Manx riders part of squad now and in previous years
British continental cycling squad Saint Piran - which has fielded several Manx riders now and previously in recent years - won't race in 2025.
Confirming the news in a recent statement the team says this comes following a 'tough season' and 'turbulent media coverage hitting sponsorship opportunities for next year.'
The decision to withdraw will apply to both Saint Piran's Pro Cycling UCI Continental Team and WRT Elite Development Team.
Isle of Man professional rider Tyler Hannay has been part of the squad this year and claimed his first UCI stage victory with them at the Tour of Poyang Lake in China in September.
Among the other Manx competitors to have been part of the Cornwall-based setup in recent times are Max Walker, Tom Mazzone and Leon Mazzone.
The organisation adds 'bad luck, poor health and an unfair reminder we have made mistakes over the eight years of development have contributed to this decision.'
You can see Saint Piran's full statement below:
"At Saint Piran Pro Cycling, we have looked closely at how we can move forward and continue to grow. Over the past six months, the senior team at Saint Piran has undertaken a strategic review analysing how we can increase the opportunities for some of the UK’s brightest talents and inspire more to get on bikes to take up our incredible sport. To achieve both we have to move to the next level. It is no longer possible for any professional sports team to stand still.
"But that exciting future will happen without Saint Piran Pro Cycling. With a tough season behind us, and more recently turbulent media coverage hitting sponsorship opportunities for next year, it has been decided that Saint Piran Pro Cycling UCI Continental Team and Saint Piran WRT Elite Development Team will not take to the startline in 2025.
"This has been an incredibly difficult decision for all at Saint Piran but one that we believe is right. While the Saint Piran door closes, another opens for a team wishing to step into our shoes, it is an incredible opportunity. Saint Piran has proved that you can successfully run an independent UCI Continental Team in the UK and take on some of the biggest challenges and teams in the World. 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.
"The Saint Piran cycling brand will continue to develop and grow in the cycling sector and beyond. The brand goes from strength to strength year on year, providing a high-quality cycling-based experience. Sadly the UK cycle industry is not strong enough as yet and the business is still in its infancy to be in a position to underpin the demands of UCI Continental racing as it stands today.
"Before some in our sport celebrate and no doubt sensationalise 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 sensationalised 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."
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