With both the Madison Genesis and Team Wiggins Le Col teams closing at the end of 2019, there are fewer British Continental teams in 2020. Which teams are continuing at the Continental level next year? Here’s what we know so far…
The most successful domestic team of 2019 will be back again with a new title sponsor, Soreen. In 2020 they are boosted by several new signings: experienced Belgian (and three-time Druivenkoers – Overijse winner) Jerôme Baugnies, former Team Sky rider Alex Peters, 2019 South Coast Classic winner Jacob Scott, sprinter Brenton Jones (a revelation for JLT Condor when he rode for them) and 2018 U23 national road race champion Robert Scott. Mark Christian and Thomas Mein have also joined the team as late recruits, joining the team at the beginning of March.
There are several departures, including two-time UCI race winner in 2019, Alex Richardson, and one of our U23 riders to watch, Jacob Vaughan. But they also retain key riders, including their talisman of 2019, Rory Townsend, Lincoln Grand Prix winner Tom Stewart and crit king Matt Bostock.
In: Jerôme Baugnies (Wanty – Groupe Gobert), Mark Christian (Team Wiggins Le Col), Brenton Jones (Delko-Marseille Provence), Thomas Mein (Tarteletto – Isorex), Alex Peters (Independent), Jacob Scott (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Robert Scott (Team Wiggins Le Col)
Extended: Matt Bostock, Ryan Christensen, Alex Colman, Jacob Hennessy, Callum MacLeod, Alex Paton, Dan Pearson, Max Stedman, Tom Stewart, Charlie Tanfield, Andrew Tennant, Rory Townsend, Oliver Wood
Departures: Stijn de Bock (Tarteletto-Isorex), Robert-Jon McCarthy (Retired), Charles Page (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling), Alexander Richardson (Alpecin-Fenix), Louis Rose-Davies (Holdsworth-Zappi), Gosse Van der Meer (tbc), Jacob Vaughan (Indulek-Doltcini-Derito)
Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling has now fully announced its 2020 team. Strengthened by the addition of co-sponsor Weldtite, the team retains the core of its 2019 members, supplemented with some young blood, as well as the wily veteran Steve Lampier. After a limited number of UCI race days in 2019, we hear the team plan to race on the continent more often in 2020.
New arrivals include three talented first-year seniors: George Mills-Keeling (2nd overall in the 2019 Junior Tour of Wales), Irish junior time trial champion Kevin McCambridge and homegrown talent Joe Wilson. 23-year-old Olly Moors also joins after three years honing his racecraft out in Belgium. 20-year-old Charles Page also joins the team, from domestic rivals Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes, having picked up three UCI race podiums in 2019. Perhaps their biggest coup of all, however, the signing of domestic racing legend Steve Lampier from Saint Piran.
In: Steve Lampier (Saint Piran), Kevin McCambridge (Vitus – Chill.IE NRPT), Charles Page (Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes), George Mills-Keeling (Cycle Club Bridgnorth), Olly Moors (VDM Van Durme-Michiels-Trawobo), Joe Wilson (Ribble Pro Cycling U19).
Extended: John Archibald, Scott Auld, Dan Bigham, William Brown, Damien Clayton, Richard Jones, Zeb Kyffin, Gruff Lewis, Jack Rees, Mark Stewart, Jacob Tipper, Simon Wilson
Departures: Alex Dalton (Retired), Jake Gray, Alex Luhrs (Retired), Chris Sherriffs (Crimson Performance Orientation Marketing)
SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling were one of the surprise packages of 2019, regularly outperforming their domestic rivals, in large part thanks to the outstanding James Shaw and Jacob Scott.
So far we know that at least five riders will depart, including Shaw and Scott. And five riders will continue, with Tristan Robbins and Pete Williams amongst them. Six exciting new signings will join them. Will Harper and Tour de Bretagne stage winner Owen James add experience and racing knowhow. Whilst Alex Braybrooke, Tim James, Charlie Meredith and Darragh O’Mahoney are all young talents with a lot of promise. There is a definite french connection to the team: Braybrooke, Meredith, Owen James and Lamb are all graduates from French elite teams.
In: Alexander Braybrooke (AVC Aix-en-Provence), Will Harper (Saint Piran), Owen James (Côtes d’Armor-Marie Morin-Véranda Rideau), Tim James (Holdsworth Zappi), Charlie Meredith (CC Etupes), Darragh O’Mahoney (EvoPro Racing)
Extended: William Bjergfelt, Ben Hardy, Ross Lamb, Tristan Robbins, Andrew Turner, Pete Williams
Departures: Stephen Bradbury (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Ed Laverack (Saint Piran), Jordan Reed (Holdsworth-Zappi), Jacob Scott (Canyon dhb p/b Soreen), James Shaw (Riwal Readynez), Julian Varley (Cycling Sheffield), George Wood (Retired)
The longest-running Continental team in the UK (Cherie Pridham Racing) will begin its 8th year in 2020.
