Metaltek-Kuota will be one of the five teams that form part of British Cycling’s new Elite National ranking for 2014, it was confirmed today.

They join Catford CC/Equipe Banks, Starley-Primal, Haribo-Beacon and Wheelbase Altura-MGD, who were awarded such status in February.

This new tier, which is aimed at teams who sit below Britain’s five UCI Continental-ranked squads and higher than club teams, was launched by BC at the end of 2013.

Elite National teams will qualify to be included in the rankings of the Elite Road Series, the rebranded Premier Calendar, which begins with the two-day Tour of the Reservoir this weekend.

Team manager David Povall, who joined Metaltek following the collapse of UK Youth at the end of 2013, said: “To be included within the British Cycling Elite National Teams is really a statement of intent. It’s a commitment of support of the British Cycling National series of both road and criterium racing – also that the team aim to develop, becoming more professional and successful in a structured, manageable way.

“We lost our financial sponsor [transport and logistics specialist Knights of Old] in January, having been reassured of their support. Without the unwavering support and enthusiasm Metaltek’s Andy Swain and Kuota UK / GSG Clothing distributors – DHW Agencies – we’d probably not have got this far!

“That said, we are still actively seeking the financial support required to take the team to the next level; applying the knowledge and experience I have from building Team UK Youth.”