British Cycling has announced its 2025 Elite Development Teams, the top tier of domestic teams below UCI Continental level. According to British Cycling, the EDT tier is designed to help develop Britain’s next generation of professional riders, providing structured race programmes, mentorship, and guaranteed entry into key national-level races.
British Cycling states that the aim of EDT status is to “bridge the gap between club-level racing and the professional ranks” by offering teams priority access to National Road Series and National Circuit Series races, along with training, promotional, and logistical support. The governing body describes the programme as a way to create a clear progression pathway for riders, ensuring they have the resources, race experience, and exposure needed to transition to UCI Continental teams and beyond.
This year’s lineup features two new teams, while others have rebranded or exited the programme entirely, reflecting the constantly shifting landscape of British domestic racing.
Two teams have earned Elite Development Team status for the first time:
360 Cycling(Open category) – A team with a bold vision to develop riders from grassroots to pro level, 360 Cycling has quickly gained traction since its launch. Led by Caroline Hereward, the team blends domestic and international racing with career development support, positioning itself as an ambitious force in British cycling. The confirmation of 360 Cycling as an Elite Development Team is bittersweet. The team will race in 2025 without Aidan Worden, one of its young riders, who tragically passed away this year. Aidan was a hugely promising talent, and his loss has been deeply felt across the domestic cycling community. His name remains on the team’s roster—a tribute to his memory and the impact he had on his teammates and the sport.
FTP Racing(Women’s category) – The winners of the 2024 British Team Cup, FTP Racing has established itself as a key development squad, providing a rider-first environment with additional mental health support and access to European racing.
Image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
The full list of 2025 Elite Development Teams
Open Elite Development Teams:
Wheelbase CabTech Castelli
BCC Race Team(formerly HUUB BCC Race Team)
360 Cycling(New for 2025)
Cycling Sheffield
DAS Richardsons(formerly Richardsons Trek)
Team PB Performance
Spirit Racing Team(formerly Spirit TBW Stuart Hall Cycling – confirming the team’s continuation after an uncertain future)
Muc-Off SRCT-Storck(formerly Thriva-SRCT)
Women’s Elite Development Teams:
FTP Racing(New for 2025, 2024 British Team Cup winners)
Loughborough Lightning
Brother UK-OnForm
Team Boompods
The confirmation of Spirit Racing Team’s continuation is particularly significant, as the squad’s future was uncertain following the departure of key sponsors. The team was home to George Kimber, the 2024 National Road Series winner, and its return ensures another year of high-level domestic competition.
What it takes to be an Elite Development Team
British Cycling’s Elite Development Team status comes with specific eligibility criteria and expectations. The requirements for 2025 remain largely the same as in previous years.
Essential Criteria:
Team Composition: Teams must have between six and 16 riders.
Rider Categories: All riders must hold Elite, 1st, or 2nd Category licenses. For women’s teams, progressing 3rd Category riders are also eligible.
Age Distribution: Open teams must have at least 30% of their riders under 23, while women’s teams must have at least 50% under 28.
Nationality Requirement: At least 80% of riders must be British.
Race Participation: Teams must enter at least 80% of National Road Series events.
Team Car: A fully equipped team car with a driver and mechanic must be available for race support.
Rider Welfare Officer: Each team must appoint a welfare officer who is independent of the team manager.
Primary Club Listing: Riders must designate the team as their primary club for road racing.
Expectations:
Teams must support both the National Road and Circuit Series.
They must provide financial support to riders for race expenses, including national and international events.
Equipment provision (team bikes, clothing, etc.) is expected.
Team staff should be present at all National Series races to provide logistical support.
Featured image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
British Cycling has announced its 2025 Elite Development Teams, the top tier of domestic teams below UCI Continental level. According to British Cycling, the EDT tier is designed to help develop Britain’s next generation of professional riders, providing structured race programmes, mentorship, and guaranteed entry into key national-level races.
British Cycling states that the aim of EDT status is to “bridge the gap between club-level racing and the professional ranks” by offering teams priority access to National Road Series and National Circuit Series races, along with training, promotional, and logistical support. The governing body describes the programme as a way to create a clear progression pathway for riders, ensuring they have the resources, race experience, and exposure needed to transition to UCI Continental teams and beyond.
This year’s lineup features two new teams, while others have rebranded or exited the programme entirely, reflecting the constantly shifting landscape of British domestic racing.
Departures: who’s out?
Among the biggest absences from this year’s list is Saint Piran Women’s Race Team, which folded at the end of 2024 alongside the men’s UCI Continental team. This follows the earlier demise of USKIS Saint Piran, which was shut down in April 2024 to navigate around British Cycling’s updated regulations on feeder teams.
Also missing from the 2025 lineup is Project 1 Cycling, which closed after just one season.
New additions for 2025
Two teams have earned Elite Development Team status for the first time:
The full list of 2025 Elite Development Teams
Open Elite Development Teams:
Women’s Elite Development Teams:
The confirmation of Spirit Racing Team’s continuation is particularly significant, as the squad’s future was uncertain following the departure of key sponsors. The team was home to George Kimber, the 2024 National Road Series winner, and its return ensures another year of high-level domestic competition.
What it takes to be an Elite Development Team
British Cycling’s Elite Development Team status comes with specific eligibility criteria and expectations. The requirements for 2025 remain largely the same as in previous years.
Essential Criteria:
Expectations:
Featured image: Ian Wrightson/The British Continental
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