3 minute read
ELITE CYCLING
CLIMBING HIGH
CORNWALL-BASED CYCLING TEAM SAINT PIRAN IS TO COMPETE AT THE TOUR OF BRITAIN, STARTING ON HOME TURF.
ust a few years ago, elite cycling team Saint Piran was a pie-in-the-sky-idea, but thanks to an ambitious plan, well executed, it now boasts some serious accolades and is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the cycling world, brushing shoulders with the best, while inspiring young riders.
Ambition and belief are inarguably two of the key elements of success, whether that’s in business or sport, or in this case, both. Where many wouldn’t have for a second entertained the idea, team principal Ricci Pascoe and elite rider Steve Lampier had the vision for creating a limitless race team built around a sustainable business model, with the base being Cornwall – after-all, why not Cornwall?
Beautiful roads, a lovely place to live and eager business partners willing to join the ride and make it happen. Now after six or so years of hard graft, it’s paying off.
At the start of the year, Saint Piran announced the news that the team had secured UCI Continental status for the 2021 season. Now entering its sixth year competing nationally and internationally, the team feels that this is the right time to take the next step on its journey and a core group of 13 riders are signed up.
Pascoe says: “Competing at the Continental level in the UK and racing against the top teams will be a privilege for Saint Piran. We look forward to bringing our brand of racing to the highest level of the sport here.
“We have committed sponsors, a new development team and a women’s team, and a model which will ensure that we are around for a long time to come.”
Lampier adds: “Every single rider of the 2020 roster that wanted to stay and be part of this project has been retained. After a year where nobody had the chance to shine on the road, we owed them the opportunity to showcase their talents on a grander stage.”
While the team is looking forward to all the challenges to which Continental status will open the door, the Tour of Britain this September will undoubtedly be the highlight and main goal. Starting here in Cornwall, this is a unique opportunity for the team to show what it can do on home roads.
In 2020, the team worked to sustain existing, and develop new, partnerships with businesses and organisations both within and outside the cycling industry. Testament to the supportive and collaborative business community in Cornwall, Saint Piran is supported by local businesses and encourages new collaborations. This unique model, coupled with an unwavering determination has meant the team has managed to punch well above its weight.
While Saint Piran might be an elite team, it is very big on providing opportunities, from grassroots up, turning what could be someone’s dream into a reality and making high level cycling more accessible.
Rob McPherson, a Saint Piran development rider from near Falmouth, comments: “Saint Piran has provided me with the stepping stones that are enabling me to see just how far I can take my cycling.
“I really look up to the more experienced members of the team, sort of like older brothers, there’s a real family feeling within the team that I haven’t experienced in many other places.”
Saint Piran has also formed a women’s race team (WRT) for the 2021 season. The team has some high ambitions and will be racing competitively at all of the National road series, the Tour series and many other regional races throughout the year.
Team manager, Jenny Bolsom, says: “Saint Piran WRT is running a two-tier system. We believe in the value of developing our own younger and/or less experienced riders.
“By covering topics from training, nutrition, race tactics, team management, social media etc we aim to develop riders who are the complete package and able to progress their cycling careers either with us or another team with a well-rounded background.”
Steve Lampier
Jenny Bolsom
