae Hughes commented: "So he wants to ensure 'British Cycling continues to ... positively impact communities ...' perhaps he might like to do something about the partnership deal with Shell that still has seven years to run. Surely a link up with a fossil fuel company, whose products do not 'positively impact communities', is not in the best interests of a sport with green credentials."
"Better step up to the plate for women's sport," Neil Lawson added.
Just a few things for consideration... as one comment pointed out: "Big job, best of luck, please do your best by our sport". No pressure...
Among the requests were good luck messages and thanks from those in the rugby league community who, from yesterday's reaction, were quite impressed by the job Jon Dutton did as CEO of the successful Rugby League World Cup events in England in 2021.
Former England league and union international Jason Robinson said British Cycling had made a "great appointment", while Mail Sport reporter David Coverdale agreed, saying Dutton "did a great job overseeing the Rugby League World Cup".
Well all I'll say is, cycling's gain is definitely Rugby leagues loss. Good luck @jon_dutton72👍
— stephen barlow (@wolrab316) April 13, 2023
Ah! Turns out I love cycling too! If Jon brings half the magic he brought to rugby league, we'll be reet 👍
— @andypreston (@cockwomble12) April 13, 2023
Leeds Rhinos legend Barrie McDermott said he is "sure you'll be a huge asset to the sport in the same you have been for us, good luck".
Positive reviews, I'd say...