Shell UK and British Cycling
Shell UK is an official partner of British Cycling in an agreement until 2030 with three key ambitions. Find out more about how we are working with the national governing body for cycle sport in Great Britain.
Watch: Shell UK & British Cycling partnership progress
Watch: Limitless 2.0
Read the transcript
Read the transcript
Title: 184 BCY - FC4
Duration: 4:32 minutes
Description:
This video showcases Shell’s partnership with British Cycling, highlighting the Limitless campaign, as well as the people involved in the partnership, the performance elements of the partnership, and the partnership’s contribution to the planet through British Cycling's journey to net zero.
184 BCY - FC4 Transcript
[Background music plays]
Rhythmic, dramatic instrumental music plays throughout.
Opening “Claps” Section
[Text displays]
Emma Finucane
World Champion & Paris Olympic Gold Medallist Great Britain Cycling Team
Interviewer
It’s this way. That would be good.
Video footage
We open on medium footage of Emma Finucane tidying her team shirt and positioning herself towards the camera, against the backdrop of the Manchester Velodrome.
Greg Illingworth
Yeah.
Interviewer
Okay.
Video footage
Extreme close-up of Greg Illingworth looking off-camera and then glancing towards the shot, against an out-of-focus background.
[Text displays]
Greg Illingworth
BMX Freestyle Coach, Great Britain Cycling Team
Interviewer
Would you mind just doing a hand clap? Just like Freddie.
Greg Illingworth
Yeah.
Video footage
Close-up footage of Greg looking into the camera and then giving a single clap, also against the backdrop of the velodrome.
Audio
Clap.
[Text displays]
Declan Brooks
Tokyo Olympic Bronze Medallist, Great Britain Cycling Team
Audio
Clap.
Video footage
Close-up footage of Declan Brooks looking into the camera and giving a single clap, also against the backdrop of the velodrome.
Audio
Clap.
[Text displays]
Daphne Schrager
C2 Para Cyclist, 2023 World Champion & Paris Paralympic Silver Medallist Great Britain Cycling Team
Video footage
Medium footage of Daphne Schrager looking slightly off-camera and giving a single clap, seated in the spectator stands.
Interviewer
What words would you use to describe cycling?
Video footage
We cut away from close-up footage of Daphne to medium profile-view footage of Emma as she puts one hand on a railing around the velodrome and the other on her hip, looking pensively towards frame-right.
Daphne Schrager
Excitement.
Video footage
Medium footage of Daphne in the spectator stands, speaking to the off-camera interviewer. We cut to high-angle close-up footage of the team, fully kitted out, lined up at the start.
Emma Finucane
You feel really, really powerful.
Video footage
Medium footage of Emma standing at the railing previously described, speaking to the off-camera interviewer. We cut to action shots of cyclists on the velodrome as well as a BMX ramp practice session.
Daphne Schrager
Carnage.
Video footage
Close-up footage of Daphne seated in the spectator stands, speaking to the off-camera interviewer. We cut to a BMXer flying off a ramp into a foam pit, then to cyclists racing on the velodrome.
Declan Brooks
An emotional rollercoaster sometimes.
Video footage
Close-up of Declan speaking to the off-camera interviewer against an out-of-focus background, followed by BMX ramp action.
Daphne Schrager
Terror, a little bit.
Video footage
Medium footage of Daphne in the spectator stands, speaking to the off-camera interviewer.
Greg Illingworth
Community.
Video footage
Close-up of a team member doing turbo training, followed by extreme close-up footage of Greg speaking to the off-camera interviewer.
Emma Finucane
Every pedal stroke out there is really, really important.
Video footage
We see BMX ramping in action, then high-angle footage of team members racing on the velodrome, followed by medium footage of Emma standing at the railing, speaking to the off-camera interviewer.
Partnership Section
[Text displays]
Shell UK has been a proud partner of British Cycling since 2022
Video footage and animated sequence
Close-up of a bicycle’s spinning disc wheel. An animated neon Pecten outline expands from the wheel’s hub, quickly expanding out of frame, but then returning to display at frame-centre as text transitions into frame to display over the Pecten outline. In the opaque, darkened background, we see a cyclist racing on the velodrome in frame-left and Shell Recharge signage on a derny bike in frame-right.
Stephen Park CBE
For us to be successful, we really need the very best partners to come on board.
Video footage
Aerial and high-angle series of footage of the velodrome and a single cyclist racing on it. Close-up footage of Stephen Park CBE speaking to the off-camera interviewer.
[Text displays]
Stephen Park CBE
Performance Director, Great Britain Cycling Team
Jane Lindsay-Green
We want the relationship between Shell UK and British Cycling to continue to have real impact.
Video footage
A series of footage shows the following: golden-coloured lubricant spinning in lab equipment; scientists in a lab applying lubricant to a suspended bicycle chain; close-up of liquid being dropped into a small glass chemistry bottle with a white information label; members of the technical team working on a bicycle chain on a front wheel, then spinning a mounted front wheel.
[Text displays]
2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
Medals
23 12 4
Video footage and animated sequence
Close-up of the Shell Pecten on the sleeve of a cyclists kit. Wide-angle footage of the cyclist racing on the velodrome, fast approaching the shot. An animated neon Pecten outline expands from frame-centre, quickly moving out of frame, but then returning to display at frame-centre as text transitions into frame to display over the Pecten outline. In the opaque, darkened background, we see a medallist team standing on the podium, holding the Union flag behind him.
