British Cycling votes to accept changes to its governance structures
Last Updated: 22/07/17 3:13pm
British Cycling has voted to amend the sport's governance structures, so that it remains eligible to receive funding from UK Sport and Sport England.
This follows Saturday's extraordinary general meeting of its national council, when British Cycling accepted proposals to fall in line with sports minister Tracey Crouch's code to promote diversity within the sport.
A 75% majority vote was required for the reforms to go through, although three of the 10 regions had originally rejected the proposals at mandate meetings.
However, the proposals have now been approved, with one amendment that allows the 10 English regions to nominate a board member.
Julie Harrington, British Cycling's chief executive, said: "Today, British Cycling's National Council voted in favour of changes to our constitution in order to ensure that we are compliant with the Code for Sports Governance.
"Our membership also voted for an amendment to create the role of a director nominated by the English regions to go alongside those nominated by Scottish Cycling and Welsh Cycling.
"We have heard the concerns of our National Councillors and we will actively work with our membership to ensure that the voice of the enthusiast remains central to our purpose.
"Securing funding for elite and grassroots participation through these changes will enable us to inspire more people on to two wheels across communities the length of the country.
"Without secured funding we will not be able to share our love of the sport and enable others to try it.
"Our sport is growing and growing up. Today's vote is the start of an exciting new chapter for British Cycling and our sport."
Failure to make the changes would have seen British Cycling potentially lose £40m in funding.
On Friday, Sir Chris Hoy said he hoped the changes would be accepted: "This weekend's vote is vital for all areas of our sport.
"I would urge everyone with a vote to consider the implications that this withdrawal of funding would have on not just cycling, but our society as a whole."
Earlier this month, England's table tennis body had its funding suspended, after its members narrowly voted against accepting the same proposals.
The governing body has called an EGM next month in a bid to reverse the outcome.
