University of Nottingham launches student-led race team for 2025
The University of Nottingham Cycling Club has launched the UoN Race Team for 2025, featuring eight student-athletes to enhance regional and national cycling opportunities
The University of Nottingham Cycling Club (UoNCC) has announced the creation of its first student-led race team, the UoN Race Team (UoNRT), set to debut in the 2025 domestic road racing season. This initiative is an extension of the UoNCC Academy structure and aims to support eight student-athletes—four men and four women—across the domestic racing calendar.
Unlike other university-backed teams such as Loughborough Lightning, UoNRT is not aiming for British Cycling Elite Development Team status. Instead, it will provide a platform for student riders to develop their talent, compete at regional and national levels, and progress to professional racing opportunities.
Explaining the ethos behind the team, Barnabas Pickford, one of the riders and a key figure in the project, said: “The aim is to have more riders racing for the University of Nottingham in the domestic road scene, to help athlete recruitment, and to develop talent within UoNCC. This is an entirely student-led initiative, without the financial backing often associated with university cycling programmes.”
Image: Bernard Marsden
The team says riders will benefit from the University of Nottingham’s extensive sports infrastructure, with riders gaining access to world-class physiotherapy, nutrition, and sports psychology services. Coaching and race-day support will be led by UoN Cycling Head Coach Tom Haines, with assistance from student Dylan Theedam Parry and strength and conditioning coach Tim Lawrenson.
Speaking about the team’s approach, Pickford said: “All decisions, support, and coaching will be retained within the University. This is really important as this team, like all of our squads, must be a safe space for our students to thrive and embody Nottingham’s values.”
The men’s squad for UoNRT features a blend of experienced talent and fresh faces. Matt Brown transfers from HUUB BCC RT, bringing solid road racing credentials, including a notable 14th place at the BUCS Road Race in 2024. Mathew Dennis, meanwhile, returns to competitive racing after a hiatus, eager to rediscover his form on the road. George Cottrell, joining from Primera-TeamJobs, adds depth and potential to the team’s line-up. Completing the men’s roster is Barnabas Pickford, a first-season racer whose spot will occasionally be offered to guest riders for higher-level races, further expanding the team’s reach and opportunities.
The women’s team is impressive. Tilly Gurney, a multiple-time national grass track champion, brings her expertise to the road racing scene. Hannah Clough, a relative newcomer, made waves in 2024 with top-ten finishes in her first three National B road races, quickly establishing herself as a rider to watch. Izzy Ellis returns after a strong season with UoNCC, looking to build on her momentum. Rounding out the team is Flo Lissaman, an experienced cyclocross rider venturing into road racing for the first time, bringing technical skill and a fresh perspective to the squad.
Image: Cavan Walker
The UoNRT’s race calendar reflects its dual focus on supporting local events and competing at key national races. The team aims to tackle high-profile competitions such as the Rapha Lincoln GP and the CiCLE Classic, two iconic races that attract some of the best domestic talent. Closer to home, the squad will aim for strong performances at the East Midlands Road Race Championships, an event hosted by UoNCC, and the Peaks 2 Day stage race.
University sport remains central to the programme, with the team targeting the BUCS Championships across road, track, and time trial disciplines. The team’s diverse roster also lends itself to participation in specialist events, including grass track racing, cyclocross, and the British National Track Championships.
Rather than adopting a rigid race plan, UoNRT says it will encourage its riders to craft individual schedules that align with their strengths and aspirations. As Pickford explained: “We want to provide riders with the opportunity to race at a higher level than they might do outside of a team set-up and encourage them to ride as a team within races.”
The UoNRT aims to establish itself as a permanent fixture in the UK domestic cycling scene and says its long-term success will be measured by the number of riders progressing to Elite Development Teams and the enrichment of the student experience.
Outlining the team’s ambitions, Pickford said: “We are working hard to ensure sustainability so that each new intake of students can aspire to being on the team. Our goal is for Nottingham to be the best place for dual-career cyclists to get a world-class degree and compete at the highest level.”
The team’s sponsors will be revealed at a launch event in February 2025. According to Pickford, these partnerships are vital to the team’s operations, providing riders with high-quality kit and comprehensive support packages. “We are always open to more partners joining us on our journey,” he added.
