There are more British riders on the Men's World Tour than ever before, but the British domestic racing scene continues to be a hit, with the last remaining Continental team announcing its closure yesterday. 

Saint Piran, a Cornwall-based team named after the county's patron Saint, has been in the UCI's 3rd race category since 2021, but will no longer operate in 2025 after a tough season and struggling to secure sponsorship. 

They announced the closure on Tuesday night, just two weeks after Cycling Weekly reported that Trinity Racing, the development team that oversaw Tom Pidcock and Ben Healy's Jump to The WorldTour, would also close. 

The Continental level remains teamless despite 34 riders being set to compete in the top division of men's cycling next season.

"British cycling has a bright future. But that exciting future will happen without St. Piranpouro Cycling. With a tough season behind us, and more recently tumultuous media coverage hitting sponsorship opportunities next year, the Saint Piran Pro Cycling UCI Continental team has decided not to stand on the starting line in 2025," read a statement from the team.

"Over the past six months, the senior team has conducted a strategic review analyzing how to increase opportunities for some of the UK's most talented talents and stimulate them to ride more bikes. To achieve both, we need to move to the next level. It is no longer possible for a professional sports team to stand still.

Saint-Piran was at the center of controversy throughout late 2024, after it was reported that it was using an unmarked Chinese frame with fake UCI approval stickers applied, according to a report by Cycling Weekly. A formal investigation by the Uci is reportedly underway.

At the peak of British cycling from 2010 to 2019, there were at least 5 UK-based Continental teams running. The last time there was nothing was in 2004. 

In 2025, 4 British Women's Continental teams will be in operation.

Sampiran was the former team of Brit Jack Root Kingley on the current World Tour and is now home to former track cycling world champions such as Wiltid Ball and Ollie Wood. Many of the future of the 2024 21 riders contracted will be in doubt.

"This was an incredibly difficult decision for everyone in St. Piran, but it was a decision that we believe is right. Unfortunately for us, the stars did not align in 2024 and it is taking its toll. Bad luck, poor health and an unfair reminder that we made mistakes in 8 years of development contributed to this decision," the statement continued.

"It's important for some of our sports to understand how much they are invested in putting this small team on the UCI table before celebrating the team's closure and making it definitely sensational. Our decision has a much wider impact that deserves more debate than sensational headlines.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have contributed to our growth and success over our eight years. It would have been impossible without you."