British Cycling is not having an easy time away from the top of the sport, as yet another team is having it's end in 2022. Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling will not continue into the 2023 season after they haven't been able to secure enough budget.
“A little bit before the Tour of Britain, we all had a message from Tom which said, ‘Guys, just a heads up that there’s a fairly sizable shortfall in sponsorship for next year so you know, just be mindful that we’ll be looking for replacement sponsors', team DS Colin Sturgess told CyclingWeekly.
However, the mission has proved to be unsuccessful. Sturgess said the team required between £50,000 and £80,000 more than what it had been able to secure in order to stay afloat. “Nobody wants to see the guys without a ride, I think most of the lads have managed to secure something but it’s just bloody difficult when there are only two or three conti-teams around," he continued.
This is a blow to a team that has seen this year the Tanfield brothers, Cameron Jeffers and other influential figures ride for the team. The likes of Dan Bigham, Matthew Gibson, James Shaw and John Archibald have also been a part of the squad for the past few years.
Saint Piran and WiV SunGod now remain as the two British continental teams remaining, although INEOS Grenadiers has in recent years invested more firmly in young British talents, which can compensate slightly for the slow downfall in pro teams they can race at the start of their career.
Sad times. But a sincere thank you to @RibbleWeldtite Jack & Tom, all the staff, sponsors and last but by no means least, the amazing riders that I’ve been honoured to work with. I hope I’ve taught you swear profusely in many languages ❤️
Ribble Weldtite to fold at end of year due to lack of sponsorship trib.al/2CFnNzL
