Money problems and broken dreams - why is it so hard to run a cycling team?

A cycling team's collapse is a tale of money troubles and shattered ambitions, as the story of Hess Cycling demonstrates. In the lead-up to the 2025 Tour of Britain Women, the Hess team had lofty plans to become one of the biggest budgets on the UCI Women's World Tour, aiming to put Britain back on the cycling map. However, those dreams were shattered when the team's budget never materialized, leaving riders and team members out of pocket.

The financial struggles began with the loss of a title sponsor after the sponsor withdrew in response to a civil claim against one of the team's directors over a separate business venture. This financial upheaval was just the beginning of a cascade of issues. One rider recalls feeling pressured from the start, with riders being paid late and reimbursements not being honored, leading to financial stress and strained relationships with business partners.

The Hess team's budget started at £750,000, but due to a lack of sponsors, it fell short, often leaving the team with only half a million euros. The ambitious plans included investing in British talent, providing riders with opportunities to study while racing, and creating personalized consumer products. However, despite these lofty goals, the team never achieved a continental level, with their best result being a 15th place finish at the 2025 Women's Tour of Britain.

The collapse of Hess Cycling raises the question: Why is it so hard to run a cycling team? The challenges are manifold, from financial instability to external pressures that can destabilize even the strongest of teams. The story of Hess Cycling serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the complexities and risks involved in the world of professional cycling.