'Everyone was ecstatic' – British amateur team claims breakthrough win at Tour of the Reservoir

Foran CT, a British amateur cycling team, achieved a landmark victory at the Tour of the Reservoir, a key event in the National Road Series, thanks to a solo attack by Danylo Riwnyj. The 27-year-old rider broke away on the final lap of the wind-affected race, riding the last 14 kilometres alone to secure a commanding win by 54 seconds. This triumph represents a significant breakthrough for Foran, a club founded in 2018 and sponsored by a local construction company, marking their first victory at this elite level of UK road racing. The race itself was marked by numerous aggressive moves and tactical chaos, which Riwnyj navigated expertly before capitalising on a tailwind in the closing stages to pull clear of his rivals. The National Road Series has seen a shift since the collapse of British men’s UCI Continental teams, leaving a competitive field dominated by elite development squads and amateur clubs like Foran. Riwnyj noted that this change has intensified the racing, making it more attritional and demanding, with a survival-of-the-fittest dynamic emerging in the absence of Continental team control. Riwnyj’s win is not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the team’s growing ambitions. Having started cycling during the Covid pandemic, the London-born rider with Ukrainian heritage has quickly risen through the ranks, balancing racing with a part-time job and recent successes including the Wally Gimber Trophy and the Rás Mumhan in Ireland. His victory at the Tour of the Reservoir and previous strong performances underscore his potential as one of the UK’s prominent amateur talents. Looking ahead, Riwnyj is setting his sights on the British Road Championships in Ceredigion later this month, where he aims to improve on last year’s impressive 18th place finish in a field stacked with WorldTour professionals. Foran CT’s breakthrough win signals a new chapter for the team and highlights the increasing depth and competitiveness of British amateur cycling, suggesting that further notable results may be on the horizon for this spirited squad.