British Cycling

March 4, 2026

Frank Slevin to step down as Chair of British Cycling

—- British Cycling today announces that Frank Slevin, the organisation’s Independent Chair since January 2018, will step down from his role following a recent diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Slevin’s saddening decision follows a remarkable tenure with the organisation which has been marked by a period of significant transformation, stability and renewed ambition. The move will enable him to prioritise his health and family whilst focusing on treatment and recovery.

Throughout his eight years of board leadership, Slevin has played a pivotal role in guiding British Cycling through a time of necessary cultural and structural change, ensuring the organisation met or exceeded the full set of recommendations from the Cycling Independent Review, a critical step in restoring confidence and setting higher standards across the sport.

Under Slevin’s direction, British Cycling implemented major enhancements to medical governance and athlete welfare, reinforcing its duty of care to riders competing at every level. He championed the Federation’s compliance with the Code for Sports Governance and led a transformation of its regional structure, strengthening the support offered to clubs, volunteers and event organisers across the country.

Slevin has also provided continuity and strategic direction through the challenges posed by the Covid‑19 pandemic as well as the recruitment process that secured new executive leadership during a formative moment for the organisation.

His decision to speak openly about his diagnosis has been inspired by the courage of cycling great, Sir Chris Hoy, with hope that sharing this will contribute to greater awareness of bowel cancer at a time when incidence rates amongst younger people have been rising.

Speaking about his departure, Slevin said: “It has been an incredible honour and privilege to have been afforded the opportunity to Chair the wonderful organisation that is British Cycling for the past eight years. I would like to thank the passionate staff and volunteers in particular, who work tirelessly to serve our members and partners and who have made my role as Chair so rewarding.

“It has been an incredible journey since the Cycling Independent Review. We should be enormously proud of the fact that we have established British Cycling as an exemplar for how national governing bodies in sport can not only continue to win Olympic, Paralympic and World Championship medals in unprecedented numbers, but can also deliver for our members, create real social impact across the Home Nations and be governed with professionalism and integrity.

“I am deeply saddened to be leaving before my tenure naturally comes to an end later in the year, but I know British Cycling has never been stronger, more focused on its purpose nor better led and I am confident that the transition to my successor will be managed with aplomb.”

Jon Dutton, Chief Executive of British Cycling, said: “Frank has been an exceptional Chair and a steadying force during one of the most pivotal periods in British Cycling’s history. His unwavering dedication, commercial acumen, governance expertise and passion for cycling have helped lay a stronger foundation for the organisation’s future, both at elite and grassroots levels. He leaves a legacy that will benefit riders, volunteers and fans for years to come.

“On a personal note, it is bittersweet that Frank’s departure coincides with my own, however we have a clear strategic direction, strengthened structures and an unprecedented opportunity to build on that progress with sustained energy and focus.

“Frank’s service to our organisation has been exemplary, and I know the entire cycling community will join me in wishing him well as he focuses on his health and wellbeing.”

Recruitment for an independent chair will begin in earnest, however Slevin will remain involved until a new successor is appointed including remaining on the board of Grand Depart 2027 Ltd and British Cycling Ventures, as the streamlined time requirements of these roles make continued involvement possible during this period. The role of acting chair will be shared between the Vice Chair, Andy Cook and Senior Independent Chair, James Davies on an interim basis. Further details on the appointment process will be provided in due course.

-ENDS-

About British Cycling

British Cycling is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in Great Britain. We govern and develop the sport from grassroots participation through to supporting the riders representing Great Britain on the international stage.

Our purpose is to bring the joy of cycling to everyone, and we’re fulfilling this by building on the elite success of the Great Britain Cycling Team and enabling more people to discover the joy of riding a bike.

We are proud to represent a community of members, 2,000 affiliated clubs, and the 27 million people who ride a bike nationwide – whether riding for fun, racing competitively, or simply getting from A to B. We exist to support and represent anyone who participates or wants to participate in our activities.

For more information, visit www.britishcycling.org.uk.

Contact details:  

Emma Hope, Head of Communications 

+44 (0) 7384 214079

emmahope@britishcycling.org.uk

Ellie Stott, Great Britain Cycling Team Communications Manager 

+44 (0) 7718 570341 

elliestott@britishcycling.org.uk  

Gareth Burrell, Communications and PR Manager

+44 (0) 7718 394386

garethburrell@britishcycling.org.uk

 Will Kirkpatrick, Communications and PR Officer