We want to tell you about the team we’re involved with; where that are, what they are doing and why.
The team is Simpson-Nouvelles, the ‘Simpson’ referring to Tom and our celebrations in September of the 60th anniversary of his victory in the 1965 men’s professional road race world championships. It’s an under 23 women’s team and they are racing in Belgium.
That’s right, they’ve done what Tom did, what Brian Robinson and Barry Hoban and many others did, and moved to the continent to learn to race in a place where cycling really matters. And it matters a lot where they’ve gone.
After dipping in and out of Flemish racing all year, Simpson-Nouvelles has gone for total immersion during part 2 of 2025, living and racing full-time in Belgium. That’s a unique step for a British elite club team.
There are many reasons, but uppermost is the access to a wide range of high quality, well-managed and safe races. And there’s the competition. Nearly every young cyclist in Flanders wants to be a pro. No, more than that, they believe they will be a pro.
That makes the racing incredibly competitive, but also presents an environment in which to improve and learn to race as professionals race. That will benefit Simpson-Nouvelles riders as they progress, as does the opportunity to become familiar with riders who will be pros, as well as with the whole Flemish cycling scene and its closely knit network.
Simpson-Nouvelles has provided these opportunities to UK, Australian and New Zealand riders this year, and they have already made their mark. After several high placings, Simpson-Nouvelles scored a team 1-2 in a kermesse last week. Anyone who has any experience of kermesse racing in Flanders will tell you how good that is.
And finally the team is a joy to work with, its sponsors and partners have all told us that and back them completely. The same businesses are also delighted with the broader reach and visibility Simpson-Nouvelles provides them. And you can be involved to through the team’s supporters club here - https://www.nouvellescycling.co.uk/supporters-club
