Culverwell could turn to France after collapse of pro team
Sam Culverwell is appealing for sponsorship after being left stranded by the shock folding of his UCI Continental racing team.
AT85 Pro Cycling had built a reputation as the UK’s most successful team bar Ineos when the Guernsey star joined them late last year, so it proved a cruel twist of fate when they collapsed suddenly due to financial issues.
Saint Piran and Trinity Racing – a youth outfit who had taken on Culverwell through his U23 years – are now the only remaining Continental teams in the UK.
But these teams have already confirmed their rosters and riders such as Culverwell have been unable to find an alternative.
‘It’s a bit of a mess, really,’ the 22-year-old admitted.
Being without an elite-level team has not stopped him from eyeing rides in the National Road Series and in gravel racing – a fast-growing discipline which had its first world championship last autumn.
But he has also considered taking the French route, where SportsAid-supported Guernsey teenager Jack Reed is currently riding full-time.
‘I do want to go to France, where Jack is, do some of the races he is doing and get some results,’ he said.
‘Maybe I could get a French team, as that’s what Jack has done, and that’s a really good route.
‘There’s a lot of teams that are feeder teams.
‘I don’t have a team, and there’s nothing in the UK. I need sponsorship as I can’t fund the travel – I don’t have the income.’
It is a critical juncture for Culverwell, whose career highs include Island Games criterium gold, two top-15 finishes at the National Championships and his terrifically courageous ride in the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where he finished ninth after leading into the final mile.
He displayed his strength domestically last weekend by winning the Reservoir Road Race in a three-way battle against Marc Cox and Matt Osborn.
