London-based cycling club Black Cyclist Network has announced the establishment of the first national racing team in the UK for black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) riders. The club will establish a team of 10 riders for the 2021 season and aims to organize events and establish an outreach program.

The Black Cyclist Network was founded by Mani Arthur in 2018 and currently 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.

The national racing team currently consists of nine riders, including one elite level and four second category riders. Next year, the team plans to add one more racer to the race.

The club has set up a Gofundme page with a target of £10,000 to be used to support the team and grassroots activities in 2021. This includes developing an outreach program to encourage beginners to take up cycling and funding events to raise awareness of diversity in the sport.

"The Black Cyclist Network is more than a club," Arthur said in a statement released by the club.

"We are a community built to address underrepresentation in cycling. There are many cyclists from black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds in the UK and around the world, but there are few corresponding resources in our community."

"With the launch of the Black Cyclist Network team, we hope that cycling's physical, mental and social benefits to inspire and engage new audiences and give much needed visibility to people of color in the sport"

.

The club's GoFundMe page was launched Wednesday evening and has already reached half of its goal within 24 hours with over 200 people having donated.

The Black Cyclist Network's GoFundMe page is here.