British squad announces development-focused 13-rider roster, new commercial partnerships and plans for an extensive domestic and European racing programme.
Pronto Bikes Racing by Promethean has formally submitted its application to become a British-registered UCI Continental team for the 2027 season, marking a significant step forward for one of Britain's emerging elite cycling programmes.
The team enters the final stages of the registration process with 13 riders under contract, new commercial and technical partnerships, and the resources to support an ambitious programme comprising approximately 30 days of UCI racing in Europe alongside a full calendar at the highest level of British domestic competition.
The team will operate under Promethean Sports Management, building on the foundations established through Raptor Factory Racing in 2025 and JAKROO Handsling Racing in 2026, while bringing together talent and experience from Pronto Bikes, which competed throughout the 2026 season.
Building on a breakthrough season
The application follows a highly successful 2026 campaign in which JAKROO Handsling Racing finished second overall in the National Road Series and second in The British Continental's domestic team rankings, alongside securing three podium finishes in UCI-sanctioned races across Europe.
International highlights included Oliver Dawson's second place and King of the Mountains victory at the UCI 1.2 Nogent-sur-Oise, Harrison Dainty's second place in the prologue of the UCI 2.2 Tour of Małopolska, and a second-place finish alongside the team classification victory at a stage of the UCI 2.2U West Bohemia Tour.
Those results demonstrated the ability of a relatively young British operation to compete against established Continental and international development teams, while its domestic performances placed it firmly among the country's leading squads.
New partnerships, strong foundations
The new identity brings together the racing infrastructure and management of Promethean Sports with Pronto Bikes, whose involvement as title partner is central to the proposed 2027 programme.
Having operated its own racing team throughout 2026, Pronto Bikes will bring several of its existing riders into the combined squad, uniting two established programmes around a shared ambition to compete at the highest level possible.
The partnership introduces a new technical platform built around Pinarello bicycles and Castelli clothing, alongside the continued support of Trupart Automotive and new commercial partners including Twelve Wealth Management.
The team is keen to recognise the contribution of JAKROO, whose title sponsorship and commitment throughout 2026 played a fundamental role in making this next step possible. JAKROO backed the programme at a formative stage, helping provide the identity, equipment and stability from which the team delivered its strongest season yet. The team extends its sincere thanks to JAKROO, Handsling and its wider group of 2026 partners for their belief in the project and their contribution to its progress.
Pronto Bikes Racing by Promethean is the team's provisional name for 2027, with the final naming structure to be confirmed as discussions with additional commercial partners progress. The team remains open to conversations with businesses and individuals interested in supporting its longer-term development.
Justin Hoy, Pronto Bikes, said:
“We've really enjoyed building Pronto Bikes over the past season, and it's fantastic that some of our riders will now have the opportunity to take the next step as part of this new team.
“Joining forces with Promethean gives us the chance to build something bigger, combining our experience and resources to support a serious domestic and international racing programme. We're excited about what's ahead and proud to be playing our part in creating more opportunities for British riders.”
Thirteen riders confirmed for 2027
The team has secured contracts with an initial 13-rider roster, combining retained talent with new arrivals:
• Alex Murphy
• Harrison Dainty
• Angus Collard
• Matt Fletcher
• Ben Askey
• Nathan Hallett
• Charlie Hoy
• Oliver Dawson
• Dylan Belton-Owen
• Oscar Nisbett
• Dylan Hicks
• Sam Chaplin
• George Smith
With the majority of its 13 riders eligible for under-23 racing, the squad has been deliberately built around development, blending emerging British talent with experienced riders. Its ambition is to help promising riders progress into the professional ranks, using European UCI racing to compete with and measure progress against established WorldTour development teams.
A new chapter in team leadership
The transition will also see a refinement of the management structure.
Co-founder David Streule will step back from day-to-day operational responsibilities, remaining involved with the programme on a more occasional race-day basis.
Tony Poole will assume the role of Team Principal, taking overall responsibility for the organisation's strategic direction, commercial development and operations, while Phil Maddocks continues as Head Sporting Director, leading the team's sporting programme.
The management team is also keen to recognise the contribution of the volunteers who make elite domestic racing possible.
From mechanics and soigneurs to drivers, helpers and race-day support, the organisation continues to depend heavily on people giving their time and expertise. In particular, the parents, partners and wider families of riders and staff have played an indispensable role in helping the team reach this point.
An important step for British cycling
The application comes at a difficult time for British men's road racing, where opportunities to progress from elite domestic competition into international racing remain severely limited.
While Continental registration alone cannot solve the wider challenges facing the sport, another independently operated British team focused on developing young British riders would represent a meaningful addition to the development pathway.
Tony Poole, Team Principal, said:
“We're immensely proud of what we've achieved over the last two seasons, but we know this is only the beginning. We've assembled the riders, partners and resources to deliver a serious domestic and European programme, and we're confident in what we can achieve.
“British cycling desperately needs more opportunities for young riders to progress into the professional ranks. This is a small but important step towards rebuilding that pathway, and we're grateful to everyone who has helped make it possible.”
The team continues to work constructively with British Cycling as the registration process progresses and expects to provide a further update once a formal decision has been communicated.
Promethean Sports remains committed to building a competitive and professionally managed platform for British riders, with ambitions extending well beyond the coming season.
The ambition is unchanged. The opportunity is growing. And the work is only beginning.
Media and partnership enquiries
Promethean Sports Management Ltd
Tony Poole | Team Principal
