Become a Confident Cyclist →
News

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

February 18, 2026
By
Anna F.

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.

You Might Also Like

Colnago Launches Raw-Carbon Dark Series Bikes Inspired by Tadej Pogačar’s Tour de France Ride

Colnago’s new Dark Series Y1Rs and V5Rs strip away paint to reveal the raw carbon layup, pairing minimal graphics with chrome details and a clear protective finish. Inspired by Tadej Pogačar’s unpainted Tour de France Y1Rs, only 300 of each will be made, landing at Elite Dealers in early March.

Visma Builds Momentum as Van Aert Returns Before Strade Bianche Clash

Team Visma-Lease a Bike hit form at the perfect time: Matthew Brennan won Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne, Matteo Jorgenson podiumed in France, and Wout van Aert returns at Le Samyn ahead of Strade Bianche.

Pogačar, Pidcock, Yates and Bernal Shortlisted for 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards

Cycling takes center stage at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, with Tadej Pogačar, Tom Pidcock, Simon Yates and Egan Bernal all nominated after standout 2025 seasons. Winners will be revealed in Madrid on April 20.

She Plans to Cycle 22 Hours a Day for 6,000km: From the Bottom of Europe to the Arctic

Endurance cyclist Dr Sarah Ruggins is set to attempt a 6,000km solo ride from Tarifa, Spain, to Nordkapp, Norway on 5 June, aiming to break the Europe south-to-north world record while raising £60,000 for World Bicycle Relief.

Mathieu van der Poel Wins Omloop Nieuwsblad on Debut to Open Classics Campaign in Style

Mathieu van der Poel dominated his surprise Omloop Nieuwsblad debut, attacking after a key split on the Molenberg and riding away on the Muur-Kapelmuur to claim his first win in 4h53’55”.

Visma-Lease a Bike Doubles Down on AI as Cycling’s Data Race Accelerates

Visma-Lease a Bike has struck a new partnership with French AI firm Mistral AI, underscoring how cycling’s top teams are doubling down on advanced data and analytics to boost decision-making and gain a competitive edge.