British Cycling has today confirmed that Metaltek-Kuota Racing Team has become the fifth team to be awarded British Cycling Elite National Team status.
Together with the four other British Cycling Elite National Teams and five UCI Continental Teams confirmed earlier this year, Metaltek-Kuota will contest the opening round of the 2014 British Cycling Elite Road Series this weekend at the two-day Tour of the Reservoir.
The British Cycling Elite National and UCI Continental teams now confirmed for the 2014 season are:
British Cycling Elite National
- CatfordCC Equipe/Banks
- Metaltek – Kuota Racing Team
- Starley – Primal
- Team Haribo – Beacon
- Wheelbase Altura MGD
UCI Continental
- Madison-Genesis RT
- NFTO Pro Cycling
- Rapha Condor JLT
- Team Raleigh
- Velosure – Node4 Racing
British Cycling’s cycle sport and membership director, Jonny Clay, commented on the announcement:
“We are delighted that Metaltek-Kuota Racing Team has become the latest team to be awarded British Cycling Elite National Team status. Alongside the other Elite National Teams and UCI Continental Teams, Metaltek-Kuota will form the backbone of the domestic peloton for the 2014 season.
“With the changes British Cycling has made to the team structure and national series calendar for 2014, we are set for an exciting season of racing in the UK.”
David Povall, directeur sportif at Metaltek-Kuota Racing Team commented:
“To be included within the British Cycling Elite National Teams is a statement of intent. It's a commitment of support for the British Cycling Elite Road Series and Elite Circuit Series and demonstrates that the team aims to develop, becoming more professional and successful in a structured, manageable way.
“We lost our financial sponsor in January, despite having been reassured of their support, and without the unwavering enthusiasm of Metaltek's Andy Swain and Kuota UK/GSG’s clothing distributors, DHW Agencies, we'd probably not have got this far. That said, we are still actively seeking the financial support required to take the team to the next level, applying the knowledge and experience I gained from building the successful, well respected, Team UK Youth.”
British Cycling introduced the new categories for teams in November 2013 to help recognise those outfits that operate beneath the UCI Continental category, but are distinct from a sponsored club set up.
Further event details for the 2014 British Cycling Elite Road Series can be found here.
