Saint Piran Statement on AT85

Richard Pascoe, Founder and owner of Saint Piran Pro-Cycling has said: “AT85 Pro Cycling and its previous incarnations have set the level for others to follow in professional cycling so this announcement is a sad day in the UK’s cycling scene.

“Colin and Tim have helped transform the cycling scene in the UK and I hope they will continue to do so. Professional cycling is a small family. A change like this is terrible for the team, its riders and staff - we very much feel for their situation. We have already had discussions with Colin about how Saint Piran Pro Cycling can support AT85 over the coming weeks and months.

“Going forward, it’s crucial to build professional cycling on a firm foundation of sustainable finance and support. As we are all finding, sponsorship and cash-rich partnerships are dwindling and a reliance on these is not sustainable at any racing level long-term.

“Cycling has an incredible impact on communities across the UK and those of us in the sport must do everything we can to excite those communities we can influence. “Events like the Women’s Tour, Tour of Britain, our cyclocross National Trophy Series and the exciting mountain bike scene can stir the emotions, but all rely on incredible volunteers to get off the ground.

“With riders like Evie Richards and Tom Pidcock and our own riders like Will Tidbull, Christina Wiejak and Alex Richardson creating positive headlines, we cannot wait. Professional cycling has the opportunity to do more and we have to take steps now - starting with stability.”