Environmental campaigners have accused British Cycling of ‘greenwashing’ after it announced an eight-year sponsorship deal with oil and energy giant Shell.
The partnership, which follows HSBC’s activation of a break clause in its own eight-year deal, will bring “wide-ranging support and investment” and “help us take important steps towards net zero,” British Cycling claimed in a statement announcing the deal.
Its CEO Brian Facer, added: “We’re looking forward to working alongside Shell UK to widen access to the sport. We want to support our elite riders and help our organisation and sport take important steps towards net-zero – things we know our members are incredibly passionate about.”
The sporting body, based at Manchester’s Velodrome, added that the deal would include initiatives to make cycling more accessible for disabled people.
Leading environmental campaigners, however, have variously described the move as “disappointing,” “cynical” and “absurd.”
Greenpeace UK policy director Dr Doug Parr responded: “The idea of Shell helping British Cycling reach net zero is as absurd as beef farmers advising lettuce farmers on how to go vegan. After being booted out of museums and other cultural institutions, Big Oil are looking at sports as the next frontier for their brazen greenwash.”
Friends of the Earth’s acting director of campaign impact struck a similar tone. He said ina statement: “Cycling is the epitome of environmentally friendly travel. It’s deeply disappointing that UK Cycling [sic] could think it’s appropriate to partner with a fossil fuel giant. Shell is continuing to invest billions in oil and gas projects, while using cynical PR initiatives like this partnership to attempt to greenwash its harmful activities.”