The team will keep a small core of 2019 riders, together with some shrewd new signings including national circuit race champion Joey Walker, Joe Nally from the Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy and Dan Tulett from Team Wiggins Le Col. They will, however, lose arguably their two strongest road race performers in 2019: Scott Thwaites, who returns to the professional ranks with Corendon; and Ali Slater, who will step down to the elite level. Graham Briggs is expected to join Slater as they both put their energies into the new Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy.
In: Stephen Bradbury (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Tom Mazzone (Spirit Tifosi), Darnell Moore (Caldwell Cycles), Joe Nally (Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy), Joe Sutton (Richardsons-Trek), Dan Tulett (Team Wiggins Le Col, Joey Walker (Madison Genesis)
Extended: Adam Kenway, Chris Latham, Chris McGinchley, Michael Mottram, Frederik Scheske
Departures: Graham Briggs (Clancy Briggs Academy), Ed Clancy (Clancy Briggs Academy), Joe Holt (Wales Racing Academy), Ali Slater (Clancy Briggs Academy), Scott Thwaites (Alpecin-Fenix), Timothy Torrie (TBWU23 Stuart Hall Cycling), Red Walters (Nopinz Symec)
The ‘seventh team‘ – effectively the British Cycling U23 men’s squad – has a 7 rider team in 2019-20. Four juniors step up from Junior Academy, including Sam Watson. Meanwhile, three existing members stay on, including our Tour of Britain diarist Ethan Vernon.
Four riders leave the team. Fred Wright steps up to the World Tour with Bahrain Merida, Jim Brown moves to top-level French elite team CC Etupes (Adam Yates’ former team), Matt Walls will step up to the Podium Programme with Tokyo in his sights (and may also join a race team, so *watch this space*), whilst Joe Nally joins Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK.
In: Zach Bridges (Team HUUB), Alfie George (Discovery Junior Cycling Club), Max Rushby (HMT Hospitals Giant Cycling Team), Sam Watson (Fenshaw Howes -MAS Design), Xeno Young (Team Powerhouse Sport)
Extended: Rhys Britton, William Tidball, Ethan Vernon
Departures: Jim Brown (CC Etupes), Joe Nally (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Matt Walls (TRINITY Road Racing), Fred Wright (Bahrain Merida)
In: Christian Bahr (Team OK Kvickly Odder), Paul Double (Team Colpack), Oliver Knudsen (Team OK Kvickly Odder), Connor Lambert (Mysenlan-Baboco-Douterloigne), Tom Martin (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli), Mitchell McLaughlin (Four Masters CC), Jordan Reed (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Louis Rose-Davies (Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes), George Smith (Nopinz Latchem), Alex Williams (Independent)
Extended: Charlie Beake, Marcus Burnett, Tom Cornwell, Tom Couzens, Mason Hollyman, Calum Johnston, Nic McKibben, Karl Tronstad, Reece Wood, Paul Wright
Departures: Tim James (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), George Kimber (Spirit Tifosi BSS 2INpower), Charlie Quarterman (Trek-Segafredo), Fergus Robinson (Eiser-Hirumet), Jason Saltzman (CT Sport.Land. Niederösterreich Selle SMP – ST Rich Bikewear)
The team seriously considered stepping up to Continental level in 2020, spurred on by the opportunity to ride in the Tour of Britain, which starts in Cornwall next season. After much thought, however, they have decided to remain at elite level for the coming season at least.
The team will retain a core of their 2019 squad, including Cameron Jeffers and Joe Evans. A big new signing is Cornish sprinter Chris Opie. Opie, who has ridden for Team UK Youth, Rapha Condor, One Pro Cycling and Canyon Eisberg, returns to racing after a year out working for GCN. Our journal writer and British hill climb champion, Ed Laverack, also bolsters the squad. They also add former Madison Genesis (and track and road legend) Colin Sturgess as their new DS. A downside for the team though is that they lose Steve Lampier, their star rider and manager, to Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling.
In: Conor Davies (Baguet-MIBA-Indulek-Derito CT), Tristan Davies (Mid Devon CC), Matt Ellis (Charvieu-Chavagneux IC), Ed Laverack (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Chris Opie, Brad Symonds (Team PB Performance), Jenson Young (HMT Hospitals Giant)
Extended: Joe Evans, Ross Holland, Cameron Jeffers, Ollie Maxwell
Departures: Jake Alderman, William Harper (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Steve Lampier (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling)
Unknown: Ollie Blagden, Joe Healey, Matt Nowell, Alfie Peters
Trinity Sports Management will run an elite-level development team in 2020 – effectively replacing Team Wiggins Le Col – under the same ‘TRINITY Racing’ moniker as Tom Pidcock’s cyclocross team. The squad will have 10 riders in all. The team will be managed by Kurt Bogaerts, and will ride Specialized bikes and wear MAAP clothing, just like the cyclocross team.
Pidcock may be the biggest name, but he certainly won’t be the only talented bright young thing in the squad. It includes Tour de L’Avenir stage winner Ben Healy, Baby Giro stage winner and Olympic hopeful Matt Walls, as well as one of our riders to watch Sam Culverwell. Jacques Sauvagnargues, Ollie Rees, Zachary Johnson, Max Walker and VC Londres graduates Thomas Gloag and Finley Newmark, also join the team.