The University of Nottingham Cycling Club (UoNCC) has announced the creation of its first student-led race team, the UoN Race Team (UoNRT), set to debut in the 2025 domestic road racing season. This initiative is an extension of the UoNCC Academy structure and aims to support eight student-athletes—four men and four women—across the domestic racing calendar.
Unlike other university-backed teams such as Loughborough Lightning, UoNRT is not aiming for British Cycling Elite Development Team status. Instead, it will provide a platform for student riders to develop their talent, compete at regional and national levels, and progress to professional racing opportunities.
Explaining the ethos behind the team, Barnabas Pickford, one of the riders and a key figure in the project, said: “The aim is to have more riders racing for the University of Nottingham in the domestic road scene, to help athlete recruitment, and to develop talent within UoNCC. This is an entirely student-led initiative, without the financial backing often associated with university cycling programmes.”
The team says riders will benefit from the University of Nottingham’s extensive sports infrastructure, with riders gaining access to world-class physiotherapy, nutrition, and sports psychology services. Coaching and race-day support will be led by UoN Cycling Head Coach Tom Haines, with assistance from student Dylan Theedam Parry and strength and conditioning coach Tim Lawrenson.
Speaking about the team’s approach, Pickford said: “All decisions, support, and coaching will be retained within the University. This is really important as this team, like all of our squads, must be a safe space for our students to thrive and embody Nottingham’s values.”
The men’s squad for UoNRT features a blend of experienced talent and fresh faces. Matt Brown transfers from HUUB BCC RT, bringing solid road racing credentials, including a notable 14th place at the BUCS Road Race in 2024. Mathew Dennis, meanwhile, returns to competitive racing after a hiatus, eager to rediscover his form on the road. George Cottrell, joining from Primera-TeamJobs, adds depth and potential to the team’s line-up. Completing the men’s roster is Barnabas Pickford, a first-season racer whose spot will occasionally be offered to guest riders for higher-level races, further expanding the team’s reach and opportunities.
The women’s team is impressive. Tilly Gurney, a multiple-time national grass track champion, brings her expertise to the road racing scene. Hannah Clough, a relative newcomer, made waves in 2024 with top-ten finishes in her first three National B road races, quickly establishing herself as a rider to watch. Izzy Ellis returns after a strong season with UoNCC, looking to build on her momentum. Rounding out the team is Flo Lissaman, an experienced cyclocross rider venturing into road racing for the first time, bringing technical skill and a fresh perspective to the squad.
The UoNRT’s race calendar reflects its dual focus on supporting local events and competing at key national races. The team aims to tackle high-profile competitions such as the Rapha Lincoln GP and the CiCLE Classic, two iconic races that attract some of the best domestic talent. Closer to home, the squad will aim for strong performances at the East Midlands Road Race Championships, an event hosted by UoNCC, and the Peaks 2 Day stage race.
University sport remains central to the programme, with the team targeting the BUCS Championships across road, track, and time trial disciplines. The team’s diverse roster also lends itself to participation in specialist events, including grass track racing, cyclocross, and the British National Track Championships.
Rather than adopting a rigid race plan, UoNRT says it will encourage its riders to craft individual schedules that align with their strengths and aspirations. As Pickford explained: “We want to provide riders with the opportunity to race at a higher level than they might do outside of a team set-up and encourage them to ride as a team within races.”
The UoNRT aims to establish itself as a permanent fixture in the UK domestic cycling scene and says its long-term success will be measured by the number of riders progressing to Elite Development Teams and the enrichment of the student experience.
Outlining the team’s ambitions, Pickford said: “We are working hard to ensure sustainability so that each new intake of students can aspire to being on the team. Our goal is for Nottingham to be the best place for dual-career cyclists to get a world-class degree and compete at the highest level.”
The team’s sponsors will be revealed at a launch event in February 2025. According to Pickford, these partnerships are vital to the team’s operations, providing riders with high-quality kit and comprehensive support packages. “We are always open to more partners joining us on our journey,” he added.
Featured image: Cavan Walker
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