[Text displays]
2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic
Track Medals
6 9 7
Video footage and animated sequence
While the prior Pecten outline remains at frame-centre, together with the opaque, dark background, this time over a shot of two medallists standing on the podium, another animated neon Pecten outline expands from frame-centre and pulsates ever wider until it moves out of frame. More text transitions into frame to display over these visual elements.
Limitless Section
Jane Lindsay-Green
We're a couple of years into our partnership now.
Video footage and animated sequence
Against the opaque, dark background, this time over close-up footage of the GBR lettering on the back of a racing cyclists team shirt, another animated neon Pecten outline expands from frame-centre and pulsates ever wider until it moves out of frame. The graphical elements cease as we cut to aerial footage of the team racing around the inside of the velodrome.
Jane Lindsay-Green
And we will continue to support the Great Britain Cycling Team.
[Text displays]
Jane Lindsay-Green
GM Strategic Partnerships, Shell UK
Video footage
Close-up footage of Jane Lindsay-Green speaking to the off-camera interviewer, seen seated in an office environment with large windows in the background through which we see trees blowing in the wind.
Jane Lindsay-Green
We've also invested in ways to get more people into cycling. Limitless, in particular, has had a very significant impact.
Video footage
We return to panning wide-angle footage of the velodrome, in the centre of which we see “Limitless” campaign signage, along with a row of exercise bikes, where we see an individual working out on one of the bikes. Next, we see panning wide-angle footage of a man speaking to an audience, who we see from behind, and behind the man, we see the “I am Limitless” backdrop. More panning footage moves over banners displaying testimonials related to the Limitless campaign, along with a still shot of a smiling para-cyclist seated on a para-cycling tricycle on a paved area in front of a plant nursery. We cut to video footage of the same scene, with the para-cyclist posing for the shot, and then we see her riding along a street.
[Text displays]
Since Launch in Feb 2023
Limitless clubs: 83
Riders: 3,500+
Video footage and animated sequence
An animated neon Pecten outline expands from frame-centre, pulsating ever wider until it moves out of frame, but then returning to display at frame-centre as text transitions into frame to display over the Pecten outline. In the opaque, darkened background, we see profile-view footage of a team of para-cyclists parked side-by-side as they look out over the ocean.
Daphne Schrager
The Limitless Campaign for me means there is so much more opportunities that I wish I had growing up.
Video footage
Medium footage of Daphne in the spectator stands, speaking to the off-camera interviewer. We cut to footage of a young para-cyclist grinning into the camera, another cyclist in the background also smiling into the camera, both seen against the background of dry grassland. We cut to close-up footage of the young para-cyclist striking a cheeky, laughing pose for the camera. More footage shows the two cyclists riding across the arid countryside.
Daphne Schrager
I'm Daphne Schrager. I have CP, so cerebral palsy. I'm a C2 para-cyclist for Great Britain.
Video footage
The camera pans to a profile-view of Daphne standing in the spectator stands, looking pensively out over the velodrome, followed by medium-angle and close-up footage of Daphne in the spectator stands, speaking to the off-camera interviewer. Next, we see Daphne from behind in her GBR team kit, striding towards workout equipment.
Daphne Schrager
It's been great to see so many people come through Limitless. Not many people expect it, with what you’re born with, to be able to do sport as a living.
Video footage
A series of footage shows the tricycle para-cycling team cycling down a paved path, away from the ocean and lighthouse in the background, and passing the shot. Next, we see the team cycling over a cobbled area, with buildings and cars in the background. Medium-angle and close-up footage of Daphne in the spectator stands, speaking to the off-camera interviewer.
Daphne Schrager
I've always had to fight against the odds. I wanted to prove people wrong.
Video footage
Low-angle close-up footage of Daphne working out in her Shell-branded team shirt. Extreme close-ups of the concentration on her face as she trains.
Interviewer 2
Are you not the world champion?
Daphne Schrager
I am.
Video footage
Medium-angle and close-up footage of Daphne in the spectator stands, speaking to the off-camera interviewers and laughing sheepishly.
BMX Section (People)
Jane Lindsay-Green
The fantastic thing about cycling is it really is for everyone.
Video footage
A series of footage shows a BMXer on the ramps and then the team gathering at the edge of the ramp area.
Declan Brooks
When I put on my Great Britain kit, it just makes you super proud to represent your country. I'm Declan Brooks and I'm a professional BMX rider for British Cycling.
Video footage
We see footage of the BMX team dropping onto the ramps one after the other, with Declan seen in close-up in the foreground. We cut to close-up footage of Declan speaking into the camera, seen against the out-of-focus background of the ramps. The shot briefly cuts to a close-up profile view of the same.
Greg Illingworth
It's such an accepting and welcoming community.
Video footage
Wide-angle footage of the team training on the ramps. Profile-view close-up of Greg speaking to the off-camera interviewer against the same background.
Declan Brooks
Everyone should just get involved and have a go.
Video footage
Close-up footage of a team helmet, then wide-angle footage of the team chatting at the top of the ramps as one of the team members drops into the ramp area.
Greg Illingworth
You know, you don't need much. You just need a bike.
Declan Brooks
I just love the freedom, the learning and overcoming things on your own as well.
Greg Illingworth
Partnerships ultimately means better results and we grow the sport.