We expect the team to ride a programme of European development races. They’ve already been confirmed for the Baby Giro, and other invites for races should follow soon. See our live race programme for domestic teams here.
In: Sam Culverwell (Team Estera), Thomas Gloag (VC Londres), Ben Healy (Team Wiggins Le Col), Zachary Johnson (Drapac Cannondale), Cameron Mason (Endura-Pedal Power), Finley Newmark (VC Londres), Tom Pidcock (Team Wiggins Le Col), Ollie Rees (HMT Hospitals Giant Cycling Team), Jacques Sauvagnargues (Team Wiggins Le Col), Max Walker (Equiom IOM Junior Cycling Team), Matt Walls (Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy)
Founded in 2017, the Bikestrong-KTM are based in the South of England. Team manager Mitch Wilcox describes 2020 as “a big year” for the team. With a 16-man squad, they will have an expanded race programme this year, which includes the National Road Series, the National Circuit Series, the Tour Series and high-profile National B races. They are also hoping to compete abroad. New signings like Joe Rees and Sam Tillett (both from the Wales Racing Academy) should certainly bolster their road race strength.
In: Jamieson Blain (Zappi Juniors), Harrison Mayo (Lee Valley Youth Cycling Club), David Reece (TBW23 Stuart Hall Cycling), Joseph Rees (Wales Racing Academy), Samuel Tillett (Wales Racing Academy), Mike Walsh
Extended: James Ambrose-Parish, Joe Cierpik, Andy Edwards, Josh Griffiths, Tom Grigson, George Jones, Dave Turton, Lewis Whitcombe, Lloyd Wise, Jack Woolley
Clancy Briggs Academy
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but all the signs are that the newly-established Clancy Briggs Academy will have a race team, using Condor-supplied bikes. It’s not clear what kind of race programme the team will have, but Graham Briggs, Ed Clancy and Ali Slater are all set to feature.
In: Graham Briggs (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Ed Clancy (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK) and Ali Slater (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)
With a significantly-bolstered squad, increased sponsorship and a bigger race programme, Crimson Performance Orientation Marketing begin their third season with the not unrealistic ambition of becoming one of the most competitive elite teams in the UK.
The most eye-catching changes for the team come in the form of some big new signings. The capture of former Team Sky and Great Britain rider Joshua Edmondson is a real coup for the team. Leon Mazzone is another shrewd signing; the Manxman picked up several top 20s in the National Road Series last season whilst riding for Spirit Tifosi. And speaking of young talent, 18-year-old Isaac Peatfield is definitely one to watch. Read our team launch feature here.
In: Ed Beecher (unattached), Josh Edmondson (unattached), James Hill (Team PB Performance), Leon Mazzone (Spirit Tifosi), Isaac Peatfield (Green Jersey cc RT), Chris Sherriffs (Ribble Pro Cycling), Jude Taylor (Lifting Gear Prod/CyclesInMotion)
Extended: Jonathan Bridge, Matt Hallam, Ben Harrison, Elliot Harrison, Oliver Huszar, Adam MacRae, Alistair Thomas
Departures: Jonathan Fowles, Tarn Fynn, Tom Lowe, Ryan Manders, Matt Warhurst, Jake Womersley
Dave Coulson’s Sheffield-based team continues with its six-rider formula for 2020. Four new riders join the team, including former Ras stage winner Julian Varley (from SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling). One of the breakthrough elite riders of 2019, Kieran Savage, continues with the team.
In: Matthew Dobbing (TBW23 Stuart Hall Gett Taxi), Nathan Smith (Wold Top The Edge RT), Matthew Taylor (Prologue Racing Team), Julian Varley (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling)
Extended: Joe Clark, Kieran Savage
Departures: Tom Knight (Unknown), Daniel Pullen (L’ASPTT Nancy), Charlie Renshaw (Unknown), Louis Szymanski (Unknown)
Nopinz Symec may have lost their talisman Marcin Bialoblocki to retirement, and George Smith to Holdsworth-Zappi, but the team will start 2020 with increased sponsorship and a more ambitious programme. The squad will feature eight new riders, including Red Walters from Vitus Pro Cycling. The team plan to compete in the National Circuit Series, Tour Series and National Road Series.
In: Elliot Barratt (Holdsworth Zappi), Matthew Downie (TAAP Cervelo), Harry Johnson (VC Raphael), Dávid Kovács (Meudon Pedal Heaven Le Col), James Phillips (Bikestrong KTM), Red Walters (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Matt Webster (TAAP Cervelo), Matt Witts (Bikestrong KTM)
Extended: Lee Frost, Nathan Hallett, Adrian Lawson, Dan McQuillam, Tom Nancarrow, Luke Nolan
Departures: Marcin Białobłocki (Retired), Gary Chambers, Shaun Cook (unknown), George Fowler (unknown), Chris Rothwell (unknown), George Smith (Holdsworth-Zappi)
A team with some of the most exciting young talents on at the elite level, Richardsons-Trek return with another strong line-up in 2020. Joe Sutton moves up to Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother and Lewis Bulley is off to Belgium. But in James Jenkins and Isaac Mundy they retain two riders more than capable of picking up big results next season. Read our team feature here.
