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British Cycling Restores Free YouTube Stream for National Track Championships After Paywall Backlash

May 19, 2026
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British Cycling has confirmed the Lloyds National Track Championships will stream live and free on YouTube this weekend, after scrapping a controversial £2.99 membership trial.

​British Cycling has confirmed that this weekend’s Lloyds National Track Championships will be streamed live and free on YouTube, following criticism over a £2.99 monthly membership trial introduced for last month’s cyclocross nationals.

Anna Morris (Image Credit: SWpix.com/Olly Hassell)

​The governing body paused and cancelled all YouTube memberships earlier this month while reviewing the impact of the paywall experiment. The subscription, described as part of a “dynamic new approach” to deepen engagement, received mixed reactions from fans who questioned charging for national championship coverage.

​For the track championships, British Cycling is promising six live sessions from the National Cycling Centre in Manchester across Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Coverage will include uninterrupted racing, expert commentary, and studio analysis from Jody Cundy and Lauren Bell, with 21 national titles to be decided across sprint, endurance, and para-cycling events.

​Officials emphasised that future streaming decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, citing differences in costs and logistics across disciplines. Further details on 2026 coverage plans are expected in the coming months.

​Tickets for the championships remain available, starting at £11.

​For now, at least, the national jersey will be chased in full public view rather than behind a digital gate.

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