British Cycling has confirmed that Professor Pete Bonfield OBE will take over as its new Chief Executive, joining the governing body from mid-November. He arrives after seven years as Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Westminster, a post he has held since 2018.
Bonfield is no stranger to the sport he will now help steer. He is a former winner of British Cycling’s National Juvenile Circuit Race title and went on to compete for Great Britain, giving him a rider’s perspective that the federation has been keen to highlight as it welcomes him into the role.
His arrival comes at a pivotal moment for British Cycling, which continues to navigate the twin challenges of rebuilding grassroots participation and delivering elite success on the world stage, all while working to restore trust among clubs and riders following recent governance scrutiny. A leader with both academic credentials and genuine racing pedigree may prove a shrewd combination as the organisation looks to reset its relationship with the wider cycling community.
For riders and racers up and down the country, the appointment matters because British Cycling’s leadership shapes everything from funding for regional circuit races to the pipeline supporting future track and road talent. Bonfield’s background suggests someone who understands both the boardroom and the start line, and On Track readers will be watching closely to see how quickly he sets out his priorities for grassroots racing, coaching structures and the sport’s long-term development pathway once he formally takes up the post next month.
Sam Allcock is a digital PR entrepreneur and publisher with over two decades in SEO, content and media. He founded PR Fire, the pay-as-you-go press release distribution service, and has worked with brands including Red Bull, Nokia and Liverpool FC. He contributes to HuffPost, HubSpot and The London Economic, and owns a portfolio of news and media titles, of which On Track Magazine is one.