In: Sam Asker (Lee Valley Youth Cycling Club), Jim Bradford (ActiveEdge Race Team), Callum Riley (Team Wiggins Le Col), Aaron Stone (Cycle Team OnForm)
Extended: Simon Alexander, Pete Cocker, Rhys Howells, James Jenkins, Isaac Mundy, Stephen Parsonage, Luke Ryan
Departures: Lewis Bulley (Indulek-Doltcini-Derito), Joe Sutton (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)
Unknown: Matt Clements, Tobias Dahlhaus, Theo Modell, Josh Outram, Tommy Power
Russell Rowles’ team will consist of 12 riders, including 5 new signings, in 2020. In Rowles’ own words, “It’s a mixture of retained riders who have been blooded at the sharp end of the level we aspire to. On top of that, we have gone for youth.” Click here to read our full feature on the new Spirit Tifosi BSS Rotor squad.
In: Joe Baker (ZeroBC), Farley Barber (Pro Vision Race Team), David Bolland (Andy Moore Autocentres Racing), Angus Hawkins (Zappi Juniors), George Kimber (Holdsworth-Zappi)
Extended: Frazier Carr, George Clark, Rupert Graham, Jack Hales, Charlie Passfield, Jordan Peacock, Charles Walker
Departures: Leon Mazzone (Crimson Performance Orientation Marketing), Tom Mazzone (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Chris Dredge, Ollie Hennessy (St Neots CC)
A team sponsored by the Colchester bike shop of the same name. The team has an international programme and typically does a lot of UCI and non-UCI stage races abroad (the team has already ridden the Tour of Rhodes this season for example). The team’s calendar is dependant on what invites they can get as a club team. In previous years the team has ridden UCI Africa Tour stage races, Europe Tour races and French Elite National stage races around the Caribbean.
The team occasionally take guest riders to races too; our journal contributor James Jobber has been to Martinique with the team, for example, and last year competed in the Tour of Limpopo in South Africa for the team.
Known as Morvélo Basso in 2019, the team changes its name to Vredestein Basso in 2020 as long-term sponsors Vredestein Tyres step up alongside bike partners Basso Bikes. We expect to see the team race a number of National Road Series events, the Tour Series and one or two UCI races abroad.
In: Tom Heal (Strade 2020), Tom Lowther (Thanet RC), Alex Martinez, Tom Townsend
Extended: Cameron Biddle, Pete Hitt, Tom Kirk, Gary Price, Steve Rees-Clark, Andy Westacott
The Wales Racing Academy was set-up to offer Welsh athletes a programme to develop them across Commonwealth Games disciplines to support them on their personal pathways, including medal-winning performances at Commonwealth Games. It provides supported riders with a range of racing opportunities both in the UK and across Europe on the road, track and cross-country mountain bike.
Four new riders come into the male side of the team in 2020, including former GB Senior Academy rider Joe Holt, who moves over from Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother.
In: Samuel Beckett (Cardiff JIF), Joe Holt (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother), Harvey McNaughton (I-Team Cyclists’ Club), Owain Roberts (Backstedt Cycling)
Extended: Joseph Beckingsale, Matthew Burke, Peter Kibble, Josh Price, William Roberts
Departures: Daniel Coombe (Unknown), Oscar Mingay (Unknown), Joseph Rees (Bikestrong-KTM), James Tillett (VC Toucy-Elite Restauration), Samuel Tillett (Bikestrong-KTM)
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli
In:
Extended: Joe Reilly
Departures:
Unknown: Ben Barlow, Matt Clarke, Matt Clarke, James Coats, Finn Crockett, Ben Granger, Harry Hardcastle, David Lines, Fraser Martin, Tom Martin, Stuart Reid, Finn Robertson, Will Turner, Jack Warren
Featured image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com. 14/04/2019 – British Cycling – HSBC UK Men’s National Road Series – East Cleveland Klondike GP
Overview of how the men’s domestic road race teams are shaping up for 2020. For a similar overview of women’s domestic teams, click here.
This is a ‘live’ post that will be updated as team news emerges.
Latest update: 12 March 2020
Continental teams
With both the Madison Genesis and Team Wiggins Le Col teams closing at the end of 2019, there are fewer British Continental teams in 2020. Which teams are continuing at the Continental level next year? Here’s what we know so far…
Canyon dhb p/b Soreen
The most successful domestic team of 2019 will be back again with a new title sponsor, Soreen. In 2020 they are boosted by several new signings: experienced Belgian (and three-time Druivenkoers – Overijse winner) Jerôme Baugnies, former Team Sky rider Alex Peters, 2019 South Coast Classic winner Jacob Scott, sprinter Brenton Jones (a revelation for JLT Condor when he rode for them) and 2018 U23 national road race champion Robert Scott. Mark Christian and Thomas Mein have also joined the team as late recruits, joining the team at the beginning of March.