Video footage
A series of footage shows the BMX team training on the ramps, with a focus on the British Cycling banner against the wall. We end the series on high-angle footage of the team gathered at the top of the ramps, mostly looking up into the shot and cheering and applauding.
Lubricant (Performance) Section
Martin Clancy
We’re working with Shell because they're the best.
Video footage
Close-up of a member of the technical team spinning the bicycle’s disc wheel. Low-angle close-up of Martin Clancy and a colleague concentrated on their work on the bicycle. Close-up of chain link pliers holding the bicycle chain.
[Text displays]
Martin Clancy
Technical Resource Manager, Great Britain Cycling Team
Martin Clancy
We know that Shell are a world leader. We want to tap into that.
Video footage
Close-up of Martin speaking to the off-camera interviewer, against the out-of-focus background of the workshop. Wider-angle footage of Martin and colleague concentrated on their work on the bicycle. Close-up of the Shell Pecten and National Lottery logo on the team member’s black shirtsleeve.
[Text displays]
Dr Sarah Matthews
Technology Manager, Shell Lubricants Technology
Dr Sarah Matthews
The British Cycling Team set up a challenge to design and deliver a bike chain lubricant for UCI World Championships in Glasgow and Paris 2024.
Video footage
Low-angle close-up footage of Dr Sarah Matthews speaking to the off-camera interviewer, against the background of a well-lit interior workspace. Close-up of a bike chain being fed through someone’s hands. Close-up of lubricant being dropped onto a bicycle chain. Various close-up angles of two scientists concentrating on this task.
Dr Sarah Matthews
It wouldn't be unusual for a new product development to take two to three years, but we've developed this formulation in a matter of months.
Video footage
Low-angle close-up footage of Sarah speaking to the off-camera interviewer, against the background of the well-lit interior workspace. Close-up, then wider view, of data and graphics on a screen. Wider-angle footage of a technical team member picking up a bicycle part from a desk. We return to low-angle close-up footage of Sarah speaking to the off-camera interviewer.
Jane Lindsay-Green
To be able to have developed the elite track lubricant makes us very proud.
Video footage
A series of footage shows technicians assembling a bicycle wheel. Close-up footage of Jane speaking to the off-camera interviewer, against the office environment previously described.
Emma Finucane
Having the lubricant that's just made for us, it gives us that extra edge.
Video footage
Low-angle close-up of lubricant dripping off a suspended single bicycle chain link. Next, point-of-view footage, shown through a round window in a door, shows a lab technician or scientist opening a small door on a piece of equipment. Next, close-up footage shows him dropping lubricant onto parts in tribological testing equipment, followed by an extreme close-up of lubricated parts moving against one another in the machine. A series of footage shows a member of the racing team cycling at the velodrome, then a close-up of a wheel spinning as a team member pedals a stationary bike.
Bike Maintenance (People) Section
Jane Lindsay-Green
Shell UK and British Cycling share a long-term goal to get people actively involved. So our future plans include installing bike maintenance facilities on some of our forecourts to support people to complete more low carbon journeys.
Video footage
Close-up and extreme close-up footage of Jane speaking to the off-camera interviewer, against the office environment previously described. Time-lapse footage, taken from various angles and positions, of a busy Shell forecourt, seen below blue skies. Next, a cyclist puts his bike through a bicycle cleaning machine. Low-angle slow-motion footage shows recreational cyclists riding across paving in an urban area, approaching the shot. Three cyclists are shown from behind, at first in silhouette, carrying their bikes up steps leading from an underground station.
SAF and Offsetting (Planet) Section
Jane Lindsay-Green
Shell UK is also helping to accelerate British Cycling's journey to net zero, through supply of sustainable aviation fuel and carbon neutral driving, Through this, Shell UK has contributed to British Cycling reducing their carbon footprint by a third, year on year.
Video footage
A series of footage shows the following: a young man in his bedroom, packing a bicycle wheel into a bike travel bag; time-lapse night-time footage of the underside of a commercial aeroplane as luggage is loaded; time-lapse close-up of Shell Recharge signage and QR code at a Shell Recharge charging station, followed by time-lapse footage of another Shell Recharge charging station in London and then a single Tritium Shell Recharge charging point.
Concluding Section
Emma Finucane
When we get on that bike, it's all or nothing.
Video footage
Close-up footage of a team member racing on the velodrome, alongside which we see Shell Recharge signage on a derny bike in frame-right. The cyclist pulls away as the derny bike slows. Panning footage of the handlebars of the team’s bikes, all lined up.
Emma Finucane
All the equipment and all the hard work and all the behind the scenes really, really add to that.
Video footage
A series of footage shows the following: more shots of the bikes and the Great Britain Cycling Team at the velodrome, technical team members working on a bike at the velodrome, Greg instructing at the BMX ramps, a scientist working with lubricant in a laboratory, including a close-up of a golden-coloured lubricant in a measuring beaker; chain link pliers holding a bicycle chain.
Daphne Schrager
It's all part of the journey and all the people around you believing in you day in, day out.
Video footage
Close-up of the Shell Pecten on the shirtsleeve of the GBR team kit. Wide-angle footage of Daphne working out on one of a number of stationary bikes. Medium-angle and close-up footage of Daphne in the spectator stands, speaking to the off-camera interviewer. Close-up of lubricant being dropped onto a suspended bicycle chain while a second scientist looks on in the background.
