National cyclo-cross champion Paul Oldham will ride for the newly formed Team Hope Factory Racing in next year’s road season.

Oldham, who rides for the Hope Factory Racing team in the cyclo-cross season, is the first announcement with a full line-up expected to be in pace for January.

Oldham commented: “When racing on the road against the pro teams as a lone ride it is almost impossible to get a top ten place. I am really excited to race with a team. Getting the support from a few team mates will make a massive difference; equally, whilst it will feel a bit novel, I would be really happy to race for my fellow team members.”

Lee Owen-Standford, who has been appointed team manager, added: “I am really happy that Paul decided to race on the road next season. I now have the job of building the team. Signing new riders for the squad will be demanding, but very rewarding.

“I have made the task slightly more complicated as I want to have a women’s road race team, whilst at the same time building on the success of the cross and MTB squads of the past. You will also see that we now have time trial, mountain bike endurance, vets, youth and junior. So by no means a small task and at the same time I have to run my businesses but I like challenge!”

Team Hope Factory Racing are looking to have their riders all signed for a launch in early January and will announce the riders they have signed throughout November and December.