OFFICIAL: British continental team Saint Piran close doors - "This has been an incredibly difficult decision"

The British cycling scene continues to suffer. Whilst it continues to deliver top riders - albeit with less Grand Tour winners than the past decade - but when it comes to the events taking place and teams in the professional scene, the situation is dire. Saint Piran, one of the few remaining Continental teams, have ended due to financial struggless.

The UK Elite Cycling scene remains a crown jewel in the landscape of international sport and a golden opportunity for investment. More riders in the World Tour Peloton than ever before, World and Olympic medalists and the development of cycling infrastructure across the UK are incredible achievements. Saint Piran Pro Cycling has contributed in all three of these," the team shared in a long message on their website.

Despite the difficulties, over the past few months there had been an effort to help the team sustain itself at professional level but this proved to be impossible. "This has been an incredibly difficult decision for all at Saint Piran but one that we believe is right". 

The team was formed back in 2018 and later go it's UCI license in 2021. Over these few years it has seen dozens of British riders race in it's jersey including Charlie and Harry Tanfield; GCN presenter Chris Opie and EF Education-EasyPost rider Jack Rootkin-Gray.

"Unfortunately for us, the stars did not align in 2024 and it has taken its toll. Bad luck, poor health and an unfair reminder we have made mistakes over the eight years of development have contributed to this decision".

"Before some in our sport celebrate and no doubt sensationalize the closure of the team, it is important to understand how much has been invested in getting this small team to a place at the UCI table. Our decision has a much wider impact that deserves more discussion than just sensationalized headlines. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who played a part in our growth and success over our eight years. It could not have been possible without you," the message concluded.