Britain’s five women’s Continental squads could be locked out of their own national stage race from 2026, a “slap-in-the-face” consequence of new UCI rules that reserve WorldTour start-lists for WorldTeams and ProTeams only.
The 24-year-old civil engineer has already ripped up the domestic script this season, storming to overall victory at the Rás Tailteann and finishing runner-up at the East Cleveland Classic. Yet Britain’s fractured pathway to the pro ranks means Aberystwyth may be his one shot this year to impress WorldTour eyes.
With just seven riders and an £8,000 budget, Muc-Off–SRCT–Storck lead both the team and individual standings in British road racing. Our new feature looks at how they recruit overlooked talent, use strength-in-numbers tactics and rely on a close network of volunteers to outperform their rivals – and asks what comes next for Britain’s most efficient cycling team.
From A-level exam halls to Girona’s testing climbs, 19-year-old Yorkshire rider Alex Beldon has already felt the ups and downs of life beyond the junior ranks. Our exclusive interview traces how Trinity Racing’s collapse, a timely offer from Muc-Off-SRCT-Storck and a steadfast Plan B have forged a tougher, hungrier rider intent on reclaiming his place on the UCI ladder.