There are several departures, including two-time UCI race winner in 2019, Alex Richardson, and one of our U23 riders to watch, Jacob Vaughan. But they also retain key riders, including their talisman of 2019, Rory Townsend, Lincoln Grand Prix winner Tom Stewart and crit king Matt Bostock.
In: Jerôme Baugnies (Wanty – Groupe Gobert), Mark Christian (Team Wiggins Le Col), Brenton Jones (Delko-Marseille Provence), Thomas Mein (Tarteletto – Isorex), Alex Peters (Independent), Jacob Scott (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Robert Scott (Team Wiggins Le Col)
Extended: Matt Bostock, Ryan Christensen, Alex Colman, Jacob Hennessy, Callum MacLeod, Alex Paton, Dan Pearson, Max Stedman, Tom Stewart, Charlie Tanfield, Andrew Tennant, Rory Townsend, Oliver Wood
Departures: Stijn de Bock (Tarteletto-Isorex), Robert-Jon McCarthy (Retired), Charles Page (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling), Alexander Richardson (Alpecin-Fenix), Louis Rose-Davies (Holdsworth-Zappi), Gosse Van der Meer (tbc), Jacob Vaughan (Indulek-Doltcini-Derito)
Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling
Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling has now fully announced its 2020 team. Strengthened by the addition of co-sponsor Weldtite, the team retains the core of its 2019 members, supplemented with some young blood, as well as the wily veteran Steve Lampier. After a limited number of UCI race days in 2019, we hear the team plan to race on the continent more often in 2020.
New arrivals include three talented first-year seniors: George Mills-Keeling (2nd overall in the 2019 Junior Tour of Wales), Irish junior time trial champion Kevin McCambridge and homegrown talent Joe Wilson. 23-year-old Olly Moors also joins after three years honing his racecraft out in Belgium. 20-year-old Charles Page also joins the team, from domestic rivals Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes, having picked up three UCI race podiums in 2019. Perhaps their biggest coup of all, however, the signing of domestic racing legend Steve Lampier from Saint Piran.
In: Steve Lampier (Saint Piran), Kevin McCambridge (Vitus – Chill.IE NRPT), Charles Page (Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes), George Mills-Keeling (Cycle Club Bridgnorth), Olly Moors (VDM Van Durme-Michiels-Trawobo), Joe Wilson (Ribble Pro Cycling U19).
Extended: John Archibald, Scott Auld, Dan Bigham, William Brown, Damien Clayton, Richard Jones, Zeb Kyffin, Gruff Lewis, Jack Rees, Mark Stewart, Jacob Tipper, Simon Wilson
Departures: Alex Dalton (Retired), Jake Gray, Alex Luhrs (Retired), Chris Sherriffs (Crimson Performance Orientation Marketing)
SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling
SwiftCarbon Pro Cyclingwere one of the surprise packages of 2019, regularly outperforming their domestic rivals, in large part thanks to the outstanding James Shaw and Jacob Scott.
So far we know that at least five riders will depart, including Shaw and Scott. And five riders will continue, with Tristan Robbins and Pete Williams amongst them. Six exciting new signings will join them. Will Harper and Tour de Bretagne stage winner Owen James add experience and racing knowhow. Whilst Alex Braybrooke, Tim James, Charlie Meredith and Darragh O’Mahoney are all young talents with a lot of promise. There is a definite french connection to the team: Braybrooke, Meredith, Owen James and Lamb are all graduates from French elite teams.
In: Alexander Braybrooke (AVC Aix-en-Provence), Will Harper (Saint Piran), Owen James (Côtes d’Armor-Marie Morin-Véranda Rideau), Tim James (Holdsworth Zappi), Charlie Meredith (CC Etupes), Darragh O’Mahoney (EvoPro Racing)
Extended: William Bjergfelt, Ben Hardy, Ross Lamb, Tristan Robbins, Andrew Turner, Pete Williams
Departures: Stephen Bradbury (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Ed Laverack (Saint Piran), Jordan Reed (Holdsworth-Zappi), Jacob Scott (Canyon dhb p/b Soreen), James Shaw (Riwal Readynez), Julian Varley (Cycling Sheffield), George Wood (Retired)
Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK
The longest-running Continental team in the UK (Cherie Pridham Racing) will begin its 8th year in 2020.
The team will keep a small core of 2019 riders, together with some shrewd new signings including national circuit race champion Joey Walker, Joe Nally from the Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy and Dan Tulett from Team Wiggins Le Col. Theywill, however, lose arguably their two strongest road race performers in 2019: Scott Thwaites, who returns to the professional ranks with Corendon; and Ali Slater, who will step down to the elite level. Graham Briggs is expected to join Slater as they both put their energies into the new Clancy Briggs Cycling Academy.