Video footage
Close-up of two team members embracing at the velodrome. Profile-view footage of four members of the racing team being pushed off the start. High-angle footage of four members of the team racing on the inside track at the velodrome, approaching and passing the shot. Close-up of a spinning wheel as a rider pedals. Close-up of the Shell Pecten on a rider’s shirtsleeve as he races. Aerial footage of a rider as he races around the inside track of the velodrome.
Emma Finucane
Cut.
Video footage
Medium footage of Emma standing at the railing with the velodrome behind her and showing two thumbs-up to the camera, then giving a single clap. The footage then transitions out of frame in the shape of a contracting Pecten, giving way to a white background.
Audio
Clap.
Audio
Shell brand mnemonic played on keys.
[Text displays]
© Shell International Limited 2024
Animated sequence
The small iconic red-and-yellow Pecten transitions in to display at frame-centre against the white background. Text displays along lower frame.
Read the transcript
Read the transcript
Title: Limitless 2.0.
Duration: 6:01 minutes
Description: British Cycling launched Limitless, funded by Shell UK, in 2023 with the aim of making cycling accessible for everyone.
British Cycling launched Limitless, funded by Shell UK, in 2023 with the aim of making cycling accessible for everyone - regardless of age, impairment or ability. Two and a half years on, 5,551 disabled people have taken part, with over 75% saying it’s improved their physical health. 82% say it’s helped their mental wellbeing.
[Title Card]
I am limitless
[Background music plays]
Droning background music plays
[Video footage of speaker 1 riding through forest on her bike.]
{Speaker 1}
I, cycling makes me feel free. It's a chance for me to be out of my wheelchair. It gives me that adrenaline that I missed for a while and just be in nature.
[Video footage of speaker 2 siting on a bench.]
{Speaker 2}
I love cycling. Because it helps me strengthen my legs. And I meet loads of new people.
[Video footage of speaker 3 waving and riding on his bike through the forest.]
{Speaker 3}
I like cycling because it's thrilling, fun and exciting.
[Video footage of speaker 4 siting on her bike.]
{Speaker 4}
Because of the exercise!
[Footage of speaker 5 riding on a tandem bike on a track.]
{Speaker 5}
Cycling makes me feel exhilarated. I love the adrenaline boost.
[Video footage of speaker 6 siting on a bench]
{Speaker 6}
So when you like let go of a steering wheel, just like that, just cruise all the way and you hear the wind. As fast as the wind.
[Footage of speaker 7 standing on his crutches, followed by footage of speaker 7 riding a bike through forest.]
{Speaker 7}
It enables me to go places I can't walk.
[Footage of speaker 8 riding on a tandem bike.]
{Speaker 8}
I love to go fast.
[Footage of speaker 9 siting on her bike.]
{Speaker 9}
Cycling gives me an unmatched freedom to get around and explore.
[Footage of speaker 10 standing near metal freight container]
{Speaker 10}
It just feels like flying. The closest you can get to flying, without actually leaving the ground.
[Footage of speaker 11 siting in her wheelchair]
{Speaker 11}
Cycling makes me feel fast and free.
[Footage of speaker 12 riding on his bike through the countryside]
{Speaker 12}
To me, cycling’s freedom. It's what I felt I was born to do. It's my childhood dream to be a professional cyclist. So to achieve that is a bit mental.
[Video footage of speaker 4 siting on her bike.]
{Speaker 4}
Bike make me happy!
[Footage of speaker 13 riding on her bike through forest, followed by footage of her siting in her wheelchair.]
{Speaker 13}
Cycling makes me feel happy. Makes me feel at peace.
[Video footage of speaker 1 riding through forest on her bike.]
{Speaker 1}
Limitless means opportunity for everyone. It doesn't matter what ability or if you've got a disability. Everyone's out enjoying cycling together.
[Footage of speaker 14 siting on her bike in a field]
{Speaker 14}
Ahh, Limitless. Limitless makes me proud. I like people who come here. It makes me so proud to be here.
[Footage of speaker 11 siting in her wheelchair, followed by footage of her riding her bike]
{Speaker 11}
Limitless has benefited me because it lets me get out of the house and be with like minded people and go fast and be out in all weathers.
[Footage of speaker 15 riding on his bike on a track]
{Speaker 15}
Limitless to me means giving everyone an equal platform to achieve their potential.
[Video footage of speaker 2 standing on a forest path.]
{Speaker 2}
Being healthy and fit. Oh, it makes you feel proud. It does.
[Video footage of speaker 16 sitting on a bench, followed by footage of people riding their bikes on a track.]
{Speaker 16}
I get a real sense of, satisfaction seeing people achieving, things that they didn't think were possible, and see people enjoying themselves, get a bit of independence and having fun.
[Footage of speaker 17 throwing balls with other people]
{Speaker 17}
I try to make it a really safe environment. and we try and create this really friendly, strong environment. And I think if you get that right, people enjoy the session. Getting them coming out, being safe, feeling welcoming, the coaching is easy.
[Footage of speaker 1 sitting in her wheelchair in the forest, followed by footage of her riding alongside other bikers]
{Speaker 1}
It's just really nice to meet other people that have also got it, even if it's a different disability. It's really nice to meet other people that are going through a similar thing.
