Team that raised Pidcock and Healy stops: "From my perspective, McQuaid did not fail"

The days when British riders dominated the grand tours seem to be over for now. The supremacy of a British team is also a thing of the past now that there is unrest at INEOS. In 2021, there were still five British Continental teams, but by 2025, only Saint Piran will be left. Add to that a bizarre story about illegal bikes at Saint Piran, and it becomes clear that a small crisis is emerging in British cycling.

The end of Trinity is excruciating, especially given the numerous talents that emerged from the team. What makes it extra impressive is that they were only founded in 2020. Yet that is now over. It was announced in September that Trinity Racing was struggling with declining sponsorship income and rising costs. "Trinity, I think they're going to continue, but only as a mountain bike team, but only as a mountain bike team," sport director Pete Kennaugh told Cycling Weekly. ''That's not confirmed yet, just from the last conversations I've had with some of the guys who work there. [It will be] almost like a small feeder team for the Specialized Factory [Racing] team, I guess."

Kennaugh, meanwhile, has found a spot with Astana Qazaqstan for 2025, but many of Trinity's talents have not yet. "The last time we talked to some of them, they still didn't have a team, which is a real shame," the former pro said.

In 2023, Trinity lost a sponsor, and in early 2024, another sponsor reduced its funding. In September, owner and cycling agent Andrew McQuaid said he was "under pressure" because of the sponsorship problems. Cycling Weekly now learns that the decision has been made to discontinue road races in 2025, with hopes of continuing in 2026, although such wishes often do not come true.

"The team was sort of his baby, so to speak, and he put so much effort, time, and passion into it," Kennaugh said. "From my point of view, [McQuaid] hasn't failed. It's just how it is at the minute. I just think fair play and chapeau to him for putting so much time and effort into the team for the years he has done. So many other managers or team owners would have pulled the plug years ago. He tried hard to ensure Trinity could continue as a road team next year. But unfortunately, it's not the case."