Sean Kelly’s team folds
Irish outfit aiming for 2019 return
Sean Kelly’s Irish An Post-chain Reaction team will not race in 2018 having failed to secure sponsorship to continue into next season.
In a statement issued on Monday, the team said that Britain’s exit from the EU and the political situation in Catalonia played their part in the difficulties in finding sponsorship. However, the squad hopes to return to race in 2019 at Professional Continental level.
“Unfortunately, time has worked against us to secure a sponsorship agreement before the October 31 deadline to compete in 2018. However, we continue to look towards 2019 and the goal of advancing to the Pro Continental level with enthusiasm,” the team said. “Despite this disappointment, the decade-long relationship the team shared with An Post not only contributed to the team’s success but also to the development of the sport within Ireland, for which we are most grateful.”
Irish riders Sam Bennett, Ryan Mullen, Conor Dunne and Matt Brammeier all made the leap to top-level Worldtour teams after riding with the squad.
Bennett told the Irish Times in October that the continuation of the team was vital for the development of Irish riders in the future.
“I think a lot of young riders don’t realise how difficult life can be in the amateur ranks. The support I got with An Post prepared me in the best possible way for the Worldtour,” said Bennett.
The team added: “Considering the team’s strong links to Spain and the UK, the implications of Brexit and the political scenario in Catalonia impacted on the decisions of interested parties but we remain undeterred.
“Our next objective is to secure a collaboration with a suitable sponsor by July of next year [2018] with the hope of returning to the international peloton with a strong and dedicated roster of talented riders.”