Speaker Bio

Chris is an Olympic gold medallist, world record holder and three-time Tour de France stage winner and became Head of Research and Development for the Great Britain Cycling Team, tasked with creating world-leading equipment and coaching methods. Chris Boardman was appointed as Greater Manchester’s first ever Cycling and Walking Commissioner in July 2017 by Mayor Andy Burnham. His report, Made to Move, published in December 2017, set out a 15 step plan to transform how people get around in the city region. The plan has evolved into a £1.5 billion plan to create a world-class cycling and walking network with the first 100 miles of high-quality routes now being created. In May 2021, Boardman was appointed in an expanded role as Greater Manchester’s first ever Transport Commissioner, tasked with accelerating the delivery of the Bee Network – a fully integrated, city region-wide transport system.
He is one of the UK’s most prominent cycling and walking advocates and has been policy adviser to British Cycling since 2012.

Chris launched his own range of bikes, BOARDMAN Bikes, in 2007 and is company chairman. He also worked as Head of Research and Development for the Great Britain Cycling Team from 2004 to 2012, including at the 2008 Beijing Games where the Olympic team won eight gold medals.