London-based cycling club Black Cyclist Network has surpassed its fundraising goal of £10,000 to establish the UK's first national racing team for black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) riders for the 2021 season.

The GoFundMe fundraising drive (opens in new tab) set up last week has exceeded £12,000 and is still rising. The funds will be used not only to establish a racing team, but also to develop outreach programs to encourage beginners to take up the sport and to fund events to raise awareness about diversity.

The club thanked supporters in an Instagram (opens in new tab) post on Tuesday, adding that more details on future plans will follow.

"Thank you. Your donations helped us reach our goal. Your donations will go a long way in helping us reach our goal of bringing more diversity to our great sport by giving more opportunities to riders with BAME backgrounds."

"Now that the restrictions on group rides have been relaxed, we are eager to get back to doing what we do best in the coming weeks, and we will be posting updates through Instagram and social media. We are very excited."

Founded in 2018, the Black Cyclist Network now boasts over 100 members "including white members and supporters of diversity. The club's stated mission is to connect cyclists of color with the broader community and encourage them to take up cycling.

Currently, the club's race team consists of nine members, including one elite-level and four second-category riders; by 2021, the club aims to add one more rider to the team, bringing the total to 10.

Click here to visit the Black Cyclist Network's GoFundMe page.