A team built on local pride, developing future stars and showcasing Sheffield on the national and international stage

Sheffield is a city with a strong sporting heritage, but few realise it’s also home to one of the UK’s leading cycling teams. Cycling Sheffield isn’t just about racing—it’s about developing young talent, representing the city on a national and international stage and promoting everything Sheffield has to offer.

Founded in 2014, the team faced a major setback in 2016 when it lost its title sponsor. Rather than let the project fold, the team’s manager took a bold step—rebranding as Cycling Sheffield and rallying local sponsors to create a team that truly belongs to the city. Since then, the squad has become a recognised force in British cycling, producing top riders who go on to race professionally in Europe.

With a focus on development, Cycling Sheffield has built a reputation as a launchpad for young riders looking to make their mark. Their biggest success story is Connor Swift, who spent two years with the team before moving on to WorldTour giants Team INEOS. And he’s not alone—by 2025, nine former Cycling Sheffield riders will be racing in Europe, proving that this homegrown project is shaping the future of the sport.

We caught up with Dave Coulson, Director of Cycling Sheffield to find out more.

Sheffield has a strong sporting identity, but not everyone realises we have a top-level cycling team right here in the city. Tell us a bit about Cycling Sheffield – how did it start, and what’s the mission?

“The team began in 2014. At the end of 2016, we lost our title sponsor when the company was sold. Cycling teams rely on sponsorship for funding, and this is a never-ending challenge to keep a team going.

I’d always had this idea about running a team backed by Sheffield sponsors, so with no new sponsor, I decided at the 11th hour to rebrand the team as Cycling Sheffield and give the idea a go.

We try to promote everything Sheffield has to offer. We also have links with charities and community projects. I want the team to be valued by the city as a great sports team and a force for good.

First and foremost, we have a proven record as one of the UK’s most successful teams and a great track record of developing talented riders. Our biggest success story is Connor Swift – Connor spent two years with us and is now riding for Team INEOS (formerly Team Sky).

We have a history of helping riders take the next step in gaining contracts with teams in Europe. In 2025, there are nine ex-Cycling Sheffield riders on teams in Europe.

We now have several sponsors who previously knew nothing about cycling but liked the idea of supporting a team that promotes the city.”

Tell us a bit about yourself – what’s your background in cycling, and how did you get involved with Cycling Sheffield?

“I was a rider in the UK and Europe for a long time and unintentionally ended up in team management. In 2014, I was managing the team, and from 2017, I became the sole owner.”

You’re representing Sheffield on a national and international stage – does that local connection make it feel even more special when the team races?

“I am a proud Sheffielder, so it does make me feel proud to see our jersey in races. Also, when we are in Europe, the team gets noticed – our seven hills logo is distinctive and easily recognised.”

Cycling Sheffield has already helped riders like Connor Swift reach the very top of the sport. Who are the names to watch in the current squad?

“Last year, we helped four of our riders move to teams in France. This year, we have another four riders hoping to make the same step to Europe for 2026.

Nathan Smith showed his talent as a junior with a big result at the Tour of the Basque Country in Spain last year, winning a stage and wearing the leader’s jersey. Nathan is a really talented climber.

This year, the team is very young, but all the riders are very talented and have great potential.”

If someone in Sheffield wanted to get into cycling, where’s a good place to start? Any favourite local routes you’d recommend?

“We are very fortunate in Sheffield to have the Peak District on our doorstep. Yes, it’s hilly, but it’s a great area to ride. I’d say in and around Hope Valley is the closest area from the city, via Ringinglow perhaps.”

Where can people see Cycling Sheffield in action this year? And for anyone wanting to follow the team’s journey, what’s the best way to keep up with your races and results?

“We have a couple of local-ish races in March and April – the YBC 2-Day Stage Race on 15-16 March 2025, then the Danum Trophy Road Race on 6 April 2025 near Doncaster.

The Sheffield GP city centre race in July is always a great event. Unfortunately for us, it’s held the day after we return from a big stage race in France, so our riders are usually a bit tired.

You can keep up with the team’s progress at cyclingsheffield.com, where you’ll also find links to all our social media.”

As Cycling Sheffield continues to grow, the team remains committed to its mission: developing talent, racing at the highest level, and proudly showcasing Sheffield on the cycling map. With local support and a new generation of promising riders, the future looks bright for the city’s very own elite cycling team.