UK General Insurance has partnered with Thistle Insurance Service to launch a cycling-based travel insurance product to be distributed through British Cycling.

UK General Insurance strategy and innovation director Nick Rawlings explained that British Cycling has 126,000 members who often go abroad as part of organised cycling tours and compete in amateur events.

They can struggle to find adequate travel insurance to cover themselves, their bikes and equipment for cycling events. British Cycling worked alongside Thistle Insurance Services to find a bespoke product and platform to fill their niche requirements.

Thistle Insurance Services affinity & direct head Chris Barclay said: “We are delighted to be working with UK General to provide this travel proposition for an iconic British brand, like British Cycling, who we have partnered with for over 8 years.

“We knew we had to find an agile insurance partner who could not only underwrite the product but also provide the technological expertise to deliver this to the market rapidly.”

British Cycling membership manager Terry Greenwood said: “Through many years of working closely with British Cycling to understand the unique requirements of our members, Thistle Insurance has provided a valued portfolio of products and services for our members over the years and this new specialist product is no exception.”

Rawlings said: “This opportunity demonstrates UK General’s transition into a business with a strong digital offer to clients. We’ve been working hard over the past 12 months to create a digital distribution business that complements our underwriting expertise, and benefits affinity partners and broker organisations.

“We’re very pleased with its performance to date and we look forward to making digital a growth engine for UK General in the affinity market.”