Sex Matters and Fair Play for Women welcome the announcement that the Women’s CiCLE Classic has been saved, with an offer of a three year sponsorship deal being finalised by the race organiser.
The CiCLE Classic race was left in peril after the withdrawal of sponsorship last week in protest at British Cycling reviewing its “trans and non-binary inclusion policy”. Sex Matters and Fair Play for Women were able to step in with an immediate offer of sponsorship for one year, which meant that the race would go ahead no matter what.
Colin Clews said:
“We cannot thank enough all those who have given their support to us regarding this issue. We wish to particularly thank the joint “Sex Matters” and the “Fair play for Women” offer to make good the shortfall this year from a single source. That immediately gave us heart that come what may, the race would continue. We remain eternally grateful for this offer“.
Following multiple offers of support, and the prospect of a three year sponsorship deal, Mr Clews has opened up a crowdfunder for this year, to harness the groundswell of support from the cycling community and from those concerned with fairness and safety in women’s sports more broadly.
Maya Forstater, Executive Director of Sex Matters said:
“So many women and men contacted us, and the race organiser, to say that they would support the race. We are proud that we were able to act quickly with Fair Play for Women to offer to step in as sponsors. We wish the organisers luck with the crowdfunder and hope that the funding target will quickly be reached – showing how many people are willing to stand up for fairness and safety in women’s sports.”
Nicola Williams, Executive Director of Fair Play for Women said:
“Women must never be punished for wanting safe and fair sporting competition. I instantly knew our supporters would want us to intervene to save this race and I’m delighted to hear the long-term future of this prestigious women’s event is once again secure”.
OUR PRESS RELEASE CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE:
We are proud to have played our part in rescuing the event and happy to now step aside for a long term sponsor. But our work continues!
Regular donations from our supporters made it possible for us to act quickly with a sponsorship offer to save the race. The fight for women’s sport is not over and we continue our work.
If you’d like to support the work we do you can donate here: