In a sobering start to 2025, The Cycling Academy and A.Fawcett Racing both announced their closures on New Year’s Eve. The announcements come against the backdrop of the recent closure of the UK’s last two men’s UCI Continental teams, Saint Piran and TRINITY Racing, leaving the domestic scene in a precarious state.
The Cycling Academy, led by Managing Director Peter Ellen, revealed its decision to end operations after four seasons. Ellen cited the end of their sponsorship deal with Arnold Clark and the demands of running the team as the reasons behind the closure.
“2024 was the last season for The Cycling Academy [for the foreseeable future],” Ellen wrote on social media. “Our deal with Arnold Clark came to an end, and the 1,500 hours a year of team manager duties became hard to mix with actual work.”
Image: Scott Armour/InView
Over its tenure, the Scottish team achieved significant milestones, including producing Scotland’s first British Junior Road Champion, Finn Mason, and helping riders progress to professional levels. The team also had a breakthrough ride in 2024, thanks to Finn McHenry’s 4th place at the Lancaster Grand Prix.
The the team’s website described the outfit as a “team, program, movement and legacy of world class riders” and “a long term project aimed at addressing all of the key skills and capabilities required for the modern generation of professional sport.”
Reflecting on the team’s achievements, Ellen shared, “Spending time with young folks striving in the world’s hardest sport is an incredible privilege and unbeatable experience.” While The Cycling Academy’s journey has come to an end, Ellen left the door open for a potential return: “I hope to be back in bike racing some day. In the meantime, keep pedalling!”
Meanwhile, A.Fawcett Racing, based in West Yorkshire, also announced its closure after two seasons. Managed and captained by Will Thompson, who also raced for the team, A.Fawcett Racing delivered strong performances despite its small scale. Notable results included Joe Shillabeer’s second place at the Danum Trophy and third overall at the Tour of the North West in 2024.
Image: Joe Hudson
Thompson attributed the decision to the challenges of operating in the current domestic climate. “The challenges to the British scene at the minute are not insignificant, and running a team in the current climate has had its difficulties that unfortunately we haven’t been able to successfully overcome,” he wrote on social media.
He thanked supporters for their contributions, adding, “The past two years have been brilliant, with times we wouldn’t trade for the world. Hopefully this isn’t a goodbye and it’s just see you later.”
While the team will no longer continue, Thompson himself will remain in the peloton, planning to race in 2025.
In a sobering start to 2025, The Cycling Academy and A.Fawcett Racing both announced their closures on New Year’s Eve. The announcements come against the backdrop of the recent closure of the UK’s last two men’s UCI Continental teams, Saint Piran and TRINITY Racing, leaving the domestic scene in a precarious state.
The Cycling Academy, led by Managing Director Peter Ellen, revealed its decision to end operations after four seasons. Ellen cited the end of their sponsorship deal with Arnold Clark and the demands of running the team as the reasons behind the closure.
“2024 was the last season for The Cycling Academy [for the foreseeable future],” Ellen wrote on social media. “Our deal with Arnold Clark came to an end, and the 1,500 hours a year of team manager duties became hard to mix with actual work.”
Over its tenure, the Scottish team achieved significant milestones, including producing Scotland’s first British Junior Road Champion, Finn Mason, and helping riders progress to professional levels. The team also had a breakthrough ride in 2024, thanks to Finn McHenry’s 4th place at the Lancaster Grand Prix.
The the team’s website described the outfit as a “team, program, movement and legacy of world class riders” and “a long term project aimed at addressing all of the key skills and capabilities required for the modern generation of professional sport.”
Reflecting on the team’s achievements, Ellen shared, “Spending time with young folks striving in the world’s hardest sport is an incredible privilege and unbeatable experience.” While The Cycling Academy’s journey has come to an end, Ellen left the door open for a potential return: “I hope to be back in bike racing some day. In the meantime, keep pedalling!”
Meanwhile, A.Fawcett Racing, based in West Yorkshire, also announced its closure after two seasons. Managed and captained by Will Thompson, who also raced for the team, A.Fawcett Racing delivered strong performances despite its small scale. Notable results included Joe Shillabeer’s second place at the Danum Trophy and third overall at the Tour of the North West in 2024.
Thompson attributed the decision to the challenges of operating in the current domestic climate. “The challenges to the British scene at the minute are not insignificant, and running a team in the current climate has had its difficulties that unfortunately we haven’t been able to successfully overcome,” he wrote on social media.
He thanked supporters for their contributions, adding, “The past two years have been brilliant, with times we wouldn’t trade for the world. Hopefully this isn’t a goodbye and it’s just see you later.”
While the team will no longer continue, Thompson himself will remain in the peloton, planning to race in 2025.
See our men’s domestic team guide here.
Featured image: Craig Zadoronyj/SWpix.com
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