'My goal is to see the progression of riders' – Team vies to become first Brish men's Continental squad for three years
Pronto Bikes Racing would become first Continental team since 2024
The team, Jakroo-Handsling, aims to become the first British men's Continental squad since 2024. The squad, previously known as Raptor Racing, will compete next year as Pronto Bikes Racing by Promethean, thanks to their new sponsor and management. After applying for Continental status for 2027, the team has achieved significant results this season, including a second place in the National Road Series and three UCI podium finishes in European races.
Riders Jack Rootkin-Gray and Oli Dawson have notably performed well, securing second place in the North Yorkshire GP and UCI 1.2 GP de la Ville de Nogent-sur-Oise, respectively.
Team principal Tony Poole emphasizes that the move to Continental ranks is a crucial step in helping riders progress towards the pro ranks. He acknowledges the importance of exposure against WorldTour debuts teams, which the Continental ranks provide. Poole explains that the move will enable access to more races and events, something the team lacked as an international British team. He has provided British Cycling with a fully-funded plan for next season, catering to all red lines, such as bicycles and insurance.
Poole remains optimistic about the team's chances of success, although he acknowledges the application is not complete until it's accepted. His primary goal for the team in 2027 is to see its riders develop and receive better opportunities than they had the previous year. Poole envisions a future where 30 UCI events are targeted, but his ultimate hope is to see the riders build upon the progress they've made in 2027, setting them up for success in the years to come.
Written by urgent.news from Cycling Weekly's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
