Introducing The Merlin Cycles Rivington Brewing Co. Racing Team – a multi-discipline road, gravel and triathlon team set up with the sole aim of having some fun on bikes, getting some podiums and maybe having a beer or two!
The two Lancashire businesses have had an unofficial association for the past few years with a number of the staff from both companies often meeting up for rides and post-ride refreshments at the Brewery Taproom in the stunning location at Rivington, just 6 miles away from Merlin HQ.
When the idea of having a team together was suggested in late 2024 the idea quickly snowballed, and with third sponsor, and also local business, LDL Lighting coming on board, again from riding together, the team was formed.
The team of 16 includes both male and female riders and covers all disciplines. With National Champions, Ironman winners and strong gravel riders aiming for UCI Worlds qualification, it is a Team with an exciting year ahead of them. Taking on some of the toughest races across multiple continents from Belgium to Hawaii, the Merlin Cycles Rivington Brewing Co. Racing Team have the freedom to race a calendar of their choosing, pushing themselves to the limit to achieve personal goals.
Ben Stubbs, founder and brewer at Rivington Brewing Co. who’s biggest goal this year is Ironman said ‘joining up with Merlin Cycles, a local business who I’ve got to know well was an opportunity we couldn’t miss. Whilst we want to compete at our highest level, we all want to have some fun and share a beer afterwards. This is our first year and I am looking forward to watching the team and riders grow and develop’.
General Manager, Paul McLeod from Merlin Cycles who’s calendar starts in Belgium at the Turnhout UCI Gravel Series can’t wait to get started. ‘The team is an opportunity to spread the word of 3 amazing Lancashire companies who all share a passion for cycling. We’ve created a great friendship between the 2 other companies involved in the team, and are all looking forward to the team growing’.
The Team chose Kalas, the producers of the fastest race kit in the pro-peloton, and as used by the likes of Mathieu van der Poel for his multiple World Champion races, to produce a design that stood out and combined the colours of the 3 companies, with the wave design symbolizing the synergy of the team and riding a bicycle. With kit that performs at the highest level, Kalas have produced a team kit that stands out and gives the riders a competitive edge.
Also supporting the team are ABUS with the team all being supplied the aero GameChanger 2.0 to help achieve the fastest times possible whilst keeping them safe, and STYRKR keeping the riders supplied with all of their nutrition requirements.
As part of the Team launch, riders from the team also got together and brewed a special beer, ‘Through and Off’ which is currently available from the Rivington Brewery Taproom.
Follow the team on Instagram here – Merlin Cycles Rivington Brewing Co. Racing Team
Team Sponsors;
Awesome, good luck guys. Beer and cycling – made for each other!