About Us

The story of Entryweb

For years, probably like the rest of you I've often thought how much easier it could be if riders had the option to pay using a card and to have a system of some kind that magically did all the tedious work of programmes, entrants lists, start sheets, results and all the other associated paperwork we need for an event. I often think it's the paperwork and the rules and regulations involved that prevent more people organising events. Well we now have a system for card payments and the paperwork side at least, and its here and you're here you've found the right place, it's called Entryweb!

Originally I wanted to have some sort of online entry facility for Dad's popular Dorset Tour event and other local British Cycling races but the more we looked into it the more involved it became. To implement a system for a few events seemed just as much work and integration as having a system available for all - well that's what I naively thought at the time! Anyhow I was keen enough and in a position to start work, so Entryweb was born.

When researching the project it was clear other sports and activities were embracing the latest technology and moving forward faster than cycling particularly concerning online entry systems and event management. I looked at the USA in particular and saw independent websites already with large numbers of events that had obviously been around for a few years that had the backing of riders, organisers and governing bodies. My aim was to create a system for our cycling events here in the UK.

Don, my father a BC man through and through was obviously keen to get feedback on the idea with BC themselves, however after an initial meeting over 12 months ago it was clear they had their plans for some sort of system but wished us well with Entryweb. Clearly we needed to get something tangible and actually get something built so over the course of 2007 Entryweb developed. Originally dad only wanted to concentrate on BC events but my goal was for something much broader that covered all cycling. My belief was that Entryweb could be suitable for all organisers whether they are CTT or Audax organisers. Looking back that might have been a biting off more than I can chew moment due to various complexities, however as I hope you'll agree I think we've achieved it.

Accommodating the large cross section of events on Entryweb also allows riders to have the option to pick and choose and pay with a single transaction for all their cycling activities. Entryweb's broader model also helps organisers attract entrants from a larger pool of riders, possibly attracting people that may have otherwise missed or not considered entering their event. Competitive riders can now enter both their CTT time trials and BC road races from one portal or even plan and pay for an entire months worth of racing and with Entryweb's unique 'Enter a Friend' facility even coaches and team mangers can manage their riders seasons online. This was my main goal for the site – something that made everything simpler but also intuitive.

As 2007 progressed Entryweb grew and began to take shape, we added more features but really tried to tailor Entryweb better towards whichever discipline or governing body an event was run under. For example the 'Organise Riders' page displays only the information about a rider you actually need when re-ordering and it's different dependent on the race or ride, other features such as compiling a definitive club/team list making it quick and easy yet intuitive to breeze through forms or allowing organisers to remain in control as much as possible throughout an event's cycle. I think Entryweb accommodates in the best possible way, the issue of sorting and choosing a field for competitive races by way of our 'Ability - Entry Selection Method' which ultimately gives the organiser control over whole entry process. I hope these feature help you, I've tried my best to explain what everything means throughout the site, however I'll be happy to help if any of you are still confused. Dad's been involved from the start and I still have to explain things to him!

As with all new systems I'm sure we'll be tweaking and improving various areas but an important part I see is feedback from the actual people using it, so I'm really keen to see how it fits with all you people out there. Do the payment options suit you – if not – what would you prefer? Would you like to see more fee flexibility – does Entryweb currently accommodate your requirements or not? How about different type events – does your event current fit Entryweb's model – if not – how would you like to see it implemented?

At launch [Dec 2007] I considered it to be the end of phase one. In phase two [2008], look forward to some really exciting new and helpful features lined up for 2008 – some fresh new innovative ideas that are sure to help improve the way your events are run.

Finally, I hope both riders and organisers find Entryweb a useful yet exciting tool that makes the job of either entering and/or organising events easier. My only regret is I didn't launch it earlier so some of you could have be using it this season already, maybe I should have listened to my old man, but I hope it's been worth the wait, and it works for all our riders and organisers both competitive, non-competitive from Audax rides to top level stage races.

Thank you for reading...

Regards,

Mark

December 2007