Rayner Foundation confirms 29-rider cohort for 2026 European season
The Rayner Foundation has confirmed the 29 riders it will support during the 2026 season. The cohort is smaller than in 2025, with 16 riders continuing from last year and 13 new additions, reflecting a focus on continuity for riders already racing in Europe.
The Rayner Foundation has confirmed the riders it will support during the 2026 season, with 29 British riders set to race across Europe under its programme.
The list, published this week in Cycling Weekly, represents a smaller cohort than in 2025, when 38 riders received support. Sixteen of those backed in 2026 were also part of last year’s intake, while 13 riders are new to the programme.
Formerly known as the Dave Rayner Fund, the Rayner Foundation provides financial and practical assistance to riders already committed to racing abroad. Its support is typically directed at those competing within European trade and development teams, helping offset the costs associated with living and racing on the Continent.
The 2026 cohort again reflects the geographical spread of British rider development, with the majority of riders based in France, alongside others racing elsewhere in Europe, including Belgium, Italy and Austria.
Rayner Foundation – 2026 supported riders
Sam Abbott (La Sportbreizh Axel)
Ben Askey (Mini Discar)
Alex Beldon (Mayenne V&B Monbana)
Oliver Boarer (UC Monaco)
Ben Bright (ASPTT Nancy)
Joe Brookes (AVC Aix Dole)
Jack Brough (AVC Aix Dole)
Huw Buck Jones (Bourg-en-Bresse Cyclisme)
Ben Chilton (Mayenne V&B Monbana)
Mattie Dodd (Ineos Grenadiers Racing Academy)
Rebecca Gardiner (KDM Pack)
Alistair Gardner (ASPTT Nancy)
Rory Gravelle (Tirol KTM)
James Hartley (Bricquebec Cotentin)
Adam Howell (Bourg-en-Bresse Cyclisme)
Charlie Hoyle (Hubo Scott CT)
Seth Jackson (Hubo Scott CT)
Max Krasinski (Bricquebec Cotentin)
Mak Larkin (GMS Glabeek)
Mark Lightfoot (AVC Aix Dole)
Adam Mitchell (Vendée U)
Paul Opie (Top 16 Cyclisme)
Awen Roberts (Canyon–SRAM Zondacrypto Generation)
Struan Shaw (Illes Balears Arabay)
Jed Smithson (Hagens Berman Jayco)
Jamie Stewart (ESEG Douai)
Angus Stoneham (SCO Dijon)
Callum Twelves (Torres Sobato)
George Wood (Mg.K Vis Costruzioni e Ambienti)
Among those named is Mattie Dodd, who is a journal writer for The British Continental. The cohort also includes Adam Howell, the winner of the 2025 National Road Series, who moves abroad after a stellar domestic season in 2025.
The Rayner Foundation has for more than three decades operated alongside British cycling’s formal development pathways, supporting riders at a point where opportunities are often dispersed and security limited. Its role has remained consistent: providing stability and continuity for riders racing abroad during the early stages of their careers.
The Rayner Foundation has confirmed the riders it will support during the 2026 season, with 29 British riders set to race across Europe under its programme.
The list, published this week in Cycling Weekly, represents a smaller cohort than in 2025, when 38 riders received support. Sixteen of those backed in 2026 were also part of last year’s intake, while 13 riders are new to the programme.
Formerly known as the Dave Rayner Fund, the Rayner Foundation provides financial and practical assistance to riders already committed to racing abroad. Its support is typically directed at those competing within European trade and development teams, helping offset the costs associated with living and racing on the Continent.
The 2026 cohort again reflects the geographical spread of British rider development, with the majority of riders based in France, alongside others racing elsewhere in Europe, including Belgium, Italy and Austria.
Rayner Foundation – 2026 supported riders
Among those named is Mattie Dodd, who is a journal writer for The British Continental. The cohort also includes Adam Howell, the winner of the 2025 National Road Series, who moves abroad after a stellar domestic season in 2025.
The Rayner Foundation has for more than three decades operated alongside British cycling’s formal development pathways, supporting riders at a point where opportunities are often dispersed and security limited. Its role has remained consistent: providing stability and continuity for riders racing abroad during the early stages of their careers.
Featured image: Mathew Wells/SWpix.com
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