After celebrating the individuals lighting up the domestic and international scenes, we turn to the collective brilliance of the teams that defined British domestic cycling in 2024. The Team of the Year award recognises excellence in results, development, and contribution to the sport, showcasing the importance of teamwork and structure in building success.
Award Criteria
The nominees for Team of the Year were evaluated on the following criteria:
Race Success: The team’s results across individual and team events, including National Road Series and National Circuit Series rankings.
Development of Riders: The ability to nurture and develop talent, supporting riders in achieving their potential.
Consistency and Depth: Sustained performances across the season, with contributions from multiple riders.
Contribution to British Cycling: The team’s impact on raising the profile of domestic cycling, promoting the sport, and supporting grassroots development.
Narrowing the shortlist to just three teams was a challenge, but our panel has selected three standout squads that exemplified excellence in British domestic cycling.
The Nominees
Alba Development RT
In its inaugural season as a UCI Continental team, Alba Development Road Team has been a revelation, embracing an athlete-centred approach that has reaped incredible rewards. Eilidh Shaw has been the team’s standout performer, clinching both the National Circuit Series and National Road Series titles while taking individual victories at the Guildford GP and Dudley GP. The team’s depth was evident at the Sheffield GP, where Keira Bond delivered a thrilling win, and at the Scottish National Women’s Road Race, where Beth Morrow took home the title. Beyond the race results, Alba’s philosophy of rider development is forward-thinking, prioritising the growth of its athletes while delivering consistent performances, Alba Development Road Team has established itself as a major player on the domestic scene.
Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Cycling Sheffield
Cycling Sheffield’s 2024 season was defined by resilience and excellence. Faced with the challenge of losing a key sponsor at the start of the year, the team not only adapted but thrived, producing stellar results and continuing its legacy of developing top talent. The team secured six National B road race victories, underlining its competitiveness across the domestic calendar. However, its impact goes beyond race wins. Under the guidance of Dave Coulson, Cycling Sheffield played a pivotal role in rider development, with four riders earning contracts with French teams—a testament to the squad’s ability to nurture talent and advance careers. Cycling Sheffield’s success on the road, combined with its focus on progression, highlights its crucial role in the domestic cycling ecosystem.
Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
Shibden Apex RT
In only its second season, Shibden Apex RT has quickly established itself as a powerhouse of junior cycling, delivering exceptional performances across both domestic and international races. The team’s year was headlined by a string of victories that showcased its depth of talent and ability to develop future stars. Cat Ferguson led the charge with stunning performances, including overall wins at the Tour du Gévaudan Occitanie and Bizkaikoloreak Juniors, where she dominated by taking both stage victories. Ferguson – who joined Movistar later in the season – also claimed a standout win at the East Cleveland Classic. Imogen Wolff added to the team’s success, taking the overall title at the Peaks 2 Day with a stage win, while Lucy Glover triumphed at the Witham Hall Grand Prix. Ruby Oakes and Arabella Blackburn rounded out the team’s achievements with wins at the Duncan Murray Wines Road Race and Scottish Junior Road Race, respectively. Shibden Apex RT has become synonymous with junior excellence, combining results with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
Image: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com
What’s Next?
The winner of the Team of the Year award will be revealed next week, alongside the other categories in the British Conti Awards 2024. These three teams have elevated the domestic scene in 2024, and their contributions deserve recognition.
Who will take the honour? Stay tuned for the big reveal!
After celebrating the individuals lighting up the domestic and international scenes, we turn to the collective brilliance of the teams that defined British domestic cycling in 2024. The Team of the Year award recognises excellence in results, development, and contribution to the sport, showcasing the importance of teamwork and structure in building success.
Award Criteria
The nominees for Team of the Year were evaluated on the following criteria:
Narrowing the shortlist to just three teams was a challenge, but our panel has selected three standout squads that exemplified excellence in British domestic cycling.
The Nominees
Alba Development RT
In its inaugural season as a UCI Continental team, Alba Development Road Team has been a revelation, embracing an athlete-centred approach that has reaped incredible rewards. Eilidh Shaw has been the team’s standout performer, clinching both the National Circuit Series and National Road Series titles while taking individual victories at the Guildford GP and Dudley GP. The team’s depth was evident at the Sheffield GP, where Keira Bond delivered a thrilling win, and at the Scottish National Women’s Road Race, where Beth Morrow took home the title. Beyond the race results, Alba’s philosophy of rider development is forward-thinking, prioritising the growth of its athletes while delivering consistent performances, Alba Development Road Team has established itself as a major player on the domestic scene.
Cycling Sheffield
Cycling Sheffield’s 2024 season was defined by resilience and excellence. Faced with the challenge of losing a key sponsor at the start of the year, the team not only adapted but thrived, producing stellar results and continuing its legacy of developing top talent. The team secured six National B road race victories, underlining its competitiveness across the domestic calendar. However, its impact goes beyond race wins. Under the guidance of Dave Coulson, Cycling Sheffield played a pivotal role in rider development, with four riders earning contracts with French teams—a testament to the squad’s ability to nurture talent and advance careers. Cycling Sheffield’s success on the road, combined with its focus on progression, highlights its crucial role in the domestic cycling ecosystem.
Shibden Apex RT
In only its second season, Shibden Apex RT has quickly established itself as a powerhouse of junior cycling, delivering exceptional performances across both domestic and international races. The team’s year was headlined by a string of victories that showcased its depth of talent and ability to develop future stars. Cat Ferguson led the charge with stunning performances, including overall wins at the Tour du Gévaudan Occitanie and Bizkaikoloreak Juniors, where she dominated by taking both stage victories. Ferguson – who joined Movistar later in the season – also claimed a standout win at the East Cleveland Classic. Imogen Wolff added to the team’s success, taking the overall title at the Peaks 2 Day with a stage win, while Lucy Glover triumphed at the Witham Hall Grand Prix. Ruby Oakes and Arabella Blackburn rounded out the team’s achievements with wins at the Duncan Murray Wines Road Race and Scottish Junior Road Race, respectively. Shibden Apex RT has become synonymous with junior excellence, combining results with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
What’s Next?
The winner of the Team of the Year award will be revealed next week, alongside the other categories in the British Conti Awards 2024. These three teams have elevated the domestic scene in 2024, and their contributions deserve recognition.
Who will take the honour? Stay tuned for the big reveal!
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