In: Stephen Bradbury (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Tom Mazzone (Spirit Tifosi), Darnell Moore (Caldwell Cycles), Joe Nally (Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy), Joe Sutton (Richardsons-Trek), Dan Tulett (Team Wiggins Le Col, Joey Walker (Madison Genesis)
Extended: Adam Kenway, Chris Latham, Chris McGinchley, Michael Mottram, Frederik Scheske
Departures: Graham Briggs (Clancy Briggs Academy), Ed Clancy (Clancy Briggs Academy), Joe Holt (Wales Racing Academy), Ali Slater (Clancy Briggs Academy), Scott Thwaites (Alpecin-Fenix), Timothy Torrie (TBWU23 Stuart Hall Cycling), Red Walters (Nopinz Symec)
Unknown: Dylan Kerfoot-Robson
Elite and national teams
Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy
The ‘seventh team‘ – effectively the British Cycling U23 men’s squad – has a 7 rider team in 2019-20. Four juniors step up from Junior Academy, including Sam Watson. Meanwhile, three existing members stay on, including our Tour of Britain diarist Ethan Vernon.
Four riders leave the team. Fred Wright steps up to the World Tour with Bahrain Merida, Jim Brown moves to top-level French elite team CC Etupes (Adam Yates’ former team), Matt Walls will step up to the Podium Programme with Tokyo in his sights (and may also join a race team, so *watch this space*), whilst Joe Nally joins Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK.
In: Zach Bridges (Team HUUB), Alfie George (Discovery Junior Cycling Club), Max Rushby (HMT Hospitals Giant Cycling Team), Sam Watson (Fenshaw Howes -MAS Design), Xeno Young (Team Powerhouse Sport)
Extended: Rhys Britton, William Tidball, Ethan Vernon
Departures: Jim Brown (CC Etupes), Joe Nally (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Matt Walls (TRINITY Road Racing), Fred Wright (Bahrain Merida)
Holdsworth-Zappi
In: Christian Bahr (Team OK Kvickly Odder), Paul Double (Team Colpack), Oliver Knudsen (Team OK Kvickly Odder), Connor Lambert (Mysenlan-Baboco-Douterloigne), Tom Martin (Wheelbase CabTech Castelli), Mitchell McLaughlin (Four Masters CC), Jordan Reed (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Louis Rose-Davies (Canyon dhb p/b Bloor Homes), George Smith (Nopinz Latchem), Alex Williams (Independent)
Extended: Charlie Beake, Marcus Burnett, Tom Cornwell, Tom Couzens, Mason Hollyman, Calum Johnston, Nic McKibben, Karl Tronstad, Reece Wood, Paul Wright
Departures: Tim James (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), George Kimber (Spirit Tifosi BSS 2INpower), Charlie Quarterman (Trek-Segafredo), Fergus Robinson (Eiser-Hirumet), Jason Saltzman (CT Sport.Land. Niederösterreich Selle SMP – ST Rich Bikewear)
Unknown: Conor Chandler, Daniel Ekløf
Saint Piran
The team seriously considered stepping up to Continental level in 2020, spurred on by the opportunity to ride in the Tour of Britain, which starts in Cornwall next season. After much thought, however, they have decided to remain at elite level for the coming season at least.
The team will retain a core of their 2019 squad, including Cameron Jeffers and Joe Evans. A big new signing is Cornish sprinter Chris Opie. Opie, who has ridden for Team UK Youth, Rapha Condor, One Pro Cycling and Canyon Eisberg, returns to racing after a year out working for GCN. Our journal writer and British hill climb champion, Ed Laverack, also bolsters the squad. They also add former Madison Genesis (and track and road legend) Colin Sturgess as their new DS. A downside for the team though is that they lose Steve Lampier, their star rider and manager, to Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling.
In: Conor Davies (Baguet-MIBA-Indulek-Derito CT), Tristan Davies (Mid Devon CC), Matt Ellis (Charvieu-Chavagneux IC), Ed Laverack (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Chris Opie, Brad Symonds (Team PB Performance), Jenson Young (HMT Hospitals Giant)
Extended: Joe Evans, Ross Holland, Cameron Jeffers, Ollie Maxwell
Departures: Jake Alderman, William Harper (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling), Steve Lampier (Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling)
Unknown: Ollie Blagden, Joe Healey, Matt Nowell, Alfie Peters
TRINITY Racing
Trinity Sports Management will run an elite-level development team in 2020 – effectively replacing Team Wiggins Le Col – under the same ‘TRINITY Racing’ moniker as Tom Pidcock’s cyclocross team. The squad will have 10 riders in all. The team will be managed by Kurt Bogaerts, and will ride Specialized bikes and wear MAAP clothing, just like the cyclocross team.
Pidcock may be the biggest name, but he certainly won’t be the only talented bright young thing in the squad. It includes Tour de L’Avenir stage winner Ben Healy, Baby Giro stage winner and Olympic hopeful Matt Walls, as well as one of our riders to watch Sam Culverwell. Jacques Sauvagnargues, Ollie Rees, Zachary Johnson, Max Walker and VC Londres graduates Thomas Gloag and Finley Newmark, also join the team.
