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Stepping stone: TAAP Kalas reveals 2025 line-up

TAAP Kalas announces its 2025 squad, blending experienced riders and newcomers

After over a decade of racing, TAAP Kalas continues to solidify its position as a cornerstone of British domestic cycling. With the announcement of its 2025 squad, the team blends proven performers and promising young talents, setting its sights on another year of success both at home and abroad.

For team owner Ryan Visser, the secret to TAAP Kalas’s longevity lies in its focus on supporting riders and fostering a passion for the sport. “There’s no better sport in the world, and it’s so important to do everything we can to make it even better,” he explains. “If TAAP racing continues to help young riders to develop their skills, and to give them opportunities to make a life out of racing bikes, then that’s enough reason for me to give it another ten years.”

The 2025 squad retains key figures such as Ollie Hucks, the team’s standout road racer in 2024, and a host of re-signed riders who helped secure fourth place in the British Cycling national rankings last year. Hucks, alongside reliable teammates like Henry Latimer, Harvey Stroh, and Cameron McLaren, provides a strong foundation for the team.

Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental

Complementing this core are new recruits who bring fresh energy and ambition. Elliot Colyer, a promising under-23 rider, joins after an impressive fifth-place finish at the PNE National B Road Race in 2024. He is joined by another under-23, Sam Kettlewell, formerly of Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling, and Hamish Strachan, whose experience racing for Torres-Fernando Barcelo in 2024 and Holdsworth Zappi in 2021 adds a valuable European dimension to the squad.

However, the team will be without Harry Macfarlane, the new national hill climb champion, and James Ambrose-Parish, who delivered two National B road race wins in 2024. Both riders have moved to Ride Revolution, creating opportunities for new talent to step up.

“We’ve always tried to create a space where riders can thrive,” says Visser. “Whether it’s on the road or the track, in a national hill climb championship, or at a paracycling nationals, we want to see them succeed. But more than that, we want to be a stepping stone for their progression. If we can wave them off to a continental team in the future, then we know we’ve done our job.”

Last year was one of the team’s most successful campaigns to date. With numerous National B victories, a win in the national hill climb championships, and the national paracycling tandem road race title, TAAP Kalas showcased its versatility. The team also achieved top-10 finishes in National A races, underlining its consistency across the board.

Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental

Reflecting on the team’s philosophy, Visser emphasizes the importance of prioritising people over results. “I love to see the boys winning races, of course. But the honest truth is that I do this because cycling is just brilliant, and I love it. If you create something that’s there to support the actual people on the bikes, and you do it for the right reasons, then all the success will come naturally.”

In 2025, TAAP Kalas aims to replicate its current formula while offering new opportunities. The team plans to compete in the UK’s top races and continue its tradition of exposing riders to European racing through trips to Belgium and events in Ireland.

2025 Squad

In:

  • Elliott Colyer (Unattached)
  • Sam Kettlewell (Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling)
  • Hamish Strachan (Torres-Fernando Barcelo)

Re-signed:

  • Lance Childs
  • Ben Fish
  • Ollie Hucks
  • Frank Kilsby
  • Llewellyn Kinch
  • Josh Knowles
  • Henry Latimer
  • Harvey Lawson
  • Matt Lock
  • Cameron McLaren
  • Marco Overbeeke
  • Jamie Pullen
  • Harvey Stroh
  • Ryan Visser
  • Zach Walters
  • Chris Wilkins

Out:

  • James Ambrose-Parish (Ride Revolution)
  • Harry Macfarlane (Ride Revolution)
  • Matthew Downie (VC St Raphael)
  • Alexander Speirs (Unknown)

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