[Footage of different people riding on their bikes, followed by footage of speaker 9 siting on her bike]
{Speaker 9}
I think as a cycling community, it gives people sense that they're included in something, and they're a real part of something.
[Footage of multiple people riding on their bikes, with voiceover from speaker 18]
{Speaker 18}
There's just so many different ways to get into cycling. There are trikes. There are, you know, hand cycles, there are tandem bikes.
[Footage of speaker 11 siting in her wheelchair]
{Speaker 11}
Inclusion in cycling looks to me like everyone can do it, no matter what their age, what their ability of or what they feel like.
[Footage of speaker 19 siting on a bench]
{Speaker 19}
It's about creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone.
[Video footage of speaker 1 riding through forest on her bike.]
{Speaker 1}
It's just really nice to find this tribe of people.
[Footage of speaker 10 standing near metal freight container, followed by forage of people riding their bikes on a track.]
{Speaker 10}
Well, from my perspective, inclusion in cycling just ends up being like spending time with my friends. We spend time with each other at the track, outside the track. I do it because I enjoy it. Track's a real passion of mine, making it available to everyone is really important.
[Footage of speaker 20, followed by footage of him riding a tandem bike on a track]
{Speaker 20}
Cycling has given me a lot of confidence in my disability. It's played a huge role in my life over the years. Picking up speed on the track gives a great sense of freedom and adrenaline.
[Video footage of speaker 16 sitting on a bench, followed by footage of people riding their bikes on a track.]
{Speaker 16}
It makes me feel that I actually, if I'm honest, it makes me feel really humble. People that come to Unique club, come with so much stuff that I've never experienced. And to see people developing physically and maybe gaining confidence in themselves is just actually the reason why I think we're all here while we're all volunteering and helping out. It's just amazing.
[Footage of the track and the club with voiceover form speaker 20]
{Speaker 20}
Besides competing on the track of also taking on many endurance challenges, cycling Land’s End to John o’Groats.
[Footage of speaker 21]
{Speaker 21}
My inspirations and my family. They've taught me my confidence. They've taught me everything.
[Footage of speaker 12 riding on his bike through the countryside]
{Speaker 12}
If I can inspire one kid with this same disability to take up cycling, I think I'd be pretty happy with that. Never give up. Limitations are endless. You can do anything.
{Speaker 11}
I am part of a community
{Speaker 15}
I am a competitor.
{Speaker 17}
I am a coach.
{Speaker 16}
I'm making a difference.
{Speaker 9}
I am confident.
{Speaker 6}
I'm learning to be number one Great Britain on TV.
{Speaker 7}
I am resilient.
{Speaker 1}
I am understood.
{Speaker 2}
I am a champion.
{Speaker 11}
I am supported.
{Speaker 3}
I am independent.
{Speaker 21}
I'm inspired.
{Speaker 17}
I'm helping others.
{Speaker 15}
I am adventurous,
{Speaker 13}
I am learning.
{Speaker 21}
I am a dreamer,
{Speaker 20}
more clubs,
{Speaker 17}
More facilities.
{Speaker 2}
more opportunities.
{Speaker 5}
break barriers.
{Speaker 1}
Inspire change.
{Speaker 8}
I am Limitless.
{Speaker 12}
I am Limitless.
{Speaker 3}
I am Limitless.
{Speaker 21}
I am Limitless.
{Everyone}
We are Limitless!
Advancing technology and innovation
The partnership is supporting the Great Britain Cycling Team’s cyclists and para-cyclists through the sharing of technology and innovation. Together, Shell U.K. Limited (“Shell UK”) and British Cycling have developed, tested and deployed a superior lubricant with the aim of helping the Great Britain Cycling Team continue to achieve even more at competitions including the Olympic & Paralympic Games, World and National Championships, in the years ahead.
Track Cycling achievements to date using the Shell UK developed lubricant, include:
- UCI 2023 Cycling World Championships, 23 Gold, 12 Silver, 4 Bronze,
- Paris Olympics & Paralympics, 6 Gold, 9 Silver, 7 Bronze
Shell Lubricants has used the same approach to develop a recently launched Bike Chain Lube which can be used by leisure and commuter cyclists. This cobranded product is offers corrosion resistance and is biodegradable. It is available now in selected Shell forecourts.
Widening access to cycling
Working together, Shell UK and British Cycling can deliver real change for people across the UK. With Shell UK’s support, British Cycling launched Limitless in February 2023, a new programme designed to break down the barriers people with disabilities face when trying to access cycling. Limitless is helping to embed para sport into the heart of communities and build a path from grassroots to elite level. With funding from Shell UK, British Cycling is creating inclusive and accessible environments for riders at all levels. As of July 2025, 5,500+ disabled riders have been supported into cycling through 349 Limitless clubs, hitting the goal to support 5,000 disabled riders through the programme by 2027 well ahead of schedule.
Speaking about the news that 5,000 riders have been supported through Limitless, Parminder Koli , Shell UK Country Chair said, “The stories emerging from the Limitless programme are deeply moving. They speak to the resilience, joy and connection that cycling can bring. At Shell UK, we are honoured to support this incredible initiative that is changing lives and redefining what inclusion in sport truly means.”
Accelerating decarbonisation efforts
The partnership reflects the ambition of Shell and British Cycling to get to net zero as well as encouraging low- and zero-carbon forms of transport such as cycling and electric vehicles.
Shell UK are continuing to look at ways to support British Cycling’s business operations and the wider sport, both at grassroots and elite level.
