Teaming up for the Tour of Britain

British Cycling teams up with Community Integrated Care to empower people we support, through the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men.

The sporting organisation and our charity have come together to deliver an incredible creative development programme that is supporting the dreams of people we support.

By enhancing physical activity, tackling isolation and empowering people who have faced real barriers in life to discover their talents, the partnership achieves real social impact through sport. It has seen the formation of a unique dance club for nine people we support across greater Manchester and Merseyside, who have co-produced a performance celebrating the spirit of cycling. After two months of tireless effort and practice, the group performed to a packed crowd at finish line of Stage Three of the iconic tour, in Barnsley, on Thursday 5^th September.

A special video of their dance has been filmed at British Cycling’s iconic Velodrome in Manchester and was broadcast at every stage of the event. The impact has been furthered by an arts development masterclass for twelve people we support in the North-East.

Giving participants the opportunity to work with specialist arts charity Age Exchange, participants discovered new artistic talents. Their artworks, which celebrate the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men and the sport, was presented to riders at the event.

By thoughtfully weaving the talents of the people we support, into the event’s athlete and spectator experience, British Cycling and Community Integrated Care are ensuring that the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men is a true celebration of inclusion – inspiring communities across the nation. This partnership builds upon our charity’s groundbreaking Inclusive Volunteering model, which enables significant events to deliver profound social impacts through empowering and supporting disabled communities. It has been named the Best Community Scheme at the 2023 Sports Business Awards.

Tracy Power, Director of Social Impact at British Cycling, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Community Integrated Care to provide opportunities for people with learning disabilities or autism, and people in mental health recovery to get involved with the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men.

“This programme is the first of many as we begin working with partners to bring our social impact framework to life. Our ambition is to use major cycling events like this as a force for good, tackling inequalities to create greater social benefit.

“It’s fantastic to see the joy that cycling has brought to those involved in the dance and artwork activities and we look forward to providing opportunities for more people in the future.”

Tauseef Iqbal, who is supported by our charity in Stockport, said: “This experience has been amazing. I never thought this would be possible, to dance at a big sporting event alongside my friends. My family are so proud of me.”

John Hughes, Director of Partnerships and Communities at Community Integrated Care said, “We’re so proud to partner with British Cycling for the Lloyds Bank Tour of Britain Men.

“This partnership has empowered people to live their dreams, develop new life skills and discover new talents. Through British Cycling bringing this programme into the heart of the Tour, they are creating memories that will last for a lifetime and delivering a powerful celebration of inclusion across communities.

“This partnership is forged through the shared values of Community Integrated Care and British Cycling. We would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this life-changing programme.”