Former UCI executive joins E-Bike Grand Prix series as Director of Sport
E-Bike Grand Prix (EBK GP) has today announced that Mark Barfield, a former Technical Manager at Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), has been appointed the series’ Director of Sport.
In a career spanning over 20 years, Mark has been involved with global cycling competitions such as the Olympic Games in Rio and the Tour de France, Mark will be responsible for the development of the sporting and technical regulations of EBK GP, ensuring the race format is exciting and challenging for teams.
Alongside his responsibilities, Mark will work closely with bike partner, BMC Switzerland on the development of the race E-Bike and alongside the Franchise teams to ensure they have a voice in the ongoing development of the series.
Mark Barfield, EBK GP’s new Director of Sport, said: “EBK GP is the competition that will shake up the E-Bike market, pushing technical innovation to the next level, similar to how F1 has driven the car industry.
“I’m hugely excited to be joining the team as Director of Sport and look forward to delivering a bike and format that wows our spectators.”
Prior to joining EBK GP, Mark was Head of Bicycle for the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry, introducing innovations such as disc brakes to the peloton, and at the UCI he helped the organisation tackle bike tech fraud, including detecting the illegal use of motors in traditional bikes.
Mark was also involved in the introduction of E-mountain bike racing to the cycling calendar in 2017/18 whilst at the World Federation of the Sporting Goods Industry (WFSGI) – the non-profit body that represents the interests of the sporting goods industry, working across 195 countries.
Prior the UCI, Mark spent 12 years working for British Triathlon, growing the sport’s membership by over 11,000 people. He began his career at British Cycling.
Carl Thompson, the inspiration behind the race formula at EBK GP, said: “Mark was engaged from the very beginning, hosting our first manufacturers forum and introducing EBK GP to the world of cycling, and therefore it is very fitting he should take up this role.
“Mark’s passion for E-Bike technology and vast experience in the cycling sector brings huge value to the team. His technical expertise will help take EBK GP to the next level. It’s fantastic to have him on board as Director of Sport.”
Due to begin later this year with a showcase event in Dubai, the EBK GP series will take place in 10 cities around the world across 2023.