Porn Pedallers Cycling Club lose British Cycling affiliation - because name falls foul of UCI regulations

A cycling club made up of people in the adult entertainment industry has been told by British Cycling that it cannot be affiliated with the governing body because its name – Porn Pedallers Cycling Club – breaches UCI rules.

In a tweet posted yesterday evening, Porn Pedallers Cycling Club said “Cycling is for everyone. Except people like us.”

Asking “Is it justified?,” the tweet also pointed out that its members ride for fun, as well as raising money for the Terence Higgins Trust, the charity that campaigns on and provides services relating to HIV and sexual health.

BREAKING NEWS: Cycling is for everyone. Except people like us @pornpedallers. Today @BritishCycling revoked our club affiliation because PPCC breaches @UCI_cycling regulation 1.1.089. We're just a cycling club, riding for fun & raising money for @THTorguk. Is this justified? pic.twitter.com/dBAqWpOFFx

— Porn Pedallers (@pornpedallers) March 5, 2019

The tweet has received messages of support from followers on social media, from both within the adult entertainment industry and the wider cycling community.

Formed in 2016 and headed by Chris Ratcliff, owner of Television X which is one of its sponsors, members of the club – some of whom are award-winning porn stars – have taken part in sportives at home and abroad, including organising an annual trip to the Spring Classics in Belgium.

Ahead of a trip to the Tour of Flanders two years ago, several members received the well-wishes of Sir Chris Hoy, while others had their photo taken with Geraint Thomas during last year’s Tour de France, shortly before raising almost £7,000 for the Terrence Higgins Trust at the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100.

Fundraising efforts for @THTorguk @THTchampions go into overdrive as porn star cyclists @pornpedallers enter final week of prep for @RideLondon. Please RT https://t.co/Lno609gXBy pic.twitter.com/QKohuJT8MX

— Porn Pedallers (@pornpedallers) July 21, 2018

The full text of regulation 1.1.089, which was introduced by the UCI on 1 January this year, reads:

Sponsorship

Without prejudice of the applicable law, no brand of tobacco, spirits, pornographic bis products or any other products that might damage the image of the UCI or the sport of cycling in general shall be associated directly or indirectly with a licence-holder, a UCI team or a national or international cycling competition.

As defined in the present article, a spirit is a beverage with a content in alcohol of 15 per cent or more.

We have asked both Porn Pedallers and British Cycling for a comment and will update this story as appropriate.