UPDATE 27 November 2024: Team Saint Piran announced it is no longer a viable on-going concern and “will not take to the start line in 2025,” the team said in statement.

Struggling elite British road team Saint Piran has announced riders interested in racing for them must now pay a non-refundable $650 fee as part of their application.

It seems tough financial times in the cycling world have forced the team to adopt a pay-to-play business model to generate cash. Riders wanting to race on the Saint Piran Elite/Continental squad in 2025 must pay $650 USD (£500 GBP, €600 EUR), complete a physical performance test and submit cycling & social media details as part of their application. According to the team website, the process is designed “to ensure fairness, equality and transparency in relation to riders applying to join the Saint Piran Continental Team.”

Although, after paying the application fee and completing the other requirements there is no guarantee of any applicant making the team roster.

Besides application fee revenue, the team also tries to make money selling bikes, parts, accessories, maintenance, nutritional products, clothing, amateur team memberships and team merchandise, in addition to asking patrons to “adopt a rider” for $13 USD per month.

Basically, Saint Piran is generating cash by any means.

Though, financial woes are not their only challenge. Saint Piran is also currently being investigated for UCI rule violations exposed by Cycling Weekly, including trying to deceive the UCI by attaching fraudulent compliance labels to team bikes.

Photo Credit: Facebook/saintpirancycling

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