In wake of British cycling and Shell announcing an eight-year partnership, the public backlash has been immense. With a promise to aim for net-zero by 2050, many questions have arisen over the thinking behind the deal. Giles Pidcock, father of Olympic champion cyclist Tom, believes it is not so bad.
British cycling, in their efforts to make the world as net zero as possible partnering with a company such as Shell may sound sketchy on paper, however Giles Pidcock believes there is more to it than that.
Giles’ reaction
Giles saw the news in a very different way to the general public, with a wider perspective being called for. When asked what his first reaction to the news was, Giles said “I think it’s good, an influx of money”. He then went on to explain how to reach net zero, there will need to be a major cash influx, and without the money companies such as Shell supply, there is no way to reach that target as taxpayer’s money cannot be used.
Giles further spoke on how the money will help clubs such as the one he is director of, Fensham Howes, as well as so many others across the country.
The reaction from the general public has been the polar opposite, with an open letter having now received over 700 signatures. As well as the open letter, British Cycling members have begun cancelling their memberships due to their dissatisfaction with the partnership. One Twitter user wrote in response to the announcement “Shame on you, this is a sad day for BC, I will be cancelling my membership, how can you say this is an appropriate partner for you?”
British cycling and Shell are yet to comment in response to the backlash faced.