British Cycling launched its first sustainability strategy in May 2024, and utilised Shell UK’s expertise to target areas that help tackle some of their emissions, this included:
- Fleet Vehicles1
By the end of April 2024 over 45,000kg of CO₂ from British Cycling vehicles had been offset in full via Shell UK’s nature-based solutions. This offsetting system involves the use of carbon credits which support projects that aim to protect nature and restore the environment. - Electric dernys
In four velodromes around the country, Shell UK has supported British Cycling with the replacement of diesel derny bikes with new electric models. - Air Travel1
Through Avelia , Shell Aviation’s book and claim solution for SAF (sustainable aviation fuel), British Cycling has already inset 353.08 tonnes of CO₂e for Great Britain Cycling Team’s FY23/24 air travel.
1 British Cycling’s carbon footprint as included in their sustainability strategy dated May 2024 has been calculated and validated by external consultants Think Beyond. The figures from British Cycling’s sustainability strategy as set out here have not been provided, and are not in any way endorsed, by Shell UK or any other Shell group company.
Watch: Shell-designed lubricant delivered for GB cycling team
Read the transcript
Read the transcript
Title: Shell and the Great Britain Cycling Team – Lubricant Film
Duration: 03:59
Description: The GB Cycling Team discusses its partnership with Shell, while experts demonstrate the testing of bicycle chain lubricant.
Shell x Great Britain Cycling Team: Lubricant Film – Accessibility Transcript
[Background music]
Slow, inspiring music plays.
[Visuals]
Opens with close up of Shell logo on cyclist’s arm, followed by a racer cycling on the velodrome track.
[Visuals]
Outline of Shell logo traces around the centre of the screen.
Stephen voice-over:
To win at Olympic level, you need everything to come together.
[Visuals]
Cuts to wider shot of cyclists on track, followed by close up rear view of a derny. Then cuts to another wide shot of the cyclist passing by.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Stephen talking to the camera.
Stephen:
We need the very best athletes…
[Visuals]
Cuts to cyclist adjusting helmet, followed by four cyclists preparing to race. Then briefly cuts back to Stephen.
Stephen:
We need the very best equipment.
[Visuals]
Cuts to montage of cycling equipment, before cutting back to Stephen.
Stephen:
We need the very best of technology.
[Visuals]
Cuts to close up of computer screen, followed by cyclist setting off on track.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Martin.
Martin:
The winning margin in track events is so close…
[Visuals]
Cuts to cyclist speed testing on track, before briefly cutting back to Martin, then cutting again to close ups of Shell logo on arm and two cyclists racing. Then cuts back to Martin again.
Martin:
… sometimes a hundredth of a second.
[Visuals]
Cuts to montage of cyclists racing towards camera and around a corner, followed by four individual cyclists racing.
Adam voice-over:
As the gains are harder to find…
[Visuals]
Cuts to Adam.
Adam:
… you’ve got to dig deeper and deeper and deeper, and none of that would be possible
without technology.
[Visuals]
Cuts to slow-motion shot of cyclists rounding a corner.
[Visuals]
Cuts back to Stephen.
Stephen:
We are in a race, an innovation race.
[Text displays – name strap]
Stephen Park CBE
Performance Director, Great Britain Cycling Team
Stephen:
For us to be successful in that race, we need to have a broad range of partners, supporting both our own ideas and bringing some of their technology…
[Visuals]
Cuts to montage of cycling equipment and a wheel being spun, before cutting back to Stephen.
Stephen:
… some of their value to give our athletes the very best chance of winning those illusive gold medals.
[Visuals]
Cuts to close up of bike chain in lab, with researcher in the background. Then cuts to the researcher carrying out tests on bicycle lubricant.
Sarah voice-over:
The British cycling team set us a challenge to design and deliver a bike chain lubricant for the World Championships in Glasgow.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Sarah.
[Text displays – name strap]
Dr. Sarah Matthews
Technology Manager, Shell Lubricants Technology
Sarah:
It's not unusual for a product development to take 2 to 3 years, but we've managed to deliver a formulation in a matter of months.
[Visuals]
Cuts to two cyclists setting off to race, before cutting to Martin.
[Text displays – name strap]
Martin Clancy
Technical Resource Manager, Great Britain Cycling Team
Martin:
We're working with Shell because we know that Shell are world leading.
[Visuals]
Cuts to cyclists passing by in slow-motion.
Martin voice-over:
They've got to a phenomenal history within motorsport and lubrication.
[Visuals]
Cuts back to Martin.
Martin:
We want to tap into that.
Visuals:
Cuts to Adam reaching for crank before placing it on load frame.
Adam:
Right, so I'm going to put a crank on the load frame and see how it performs.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Adam talking to camera.
[Text displays – name strap]
Adam Bonser
Test Engineer, Great Britain Cycling Team
Adam:
Our whole ethos is evidence based. So technology, right from finding a concept
through to testing the concept…
[Visuals]
Cuts to team members working on bike while cyclist stands by, followed by shot of cyclists laughing.
Adam voice-over:
In order to find the gains, you need to bring more people together…
[Visuals]
Cuts back to Adam
Adam:
… and not just internally, but it includes external partners.
[Visuals]
Cuts back to researcher testing lubricant in lab, before cutting to Sarah.
Sarah:
Shell has been designing and developing lubricants for 100 years for an increasingly broad
range of applications.
