JAKROO Handsling Racing Granted Elite Development Team Status for 2026
British Cycling recently confirmed its 2026 Elite Development Teams, recognising eight men’s squads that are building a bridge between the domestic scene and UCI Continental level competition. JAKROO Handsling Racing – racing previously as Raptor Factory Racing – makes its debut on this list.
The Elite Development Team status brings with it guaranteed entries for up to eight riders at every National Road Series and National Circuit Series race and provides promotional and administrative support from British Cycling. To earn this designation, teams must demonstrate robust structures, adequate support to elite riders and a credible development environment; British Cycling notes that selections are based on the quality of support offered to riders rather than simply on results.
A resolute management team
One of the reasons JAKROO Handsling Racing was selected is the depth of its management roster. Team Principal David Streule and Team Manager Tony Poole oversee the project, bringing business acumen and a long‑term vision for rider development. They are joined by Phil Maddocks, who arrives from the defending-champion-now-dissolved Muc‑Off‑SRCT‑Storck programme to serve as Sport Director. In this role, Maddocks will draw on his experience leading squads at UCI races across Europe to refine race strategy and support on the ground.
Behind the scenes, the team also benefits from specialised support:
· Oscar Vera, of Roubaix London, acts as lead mechanic, ensuring the fleet of Handsling bikes performs flawlessly.
· Simon Dearden provides sports physiology expertise, helping riders manage training load and recovery.
These roles underscore the team’s commitment to holistic rider care and mirror the support structures common in Continental‑level squads.
Title sponsors and partner support
The team’s evolution is anchored by two title sponsors whose involvement goes far beyond logos on jerseys.
JAKROO – Title & Technical Apparel Partner. JAKROO specialises in fully custom performance apparel delivered in just a few weeks, with no minimum order quantities and pro‑level design support. Through the partnership, JAKROO is working with the team to offer burgeoning clubs across the UK access to premium custom kit and laying the groundwork to open an online store so that team kit will soon be available to the general public. Every piece of kit purchased through the team’s channels helps fund the team and rider development.
Handsling Bikes – Named & Official Bike Partner. Handsling designs and builds British‑built carbon race bikes, tailoring each frame around the rider’s fit and racing goals. The race team competes on Handsling’s A1R0evo and A1R0evoS platforms and will soon launch a Team Replica bike built on the same framesets and rolling on Alta Via carbon wheels, assembled by the trusted technicians at Roubaix London. This race‑ready machine – with Shimano components, Handsling’s advanced fork and integrated handlebar – will start from £5,749.99, and proceeds will go back into supporting the racing programme.
Alongside the team’s title sponsors, several official partners play a central role in the programme:
Alta Via Components – Official Wheelsets Supplier. Lightweight, race‑quality carbon wheelsets built from cutting‑edge materials with ceramic bearings. Their RC/S‑65mm and RC/S‑45mm rims are the same models used on the team bikes and will also feature on the forthcoming replica bikes.
Roubaix London – Official Mechanic. unparalleled mechanical services to the racing community. Their expert mechanics, led by Oscar Vera, build and service every team bike and will assemble the replica machines to the same meticulous standard. Oscar himself is also known for attending races inside the convoy car.
OTE Sports – Nutrition Partner. OTE creates natural sports nutrition designed for steady energy, quick absorption and easy digestion. Supporters who follow the team’s social channels can access unique discount codes to purchase OTE products, with every sale funding the team.
EKOÏ – Official Helmets & Eyewear. EKOÏ supplies the team with WorldTour‑level helmets and eyewear, providing the protection, aerodynamic performance and clarity needed for high‑level racing.
These partnerships not only equip the riders with elite‑level gear but also align with the team’s community‑driven funding model: purchases made through partner links or future bike & kit stores directly support the team’s race calendar and development pathway.
2026 roster and ambitions
JAKROO Handsling enters 2026 with a roster mixing seasoned performers and U23 prospects. And will contest a full calendar of National Road Series and National Circuit Series races while also targeting selected UCI 1.2 and 2.2 events across Belgium, France and other European countries. OTE Sports notes that the men’s programme aims to be more than just a race team – it positions itself as a development engine with a voice for storytelling and a platform for young British talent. New signings such as William Truelove and a quintet of under‑23 riders (Oliver Dawson, Oscar Nisbett, Harrison Dainty, Dylan Belton‑Owen and Redmond Connolly) reflect an expanded roster and ambitions for a more international calendar.
Looking toward Continental status
While Elite Development Team status marks a milestone, the management has made clear that it is not the final destination. In a recent interview with The British Continental, Streule and Poole spoke candidly about their aspiration to step up to UCI Continental level and the challenges involved. They explained that understanding the requirements for progression has been difficult; although they have not yet applied, they are building infrastructure and budget to meet the criteria. The team remains open to new partners looking for the exposure that the Continental badge unlocks, including the Tour of Britain and increasingly competitive & well-covered UCI races on the continent.
Poole emphasised that the team is “hoping to get UCI registration in next year” and is working hard to ensure a professional structure capable of delivering that. This aspiration underscores the strategic importance of achieving the Elite Development Team status for 2026: the guaranteed National Series entries and promotional backing from British Cycling will help the team attract sponsors, develop riders and showcase its capability on a broader stage.
Get involved
Supporters can have a tangible impact on our journey by purchasing JAKROO apparel, using the team’s partner links or ordering the forthcoming team kit and replica bike: every purchase directly supports the race programme and rider development. The team encourages riders and clubs to explore JAKROO’s custom‑apparel options, follow the team’s social channels for OTE discount codes, and keep an eye out for details on how to order the replica bike. By engaging with partners, fans help provide the resources necessary to develop talent and chase results on both domestic and UCI stages.
