DAS-Hutchinson, a prominent British UCI Continental women's cycling team, has announced its cessation of operations at the end of the 2026 season. This regrettable decision is primarily driven by the escalating financial burden of maintaining a competitive presence at the UCI level, particularly concerning the costs associated with international competitions and travel. The team, founded in 2018, has garnered significant success, including four victories in the last five National Road Series editions, and has been instrumental in nurturing riders who have progressed to the WorldTour circuit. The owner, Simon Howes, expressed profound pride in the team's accomplishments and its contribution to the development of women's cycling.
The team's official statement highlighted that the operational expenses for a UCI Continental squad have surged, with European racing and travel being major contributors to this increase. Despite strong support from their partners, the team found it increasingly challenging to uphold the high standards they believed their riders and staff deserved. This financial pressure ultimately led to the difficult decision to conclude the Continental program, marking the end of an era for one of the UK's most successful women's cycling outfits.
Simon Howes, the visionary behind DAS-Hutchinson, reflected on the team's remarkable nine-year journey, emphasizing his satisfaction with the opportunities it provided to athletes. He noted that witnessing riders evolve within the program and advance their careers was more rewarding than any individual race victory. Howes underscored the critical role such teams play in establishing a pathway for aspiring female cyclists, offering them essential development and exposure to elite competition.
In recent seasons, DAS-Hutchinson actively sought and accepted invitations to prestigious international WorldTour events, demonstrating their commitment to challenging their riders at the highest level. Their participation in races like the Tour de Suisse, Vuelta a Burgos, and the renowned Tour of Flanders provided invaluable experience and a platform for their athletes to showcase their talent on a global stage. This strategic approach further solidified their reputation as a team dedicated to fostering professional growth within women's cycling.
Many former DAS-Hutchinson riders have successfully transitioned to WorldTour teams, a testament to the development environment fostered by the organization. Notable alumni include Anna Henderson, now with Lidl-Trek, and Becky Storrie and Robyn Clay, who joined Picnic PostNL. These success stories highlight the team's effectiveness in preparing athletes for the demands of top-tier professional cycling, reinforcing its crucial role in the sport's ecosystem.
Howes described the closure as an "incredibly difficult decision" but felt that the timing was appropriate. He conveyed his immense gratitude to everyone who contributed to the team's journey, including riders, staff members, volunteers, sponsors, partners, and supporters. The disbandment of DAS-Hutchinson will leave only three women's UCI Continental teams in the UK for the upcoming season: Handsling Alba Development, O'Shea RedChilli Bikes, and Smurfit Westrock. This development mirrors a similar trend in men's cycling, where no British UCI Continental teams have existed since the collapse of Saint Piran in 2024, signaling a broader challenge for lower-tier professional cycling in the UK.
The closure of DAS-Hutchinson represents a significant loss for British women's cycling, highlighting the ongoing financial challenges faced by teams operating at the UCI Continental level. Despite its achievements in developing talent and securing domestic titles, the team could no longer sustain its operations at the desired standard. The legacy of DAS-Hutchinson, however, will endure through the careers of the riders it helped launch and its profound impact on the growth of women's cycling in the UK.