A new initiative launching in the first week of May aims to fund race entries for junior riders through revenue generated by a pro kit resale business, rather than through donations or one-off fundraising.
The Fizz Fund is backed by UK Pro Cycling Kit, a resale platform for rider-issued apparel trading since 2024, which directs a portion of its commercial revenue into the grants. Applications will be first-come-first-served, with money paid directly into recipients’ bank accounts. In its first year, the fund aims to distribute £10,000 — enough, based on a typical entry fee of £25, to cover race fees for around 400 riders. Grants are limited to UK races at launch.
Investment secured earlier this year from a private backer outside the cycling industry, alongside existing stock holdings, is said to cover operating costs for two years. OTE Nutrition is confirmed as a partner at launch, with further partnerships described as being in discussion.
“There is a clear gap at a junior level, particularly when it comes to the cost of racing,” founder Alex Avery says. “If we can ease that pressure, even slightly, it can make a meaningful difference.”
“The aim is to support as many riders as possible at this stage. If the first year is successful, we will expand into wider age categories and work more closely with race organisers. The long-term vision is for the Fizz Fund to become a recognised and normal part of UK racing.”
UK Pro Cycling Kit is a registered company. The fund’s terms and conditions will set out recipients’ responsibility to declare grants in line with their individual tax position. Applications open at fizzcycling.co.uk.