We expect the team to ride a programme of European development races. They’ve already been confirmed for the Baby Giro, and other invites for races should follow soon. See our live race programme for domestic teams here.
In: Sam Culverwell (Team Estera), Thomas Gloag (VC Londres), Ben Healy (Team Wiggins Le Col), Zachary Johnson (Drapac Cannondale), Cameron Mason (Endura-Pedal Power), Finley Newmark (VC Londres), Tom Pidcock (Team Wiggins Le Col), Ollie Rees (HMT Hospitals Giant Cycling Team), Jacques Sauvagnargues (Team Wiggins Le Col), Max Walker (Equiom IOM Junior Cycling Team), Matt Walls (Great Britain Cycling Team Senior Academy)
Bikestrong-KTM
Founded in 2017, the Bikestrong-KTM are based in the South of England. Team manager Mitch Wilcox describes 2020 as “a big year” for the team. With a 16-man squad, they will have an expanded race programme this year, which includes the National Road Series, the National Circuit Series, the Tour Series and high-profile National B races. They are also hoping to compete abroad. New signings like Joe Rees and Sam Tillett (both from the Wales Racing Academy) should certainly bolster their road race strength.
In: Jamieson Blain (Zappi Juniors), Harrison Mayo (Lee Valley Youth Cycling Club), David Reece (TBW23 Stuart Hall Cycling), Joseph Rees (Wales Racing Academy), Samuel Tillett (Wales Racing Academy), Mike Walsh
Extended: James Ambrose-Parish, Joe Cierpik, Andy Edwards, Josh Griffiths, Tom Grigson, George Jones, Dave Turton, Lewis Whitcombe, Lloyd Wise, Jack Woolley
Clancy Briggs Academy
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but all the signs are that the newly-established Clancy Briggs Academy will have a race team, using Condor-supplied bikes. It’s not clear what kind of race programme the team will have, but Graham Briggs, Ed Clancy and Ali Slater are all set to feature.
In: Graham Briggs (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Ed Clancy (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK) and Ali Slater (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)
Crimson Performance Orientation Marketing
With a significantly-bolstered squad, increased sponsorship and a bigger race programme, Crimson Performance Orientation Marketing begin their third season with the not unrealistic ambition of becoming one of the most competitive elite teams in the UK.
The most eye-catching changes for the team come in the form of some big new signings. The capture of former Team Sky and Great Britain rider Joshua Edmondson is a real coup for the team. Leon Mazzone is another shrewd signing; the Manxman picked up several top 20s in the National Road Series last season whilst riding for Spirit Tifosi. And speaking of young talent, 18-year-old Isaac Peatfield is definitely one to watch. Read our team launch feature here.
In: Ed Beecher (unattached), Josh Edmondson (unattached), James Hill (Team PB Performance), Leon Mazzone (Spirit Tifosi), Isaac Peatfield (Green Jersey cc RT), Chris Sherriffs (Ribble Pro Cycling), Jude Taylor (Lifting Gear Prod/CyclesInMotion)
Extended: Jonathan Bridge, Matt Hallam, Ben Harrison, Elliot Harrison, Oliver Huszar, Adam MacRae, Alistair Thomas
Departures: Jonathan Fowles, Tarn Fynn, Tom Lowe, Ryan Manders, Matt Warhurst, Jake Womersley
Cycling Sheffield
Dave Coulson’s Sheffield-based team continues with its six-rider formula for 2020. Four new riders join the team, including former Ras stage winner Julian Varley (from SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling). One of the breakthrough elite riders of 2019, Kieran Savage, continues with the team.
In: Matthew Dobbing (TBW23 Stuart Hall Gett Taxi), Nathan Smith (Wold Top The Edge RT), Matthew Taylor (Prologue Racing Team), Julian Varley (SwiftCarbon Pro Cycling)
Extended: Joe Clark, Kieran Savage
Departures: Tom Knight (Unknown), Daniel Pullen (L’ASPTT Nancy), Charlie Renshaw (Unknown), Louis Szymanski (Unknown)
Nopinz Symec
Nopinz Symec may have lost their talisman Marcin Bialoblocki to retirement, and George Smith to Holdsworth-Zappi, but the team will start 2020 with increased sponsorship and a more ambitious programme. The squad will feature eight new riders, including Red Walters from Vitus Pro Cycling. The team plan to compete in the National Circuit Series, Tour Series and National Road Series.
In: Elliot Barratt (Holdsworth Zappi), Matthew Downie (TAAP Cervelo), Harry Johnson (VC Raphael), Dávid Kovács (Meudon Pedal Heaven Le Col), James Phillips (Bikestrong KTM), Red Walters (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Matt Webster (TAAP Cervelo), Matt Witts (Bikestrong KTM)
Extended: Lee Frost, Nathan Hallett, Adrian Lawson, Dan McQuillam, Tom Nancarrow, Luke Nolan
Departures: Marcin Białobłocki (Retired), Gary Chambers, Shaun Cook (unknown), George Fowler (unknown), Chris Rothwell (unknown), George Smith (Holdsworth-Zappi)
Richardsons Trek
A team with some of the most exciting young talents on at the elite level, Richardsons-Trek return with another strong line-up in 2020. Joe Sutton moves up to Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother and Lewis Bulley is off to Belgium. But in James Jenkins and Isaac Mundy they retain two riders more than capable of picking up big results next season. Read our team feature here.
