Shorts: British Cycling, Formula E, Burnley FC

British Cycling has announced four new appointments within the Great Britain Cycling Team as it focuses on LA 2028.

Two appointments strengthen the senior leadership team. Paul Mullan, who previously led the Performance Support Team from 2019, has stepped into the role of Deputy Performance Director – Head of Performance. Bethany Widdup has been appointed Head of Performance Delivery, moving from her role as Operations Manager during the Paris cycle.

In coaching, two new roles have been created within the BMX Freestyle Park programme. Greg Illingworth, formerly the Olympic Development Squad coach since 2022, has been appointed Programme Coach. He will be assisted by Olympic bronze medallist Declan Brooks, who returns to the programme as BMX FSP Tech Coach following his retirement from competition at the end of 2024.

Stephen Park CBE, Performance Director for the Great Britain Cycling Team, said, “After a successful Paris cycle, which saw Great Britain bring home 11 Olympic and 22 Paralympic medals in last year’s summer Games, these new leadership roles will set up our direction for LA 2028 and beyond.”

Formula E has announced an extension of its partnership with Excel London until at least the end of the 2026 season.

The agreement, pending validation from the FIA World Motor Sport Council, secures the future of the London E-Prix at the unique indoor-outdoor circuit located in East London.

The venue has hosted Formula E since 2021 and is predicted to host the final race of the Season 12 calendar, where 22 drivers will compete for the Drivers’, Teams’ and Manufacturers’ World Championship trophies.

This extension confirms that the current GEN3 Evo cars will complete their competitive lifespan racing on the London track before the introduction of the new GEN4-spec car in late 2026. The unique circuit features indoor-outdoor conditions, changeable grip surfaces and tight technical corners.

Formula E remains the only FIA-sanctioned World Championship motorsport to race in London, uniting motorsport, entertainment, and sustainability.

Alberto Longo, Chief Championship Officer, Formula E, said, “We’re pleased to extend our relationship with Excel London, which has been a perfect home for Formula E over the last few years.

“Its unique track conditions and event space offers fans and drivers the very best of our sport, bringing the best racing and entertainment together in a truly unique venue at the heart of the capital, while all delivered sustainably.”

Burnley FC have announced the appointment of James Holroyd as the club’s new Chief Executive Officer.

The announcement came the day after the Clarets confirmed their return to the Premier League.

Holroyd brings commercial experience to Turf Moor, having previously held the position of Chief Commercial Development Officer at Manchester United.

His background is in commercial growth, relevant as Burnley look to establish themselves financially and competitively in the Premier League. Holroyd’s appointment is part of the club’s strategic planning for the upcoming season in England’s highest division.

Great Britain Wheelchair Rugby (GBWR) has agreed a new partnership with The Hartford, appointing the insurance company as the official insurance partner of the GBWR Women and Girls Talent Programme.

Building upon their dedication as a ’28 for 28′ partner—a strategic initiative aimed at ‘propelling wheelchair rugby towards the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games’ – The Hartford’s support will be instrumental in ‘nurturing talent and expanding opportunities for women and girls in wheelchair rugby across Great Britain.’

Jason Brisbane, CEO of GBWR, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, said, “We are thrilled to welcome The Hartford as our official insurance partner of the Women and Girls Talent Programme. Following on from their support as a 28 for 28 partner is a testament to our collective commitment to getting more women into wheelchair rugby and will significantly enhance our efforts to develop female talent in wheelchair rugby.”

Reading FC have agreed terms with a prospective buyer.

The deal includes the sale of Reading’s key assets, the Select Car Leasing Stadium and Bearwood Park training facility.

It follows the disqualification of owner Dai Yongge under the EFL’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test earlier this season.

This marks the second time the EFL has granted an extension for the transaction to be completed, with the original extension having been set to expire on 22nd April. The governing body has confirmed the latest extension has been put in place to allow Yongge to divest his interests in the club.

Should the sale not be completed within the new time frame, the EFL retains the power to prevent Reading from participating in matches. Reading are currently seventh in League One and level on points with Leyton Orient, who occupy the final play-off position.

The club had re-entered talks with the buyer in early April and has since stated that further progress has been made.

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