We are now accepting applications from ambitious road racing teams wishing to secure Elite Development Status for the 2024 season.

First launched in November 2020, the Elite Development Team status is awarded to recognise the work of teams to support young, talented riders on their journey towards success on the world stage.

Bridging the gap from club teams to those operating at UCI Continental level, teams which meet a set minimum criterion will be selected based on the quality of support which they offer to their riders – providing a platform to develop, a comprehensive race programme and race day support.

The application form for interested teams can be found here, and sheet to submit rider and race programme details can be downloaded here. Teams will be required to pay £150 registration fee in addition to the standard affiliation fee. Interested teams are encouraged to contact road@britishcycling.org.uk for further information if required.

Applications for 2024 are now open and will close at midnight on Monday 11 December.

Our Elite Road Racing Task Force will soon share its recommendations for revitalising the elite domestic road scene in2024 and beyond, including how we can best support teams and riders. We are hugely grateful to the team managers and hundreds of riders who have inputted into our consultation, and thoughts can continue to be shared through our online form here.

Essential criteria:

• Teams must have between six and 16 riders.
• All riders must be Elite, 1st or 2nd Cat (and progressing 3rd Cat riders for women’s teams), with experience of racing National A and/or National B (or equivalent level) road races.
• A minimum of 30% of riders should be under-23 for men’s teams and 50% under-28 for women’s teams.
• Teams must consist of a minimum of 80% British riders.
• All staff members shall hold a valid British Cycling licence with the requisite endorsement (e.g. Team Manager).
• Teams must have an appointed Rider Welfare Officer who is not related to the team manager.
• Riders must list the team as their primary club (road).
• Teams are required to ride at least 80% of National Road Series and National Circuit Series events.

Expectations:

• Support for the National Road Series and National Circuit Series.
• Meeting a proportion of riders' expenses for national and international races.
• Providing riders with access to the required equipment needed to compete (e.g. a team bike, clothing, equipment).
• Staff presence at National Series events to provide support before, during and after the race for their riders.
• Provision of a team car with requisite racking and equipment in order to provide a service role within the race convoy. Team cars must have a minimum of two members of staff while in the race convoy (e.g. a driver and mechanic).

Benefits for teams:

• Recognition as an Elite Development Team.
• Entry guaranteed for up to eight riders in all National Road Series and National Circuit Series events.
• Team information featured on the British Cycling website, with links to team website and social media channels.
• Expectation that team representatives (from riders and staff) attend education and training in the form of safeguarding and anti-doping workshop.
• Enhanced support with licence administration.