ONE Pro Cycling win Professional Continental status for 2016

ONE Pro Cycling, co-founded last year by former England cricket international Matt Prior, has been awarded a UCI Professional Continental Licence, putting them just one tier below WorldTour level.

Launched just nine months ago with a UCI Continental licence, the team has enjoyed success domestically, including winning the team contest at six rounds of the Pearl Izumi Tour Series and Pete Williams winning the mountains and sprints jerseys at September’s Tour of Britain.

Ahead of its elevation to the sport’s second tier it has recruited riders including 2011 Milan-San Remo winner Matt Goss, who joins from Orica-GreenEdge.

Prior, the team’s owner and chief executive, commented: “We’re incredibly excited to finally have confirmation that ONE Pro Cycling will be racing on a Pro Conti licence in 2016.

“It’s been a whirlwind journey from when we first initially decided to set up the team to then get to where we are now.

“As most people will know, we’re an ambitious team and after a strong debut season racing in Britain we were in no doubt of where we wanted to be next season.

“We’ve spent the last few months carefully selecting new riders to join the squad preparing us for what will be a huge step up.

“We have a great balance of talented up and coming riders who are hugely motivated to fulfil their potential, as well as experienced riders who have already tasted success at the top level.

“This mix of experience and youthful exuberance will stand us in good stead.

“It has been equally important for us to ensure we have the right performance and support staff in place creating a culture that will give us the best chance of success.

“The staff have been selected not only based on the skill they bring but also their character and outlook on the world of professional sport.”

Professional Continental status means the team will be eligible to apply for wild cards for WorldTour events.

Becky Frewing, ONE ProCycling’s general manager, said: “Plans are already in place for our first training camp in December and having overseen each of the new rider signings it will be very rewarding for all of us to finally see the whole team come together.”