Cycling Fans, Prepare for a New Reality!
British Cycling has dropped a bombshell on UK cycling enthusiasts by introducing a paywall for the National Cyclo-cross Championships. But here's where it gets controversial: this isn't just a one-time thing. It's part of a larger strategy, and it might just change the way we watch cycling forever.
The paywall, a modest £2.99, is being trialed by British Cycling as a "pilot initiative." In the past, the event was freely available, but now, fans will need to subscribe to access the live stream. The stream will be provided by Monument Cycling and broadcast on British Cycling's YouTube channel, a departure from the free coverage in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
And this is the part most people miss: the subscription fee is a monthly charge, not a one-time payment. So, it's safe to assume that British Cycling is planning to implement similar paywalls for other national championships in the future. Mark my words, we might see paywalls for the National Track Championships soon, and who knows, maybe even the National Road Championships later this year.
Cycling fans are naturally upset about this development. In previous years, tens of thousands of viewers have enjoyed the Cyclo-cross Nationals without paying a penny. The free YouTube feed in 2024 alone gathered an impressive 46,000 views. Asking fans to pay for something they've always had for free is a tough pill to swallow.
However, as they say, there's a silver lining to every cloud. If the alternative is no live stream at all, as we saw in 2025, then £2.99 might not seem like such a steep price. After all, it's a small price to pay for the convenience of watching the action unfold from the comfort of our homes.
I recall standing at the start line of the elite women's race last January in Gravesend. The crisp winter air was a stark contrast to the fiery determination in the eyes of the athletes. Beside me, a fellow fan live-streamed the start on Instagram, but for her followers, that was the extent of their viewing experience. Would they have paid for a full, professionally produced broadcast? I, for one, certainly would have.
Some might argue that UK cycling fans have been spoiled for too long. After all, we don't have a legal right to free cycling coverage, and it's rare to find mainstream sports freely available on YouTube. In that light, a "modest" subscription fee, as British Cycling puts it, seems almost reasonable. It's a small price to pay for the privilege of watching top-quality championship racing.
So, what do you think, fellow cycling enthusiasts? Is this a fair move by British Cycling, or are they taking advantage of our love for the sport? Let's discuss in the comments and share our thoughts on this controversial decision!
