A source inside ProTeam Bolton Equities Black Spoke has said up to half of the riders could retire in the coming months as the team faces closure.
Last week, the New Zealand-based squad, which is home to three Brits, announced its main sponsor, Bolton Equities, will strip back its support at the end of 2023. It is possible the team could drop down to Continental level for next season, but an official statement said “additional sponsors are needed” if this is to happen.
One source within the squad told Cycling Weekly that they are “hopeful but realistic” about the prospect of the team still existing next season. “I think I would be more surprised than not to see it continue at all,” they said.
Bolton Equities Black Spoke ended 2022 as the highest-placed Continental team and stepped up to Pro-Team level – one tier below World-Tour – for the 2023 season. The team, which counts a number of British talents such as Matt Bostock, Jacob Scott and Mark Stewart, was present at the recent Tour of Britain, where its rider James Fouché won the mountains classification.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CLASSIC BIKE COLNAGO SUPER
A trailblazing bike immortalised by Merckx and Saronni
"Strava activities are the only way I know some of my friends are still alive"
...or that Bernard is doing his weekly shop
AN EXPERT'S TAKE ON... SADDLE SELECTION
Crucial advice to guide your next purchase
JUST A NUMB#R?
Approaching a landmark birthday, Charlie Graham-Dixon explores how ageing affects cycling performance and what can be done to stay ahead of the curve
RURAL PERIL
More UK cyclists are killed on rural lanes than on busy city streets. Rob Kemp investigates why and what can be done to keep us safe while riding in the countryside
A BLESSED RIDE THROUGH THE FOREST OF BOWLAND
Forgoing cloak, cassock and cross, Trevor Ward goes in search of the holy roads that helped make a Tour winner
Dame Sarah Storey claims road and 19th gold double
More success for Team GB's Paralympians in Paris, but Storey slams women's time trial course
Roglič matches Vuelta win record
Slovenian takes fourth Tour of Spain title after hunting down O'Connor's lead, writes Adam Becket
Williams crowned Tour of Britain champion
Welshman leads home resurgence at the stage race to crown an Israel-Premier Tech clean sweep, reports Tom Davidson in Felixstowe
CLASSIC BIKE CLAUD BUTLER OLYMPIC ROAD
Iconic British brand's Holdsworth-era road bike