First launched in 2021, our Elite Development Team status recognises those elite road teams that go above and beyond to support talented British riders on their journey to success on the world stage, bridging the gap from club teams to UCI Continental level.
To achieve Elite Development Team status teams are required to demonstrate a high level of support for their riders, providing them with a platform to develop, a comprehensive race programme and race day support. You can find out more about the criteria for selection .
Applications for this season opened in December 2021, and we’re now delighted to be able to share the names of eight men’s teams which have been successful in securing the status for 2022.
Cycling Sheffield
Cycling Sheffield is made up of talented aspiring riders aged between the ages of 18 and 25, and is based in Sheffield. The team was created to compliment Sheffield’s “Outdoor City” concept and is sponsored exclusively by sponsors based in Sheffield.
Cycling Sheffield’s mission is to provide professional support and a nurturing team environment to help their riders further their careers as athletes. They’ve had huge success in national races since they established in 2014 and plan to include more European racing in their future programming.
The team is currently represented by James Hartley, James Hawkins, Ewan Mackie, William Harding, James McKay, George Wood, Adam Mitchell and Joe Coukham.
Follow the team: Instagram @cyclingsheffield // Twitter @cycling_sheff // Website cyclingsheffield.com
Dolan Ellesse Race Team
Created with the vast experience of Terry Dolan at Dolan Bikes, Dolan Ellesse Race Team provides a brilliant platform for the riders of the future, creating domestic and international racing opportunities for under-23 riders to showcase their talent.
The team prides itself on providing on and off-bike education across the disciplines, with riders also provided with new equipment, race entries and support from leading cycling brands.
The team is currently made up of Jack Crook, Conor McKinnon, Tom Ashcroft, Joe Wilson, Matt Taylor and Declan Hudson.
Follow the team: Instagram @dolan_ellesse // Facebook Dolan Ellesse Race Team.
Embark-Bikestrong
Embark-Bikestrong is an elite cycling team and club supporting men of all levels and abilities across the UK. Established in 2017, the Embark-Bikestrong team is made up of athletes and cyclists who have all competed nationally and internationally. They are passionate about the sport, and about improving the safety and conditions of all involved with cycling.
The team is currently represented by Jamieson Blain, Joseph Rees, Samuel Tillett, Cai Davies, Bryn Davies, Michael Chadwick, Dean Watson, Iwan Evans, Thomas Couzens, James Bevan, David Hird, James Satoor, Cameron Biddle and James Alexander.
Follow the team: Instagram @embarkbikestrong // Twitter @EmbarkBikestrng // Facebook Embark-Bikestrong Race Team.
Richardson Trek DAS
Richardson Trek DAS was established in 2012 by Andy Lyons and Dean Shannon, who saved the previous incarnation of the team Twenty3c. The team has steadily grown in support and developed since 2012, and since then have seen a number of their riders step up to the professional ranks.
The Richardson Trek DAS team leaders work hard to provide their support on top of full-time jobs and family commitments. They run the team for their love of the sport and to provide young riders with opportunities to compete at a national level.
The team is currently represented by Simon Alexander, Sam Asker, Joe Bennett, Jim Bradford, Pete Cocker, Aaron Freeman, Rhys Howells, James Jenkins, Conor McGoldrick, Sean Mullen, Steven Parsonage, Callum Riley, Luke Ryan, Will Scott and Aaron Stone.
Follow the team: Instagram @richardsonstrek // Twitter @RichardsonsTrek // Facebook Richardsons Trek – Road Team.
Spirit BSS
Established in 2010 as the Spirit Racing Team, Spirit BSS have grown to become one of the strongest elite amateur teams in the UK and Europe and by 2023 Spirit BSS are hoping to compete at UCI races.
At the heart of Spirit BSS ethos is a strong team work ethic. They focus on team bonding and having fun through the season whilst developing the riders. They provide a solid base for future stars despite working with a small budget.
The team is currently represented by George Kimber, Joshua Price, Oliver Hennessy, Clay Davies, Thomas Price, Frazier Carr, Josh Housley, Angus Hawkins, Farley Barber, Joshua Avery, Jake Hales and Jordan Peacock.
Follow the team: Instagram @spiritbss // Twitter @SpiritRT4 // Facebook spiritbss // TikTok SpiritBSS.
SRCT Muc-off
The SRCT Muc-off team ethos is simple: to be a home for riders who give absolutely everything, and a home for riders who dedicate their lives to cycling. The team environment is all about being cohesive and supportive, and ensuring everyone is equal in how they are treated and what is expected of them.
The end goal is of course to win, and while team manager Dante Carpenter is confident that all of the team’s riders have the ability to do exactly that, all they ask is that they give 100% - and winning is simply then a by-product.
The team is currently made up of Scott Redding, Oliver Maxwell, Elliot Barratt, Matthew Warhurst, Matthew Ellis, Thomas Lowther, Luke Norris and Will Harper.
Follow the team: Instagram @srct_mucoff
Team PB Performance
Team PB Performance is an elite cycling team supporting riders from regional to national level. Based in the East Midlands, the team’s unique selling point is ethical development and the education of young athletes, especially those in the under-23 category where they have a vast amount of experience.
The team is currently represented by James Bentley, James Chapman, Jacques Coates, Hefin Evans, Siôn Harlow, George Peden, Kieran Riley, Chad Scallan, Tom Sharples, Max Silifant, Jude Taylor, Toby Jarvis and Chris Walkinshaw.
Follow the team: Instagram @pb_performance // Twitter @PB_Performance // Facebook pb.performance.coach // YouTube PB Performance.
Wales Racing Academy
Established in 2018, the Wales Racing Academy is the final step of the Welsh Cycling Performance Programme. Their riders compete on the track, road and trails, both nationally and internationally. The Performance Pathway develops riders from a young age and helps them to develop their skills and gain racing experience.
The team is currently represented by William Roberts, Edward Morgan, Joseph Beckingsale, Joe Holt, Samuel Beckett, Owain Roberts, Harvey McNaughton, Liam Morris and William Truelove.
Follow the team: Instagram @walesracingacademy // Twitter @walesracingacad.
