British Continental team AT85 Pro Cycling forced to shut down due to funding issues

The British UCI Continental team AT85 Pro Cycling has collapsed due to sponsorship issues. A statement issued on social media confirmed the news with the team attributing their situation to funding difficulties and uncertain banking and finance sector.

“It is hard to find the right words, but we would like to thank all of our riders and staff for the enormous amount of work already done this season. Also a huge thanks to many of our current sponsors as they rallied to try and help us continue racing this season. Your efforts have touched us,” the statement read.

Since its inception in 2017, the team has been a prominent force in the British cycling community, with a track record that boasts of victories in stages at the Tour de Yorkshire, clinching the overall title at the Tour Series, and emerging victorious in the National Road Series. The team's exceptional performances continued in 2022, where they secured a total of 48 individual race wins, which included significant wins at the Tour de la Mirabelle, Paris-Troyes, and the Lancaster GP.

While the full extent of the funding problems remains unclear, the team's owner, Tim Elverson, has expressed his sadness following the announcement. “To race organisers and fans who have supported us, we’re sorry to be leaving, but them’s the cards we’ve been dealt this year. I’ve been through some tough times owning a team, but the last 24 hours have been the hardest. I see no option but to shut the team’s doors with immediate effect,” he concluded.