[Visuals]
Cuts to montage of lubricant being tested, before cutting to a shot of wind turbines at sea, an aerial shot of car driving through the woods, and then tubs of thermal fluid.
Sarah voice-over:
Performance fluids for wind turbine gear oils, passenger car engine oils, E-Transmission fluids.
[Visuals]
Cuts back to Sarah.
Sarah:
So at our technology centre in Hamburg, we can apply that knowledge…
[Visuals]
Cuts back to the lab, with lubricant being extracted from a container and applied to a bike chain.
Sarah voice-over:
… and expertise, that know how, to a bike chain lubricant.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Hayley.
[Text displays – name strap]
Dr. Hayley Bunce
Project Leader, Discovery Hub, Shell Lubricants
Hayley:
The challenge that we’re tasked with is to reduce friction in the chain because friction causes a rider's effort…
[Visuals]
Cuts away to further shots of the lubricant being tested on the chain.
Hayley voice-over:
… to turn into heat rather than productive forward motion and speed.
[Visuals]
Cuts back to Hayley.
Hayley:
Additionally, the lubricant needs to adhere to the chain itself.
[Visuals]
Cuts to shot of Georg through a window, followed by a shots of him lifting a machine door and tightening a bolt.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Georg talking to camera.
[Text displays – name strap]
Georg Feuchter
Chief Technician, Shell Technology Centre Hamburg
Georg:
Shell developed a in-house test procedure to test the different lubricants.
[Visuals]
Cuts to shot of lubricant being extracted from bottle, before being used in a friction testing machine.
Georg voice-over:
We put all the candidate formulations through a series of friction and wear tests…
[Visuals]
Briefly cuts back to Georg.
Georg:
… to find out which one is the best performing one.
[Visuals]
Cuts back to fiction test.
Hayley voice-over:
It is critical that we get independent…
[Visuals]
Cuts back to Hayley.
Hayley:
… confirmation of the performance of our lubricants. For this, we collaborated
with the University of Bristol.
[Visuals]
Cuts to montage of switches being turned on, followed by a close up of a chain being tested.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Robert.
[Text displays – name strap]
Dr. Robert Wragge-Morley
Senior Research Associate, University of Bristol
Robert:
I'm Dr. Robert Wragge-Morley. I’m a mechanical engineering researcher
of University of Bristol, and I test bicycle chains.
[Visuals]
Cuts to shot of bike chain been tested at speed on a machine, followed by side-on view of the machine, and then Robert analysing data on a computer.
Robert voice-overL
We've developed this test facility, which is one of the most capable in the world for testing bicycle chains.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Robert pointing to different part of the machine.
Robert:
What happens in here is we measure the mechanical power in and we transmit that through a chain. We measure mechanical power out…
[Visuals]
Cuts to over-the-shoulder shot of computer, followed by close ups of the chain being tested.
Robert voice-over:
… and we know how many watts are getting lost as friction out of the chain.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Sarah.
Sarah:
With the performance data from the University of Bristol, we're able to select one candidate
formulation to take forward.
[Visuals]
Cuts to cyclist speeding past on track, followed by slow-motion shot of the racer passing by, and close ups of a chain being inspected and tested.
Sarah voice-over:
That was verified by the British cycling team at the National Cycling Centre, and it's now been selected for use at the UCI World Championships in Glasgow.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Sarah.
Sarah:
A really important milestone for us on the product development journey towards Paris Olympics 2024.
[Visuals]
Cuts to close up of cyclist’s feet peddling, followed by close up of face and a shot of the chain.
[Visuals]
Cuts to Stephen.
Stephen:
It's essential that we continue to develop all of our innovation…
[Visuals]
Cuts to team members testing testing bicycle, followed by close up of chain. The cuts to Martin before cutting back to the chain.
Stephen voice-over:
… to give our riders the very best chance to remain competitive against the best nations in the world.
[Visuals]
Cuts to cyclist speeding past on track, before cutting to Adam.
Adam:
This cycle of innovation never, ever stops. That’s the point.
[Visuals]
Cuts to close up of Shell logo on cyclist’s arm, then their face, and then the chain.
Adam voice-over:
So working with someone like Shell just allows us to go into such fine detail to work on the lubrication.
[Visuals]
Cuts back to Adam.
Adam:
So it's a really powerful partnership.
[Visuals]
Cuts to close up of lubricant being tested in spinning device, followed by chain moving on machine, and a cyclist setting off on track.
Sarah voice-over:
Here's to a winning combination…
[Visuals]
Cuts to Sarah.
Sarah:
… powering progress through partnerships.
[Shell endboard with logo]
shell.co.uk/british-cycling
Shell UK and British Cycling - frequently asked questions
How will Shell apply its lubricants technology?
How will Shell apply its lubricants technology?
The partnership is about exploring ways the two organisations plan and manage innovation in support of performance improvements and decarbonisation. All of this is designed with the ambition of delivering tangible results for the Great Britain Cycling Team, grassroots sport and more widely.
Where does the partnership fit in Shell UK’s business?
Where does the partnership fit in Shell UK’s business?
The partnership reflects the ambition of Shell and British Cycling to get to net zero as well as encouraging low- and zero-carbon forms of transport such as cycling and electric vehicles. Shell UK is a significant contributor to the UK, for example, by helping keep the country’s energy flowing and through employing people.