In: Sam Asker (Lee Valley Youth Cycling Club), Jim Bradford (ActiveEdge Race Team), Callum Riley (Team Wiggins Le Col), Aaron Stone (Cycle Team OnForm)
Extended: Simon Alexander, Pete Cocker, Rhys Howells, James Jenkins, Isaac Mundy, Stephen Parsonage, Luke Ryan
Departures: Lewis Bulley (Indulek-Doltcini-Derito), Joe Sutton (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK)
Unknown: Matt Clements, Tobias Dahlhaus, Theo Modell, Josh Outram, Tommy Power
Spirit Tifosi BSS Rotor
Russell Rowles’ team will consist of 12 riders, including 5 new signings, in 2020. In Rowles’ own words, “It’s a mixture of retained riders who have been blooded at the sharp end of the level we aspire to. On top of that, we have gone for youth.” Click here to read our full feature on the new Spirit Tifosi BSS Rotor squad.
In: Joe Baker (ZeroBC), Farley Barber (Pro Vision Race Team), David Bolland (Andy Moore Autocentres Racing), Angus Hawkins (Zappi Juniors), George Kimber (Holdsworth-Zappi)
Extended: Frazier Carr, George Clark, Rupert Graham, Jack Hales, Charlie Passfield, Jordan Peacock, Charles Walker
Departures: Leon Mazzone (Crimson Performance Orientation Marketing), Tom Mazzone (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother UK), Chris Dredge, Ollie Hennessy (St Neots CC)
Team PB Performance
In: Jacques Coates (Team OnForm), James McKay (ASPTT Nancy), Charlie Shields (SixtySix RSN), Chris Walkinshaw (University of Manchester CC)
Extended: James Bentley, James Chapman, Siôn Harlow, Josh Housley, Toby Jarvis, Matt King
Departures: James Hill (Crimson Performance Orientation Marketing), Brad Symonds (Saint Piran)
Velo Schils – Interbike
A team sponsored by the Colchester bike shop of the same name. The team has an international programme and typically does a lot of UCI and non-UCI stage races abroad (the team has already ridden the Tour of Rhodes this season for example). The team’s calendar is dependant on what invites they can get as a club team. In previous years the team has ridden UCI Africa Tour stage races, Europe Tour races and French Elite National stage races around the Caribbean.
The team occasionally take guest riders to races too; our journal contributor James Jobber has been to Martinique with the team, for example, and last year competed in the Tour of Limpopo in South Africa for the team.
In: Patryk Biel (ZeroBC), Jake Hollins (Speeder Cycling Team), Taylor Johnstone (Asfra Racing)
Extended: Joe Harris, Dale Johnston, Leighton Oxley-Crisp, Wilson Renwick, Dominic Schils
Vredestein Basso
Known as Morvélo Basso in 2019, the team changes its name to Vredestein Basso in 2020 as long-term sponsors Vredestein Tyres step up alongside bike partners Basso Bikes. We expect to see the team race a number of National Road Series events, the Tour Series and one or two UCI races abroad.
In: Tom Heal (Strade 2020), Tom Lowther (Thanet RC), Alex Martinez, Tom Townsend
Extended: Cameron Biddle, Pete Hitt, Tom Kirk, Gary Price, Steve Rees-Clark, Andy Westacott
Wales Racing Academy
The Wales Racing Academy was set-up to offer Welsh athletes a programme to develop them across Commonwealth Games disciplines to support them on their personal pathways, including medal-winning performances at Commonwealth Games. It provides supported riders with a range of racing opportunities both in the UK and across Europe on the road, track and cross-country mountain bike.
Four new riders come into the male side of the team in 2020, including former GB Senior Academy rider Joe Holt, who moves over from Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother.
In: Samuel Beckett (Cardiff JIF), Joe Holt (Vitus Pro Cycling p/b Brother), Harvey McNaughton (I-Team Cyclists’ Club), Owain Roberts (Backstedt Cycling)
Extended: Joseph Beckingsale, Matthew Burke, Peter Kibble, Josh Price, William Roberts
Departures: Daniel Coombe (Unknown), Oscar Mingay (Unknown), Joseph Rees (Bikestrong-KTM), James Tillett (VC Toucy-Elite Restauration), Samuel Tillett (Bikestrong-KTM)
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli
In:
Extended: Joe Reilly
Departures:
Unknown: Ben Barlow, Matt Clarke, Matt Clarke, James Coats, Finn Crockett, Ben Granger, Harry Hardcastle, David Lines, Fraser Martin, Tom Martin, Stuart Reid, Finn Robertson, Will Turner, Jack Warren
Featured image: Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com. 14/04/2019 – British Cycling – HSBC UK Men’s National Road Series – East Cleveland Klondike GP
Share this: