THE CYCLING FIXER
Harold Dalton: Cycling industry problem solver since 2005
A WORLD EXPERT IN CYCLE SPORT
My knowledge of cycle sport is second to none, backed by a Masters thesis from Simmons College with research and teaching conducted at Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I've produced further long- and short-form essays on cycling within and outwith academia. And one book too.
My background isn't just theoretical though. I have hands-on experience at the highest levels of the sport for over 20 years; everything from journalism and broadcasting, product launches, and live event operations. I’ve worked with all the biggest teams, riders, and races, on three continents.
And I'm available to kickstart your cycling project, however big or small it is.
MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS, AND COMMUNITY
I’m a digital communications professional with deep expertise in communities engagement, combined with a sharp instinct for impactful storytelling for a range of audiences. My strengths include proven success crafting high-impact, audience-specific narratives in the right tone and voice to drive brand loyalty, sales, and engagement. I’m a game- and tone-changer, with a track record of reversing negative and challenging discourses across channels that include Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, supported by a history of content creativity and innovation.
I've studied social media marketing, and I’ve also been doing it with great success for pretty much as long as it's been a thing. I love organic growth and community nurturing, but it doesn’t end there: I've run social advertising campaigns that drive leads and brand awareness for minimal cost, using compelling content and copy based on deep product marketing experience.
Beyond social media, I've built, and enacted, entire go-to-market strategies with a 100% success rate in selling out of product. I've run email marketing campaigns since 2007, and have been copywriting for cycling brands for even longer. And I've run an Emmy-nominated influencer campaign. With 13 years working for the most cutting-edge cycling start-ups, I've great experience in the entire suite of marketing functions.
BROADCASTING AND JOURNALISM
At Cycling.TV, we weren't just broadcasting cycling. We pioneered sports streaming, consulting with FIFA, UEFA, the FA, NHL, and College Sports during the off-season as each brought the techniques we developed to their own respective brands. The interactive live streaming experience I curated soon became an industry standard, allowing viewers to interact with one another and the race commentators as they watched.
I ran the website, wrote the articles, scripted the shows, and traveled the world producing content with the biggest teams at the biggest races on earth. We were first to broadcast most races on the calendar, especially the women's editions. I handled the downlinking and streaming, and even found myself climbing out onto the roof to fix a satellite dish once or twice.
Beyond television, I've written news articles, product reviews, long-form editorial content, and interviews. And I've run three hugely successful cycling sites utilizing a range of contributors from pro cyclists to up-and-coming journalists, to race organizers, to artists.
LIVE EVENT OPERATIONS
My career in the cycling industry started in 2000, working operations at the UCI World Championships. I continued working live events until 2007, splitting my time between live music and cycling. These roles have been hands-on, fast-paced, and usually loosely-defined as fixing problems and making changes rapidly ends up being more important than deciding whose job it is to complete each task. Live events, like live broadcasting, is about getting shit done. And that’s why I’m here.
I've worked on some of the biggest and most exciting races in the world, but also smaller races and gran fondos too. I'm just as at home running podiums at the World Cup as I am at marshaling the club 10. Live racing is where my heart lies, and I'd love to be involved in your event in any capacity.
CLIENTS AND EMPLOYERS
BRITISH CYCLING
CYCLING.TV
DOLAN
EVERYSIGHT
HAMMERHEAD
REVOLUTION
TOUR OF BRITAIN
UCI
And many more!
THE CYCLING FIXER: WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU
Are you a brand? Whether you're targeting cyclists and looking for deeper industry expertise, or an industry heavy hitter looking for a marketer entrenched in the space, I can provide a hands-on full-service solution from my years of industry experience providing copy-writing, content production, community and web management, and almost anything else that involves customer-facing communication.
Are you a race promoter, event planner, or similar? I've provided logistical solutions for live events for over 20 years, from UCI World Championships and World Cups to local races and promotional events (not to mention major non-cycling clients including Paul McCartney). And, most importantly, I know how to assemble a marquee.
I don't just speak the language: I live and breathe cycling. If you've got a project, find out how I can help.