Polypipe has pledged sponsorship that will enable the RFDA to hire a dedicated team coach and invest in kit and infrastructure support at race events.
This investment will give the Yorkshire-based Racescene Female Development Academy (RFDA) a boost as it looks to secure British Cycling's Elite Development Team Status for the 2022 season allowing its members to compete in even more prestigious events within the UK and Europe.
The team, which is unique in amateur cycling for supporting teenage female riders only, is set to start its its third year of competitive cycling in late May once government restrictions allow groups of more than 30 to gather for sporting activities.
The Elite Development Status is designed to reward teams who perform consistently well and provide the requisite team infrastructure by providing further support and exposure through British Cycling.
Since 2018, the RFDA has already nurtured some of tomorrow's cycling stars, such as Abigail Smith who now rides for British Cycling's U23 team and is targeting an Olympic appearance in 2024, and National Youth Track Champion Maddie Leach, who is also part of British Cycling and on the Olympic Development Programme.
Mick Dawes, Team Manager, RFDA said: "Polypipe's support is crucial for the development of the team and we appreciate the investment and the help to date has helped us to establish a squad of excellence.
"This year the financial package will allow us to give our team a more professional set-up, with our objective being eight to 12 all-female riders fully supported by a team car, race manager and mechanic.
"We believe we can provide a way for talented girls to take their first serious steps in this sport and we are proud to be the only all-female team in this part of the competitive field. We are delighted and excited that Polypipe are coming with us for the ride."
Jason Nightingale, Head of Marketing at Polypipe Building Products, said: "Polypipe has a long history of supporting Yorkshire teams across a range of sports, and many within the business have fond memories of the Polypipe cycling team which competed until 2016.
"We're pleased to be on board with the RFDA in 2021 and will be backing them to continue their excellent progress as they look to reach the next stage of their development over the coming 12 months."