Am I eligible for funding through the Limitless programme?
Am I eligible for funding through the Limitless programme?
With support from Shell UK, Limitless was launched and funding made available to clubs much more quickly than would otherwise have been possible, with a goal to support 5,000 disabled riders through the programme by 2027. You can find out more about applying for funding here.
Legal disclaimer
Legal disclaimer
The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this presentation “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this presentation refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as “joint ventures” and “joint operations”, respectively. “Joint ventures” and “joint operations” are collectively referred to as “joint arrangements”. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as “associates”. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.
Forward-Looking Statements
This presentation contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”, “ambition”, ‘‘anticipate’’, ‘‘believe’’, ‘‘could’’, ‘‘estimate’’, ‘‘expect’’, ‘‘goals’’, ‘‘intend’’, ‘‘may’’, “milestones”, ‘‘objectives’’, ‘‘outlook’’, ‘‘plan’’, ‘‘probably’’, ‘‘project’’, ‘‘risks’’, “schedule”, ‘‘seek’’, ‘‘should’’, ‘‘target’’, ‘‘will’’ and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this presentation, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, such as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak; and (n) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc’s Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2023 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this presentation and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this presentation, 7 February 2024. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this presentation.
Shell’s net carbon intensity
Also, in this presentation we may refer to Shell’s “Net Carbon Intensity”, which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the term Shell’s “Net Carbon Intensity” is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.
Shell’s net-Zero Emissions Target
Shell’s operating plan, outlook and budgets are forecasted for a ten-year period and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next ten years. Accordingly, they reflect our Scope 1, Scope 2 and Net Carbon Intensity (NCI) targets over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plans cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target and 2035 NCI target, as these targets are currently outside our planning period. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.
Forward Looking Non-GAAP measures
This presentation may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as cash capital expenditure and divestments. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking Non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those Non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc’s consolidated financial statements.
The contents of websites referred to in this presentation do not form part of this presentation.
We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this presentation that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov.
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Legal disclaimer
Legal disclaimer
The companies in which Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this content “Shell”, “Shell Group” and “Group” are sometimes used for convenience to reference Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this content refer to entities over which Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. The terms “joint venture”, “joint operations”, “joint arrangements”, and “associates” may also be used to refer to a commercial arrangement in which Shell has a direct or indirect ownership interest with one or more parties. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.
Forward-Looking statements
This content contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Shell to market risks and statements expressing management’s expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as “aim”; “ambition”; ‘‘anticipate’’; “aspire”, “aspiration”, ‘‘believe’’; “commit”; “commitment”; ‘‘could’’; “desire”; ‘‘estimate’’; ‘‘expect’’; ‘‘goals’’; ‘‘intend’’; ‘‘may’’; “milestones”; ‘‘objectives’’; ‘‘outlook’’; ‘‘plan’’; ‘‘probably’’; ‘‘project’’; ‘‘risks’’; “schedule”; ‘‘seek’’; ‘‘should’’; ‘‘target’’; “vision”; ‘‘will’’; “would” and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this content, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell’s products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks, including climate change; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, judicial, fiscal and regulatory developments including tariffs and regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; (m) risks associated with the impact of pandemics, regional conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the conflict in the Middle East, and a significant cyber security, data privacy or IT incident; (n) the pace of the energy transition; and (o) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this content are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Shell plc’s Form 20-F and amendment thereto for the year ended December 31, 2024 (available at www.shell.com/investors/news-and-filings/sec-filings.html and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this content and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this content 21.07.2025. Neither Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this content.
Shell’s net carbon intensity
Also, in this content we may refer to Shell’s “net carbon intensity” (NCI), which includes Shell’s carbon emissions from the production of our energy products, our suppliers’ carbon emissions in supplying energy for that production and our customers’ carbon emissions associated with their use of the energy products we sell. Shell’s NCI also includes the emissions associated with the production and use of energy products produced by others which Shell purchases for resale. Shell only controls its own emissions. The use of the terms Shell’s “net carbon intensity” or NCI is for convenience only and not intended to suggest these emissions are those of Shell plc or its subsidiaries.
Shell’s net-zero emissions target
Shell’s operating plan and outlook are forecasted for a three-year period and ten-year period, respectively, and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next three and ten years. Accordingly, the outlook reflects our Scope 1, Scope 2 and NCI targets over the next ten years. However, Shell’s operating plan and outlook cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target, as this target is outside our planning period. Such future operating plans and outlooks could include changes to our portfolio, efficiency improvements and the use of carbon capture and storage and carbon credits. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans and outlooks to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.
Forward-Looking non-GAAP measures
This content may contain certain forward-looking non-GAAP measures such as adjusted earnings and divestments. We are unable to provide a reconciliation of these forward-looking non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures because certain information needed to reconcile those non-GAAP measures to the most comparable GAAP financial measures is dependent on future events some of which are outside the control of Shell, such as oil and gas prices, interest rates and exchange rates. Moreover, estimating such GAAP measures with the required precision necessary to provide a meaningful reconciliation is extremely difficult and could not be accomplished without unreasonable effort. Non-GAAP measures in respect of future periods which cannot be reconciled to the most comparable GAAP financial measure are calculated in a manner which is consistent with the accounting policies applied in Shell plc’s consolidated financial statements.
The contents of websites referred to in this content do not form part of this content.
We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this content that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov