ONE Pro Cycling had lofty ambitions when they brought Matt Goss on board for 2016 - and they believed a Grand Tour start was possible during their lifetime, but that will now not be the case (Photo with thanks to Trevor Mould)
By Brian Canty
The ONE Pro Cycling team will cease to exist as a Pro Continental outfit next season, with many of its roster now desperately searching elsewhere for contracts in the paid ranks.
An e-mail was circulated to the riders this morning outlining the reasons for the sudden announcement, among them the withdrawal of main sponsor Factor.
The UK-based bike manufacturing company recently struck a deal with French team Ag2r La Mondiale for 2017 and now will not now continue with ONE Pro Cycling as had been expected.
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ONE Pro will still operate in 2017 but as a third-tier Continental team and it remains to be seen what riders are willing to stay on, and what races they will do.
In a statement confirming the news this evening, team chief executive Matt Prior said the change was due to a withdrawal of sponsor funding just weeks before today’s UCI application deadline for ProContinental licences.
“It has been a very tough decision to make and has not been taken lightly,” he said.
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“Unfortunately, things have changed at the last minute but that is the nature of sport, business and life.
“All we can do now is look forward to what will hopefully be another successful year of racing.
“Whatever level we ride at, the team’s values of accessibility, hard work, professionalism and respect will remain at its core and is something that I am extremely proud of.
“The ONE Pro Cycling management team are more motivated than ever to keep moving forward and take this team back up to Pro Continental and beyond in 2018.
“I understand that some observers will see this as a step backwards but I merely see it as just another step in the ONE Pro Cycling story.
“The aims, goals and ambitions have not changed and we are all driven to one day see this team racing in the Tour de France.
“We have very promising things happening behind-the-scenes with our brand and I hope to be announcing an exciting new bike partner on a three-year term shortly.
“At this point I would like to thank our members, fans and sponsors who have supported us so loyally to date. We hope to make you even prouder in the years to come.”
ONE Pro Cycling had 20 riders on their roster this year and claimed 13 wins, Steele Von Hoff’s win on the opening stage of the Tour of Norway the being the pick of the bunch.
Last month, the team was listed among the applicants for a Pro Continental licence for 2017, only to have their hand forced so late in the day.
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