Dave Coulson, founder and manager of Cycling Sheffield, speaks to Cycling Weekly about his journey in the sport, his vision for the future of his team, and what drives him to innovate within the world of elite cycling.
Dave Coulson, a former semi-professional cyclist, is the driving force behind Cycling Sheffield—an elite development team based in South Yorkshire. The team competes at regional, national, and international levels, racing across the UK and Europe. One of Coulson’s most notable achievements is mentoring Connor Swift, now of Ineos Grenadiers and the current British National Gravel Champion, who is a graduate of Coulson’s program.
In a recent interview with Cycling Weekly, Coulson reflects on his cycling career, the evolution of his team, and what he envisions for its future.
A Lifelong Passion for Cycling
Coulson’s love for cycling began at an early age. “I’ve always liked bikes,” he says, recalling his childhood BMX racing days. By his mid-teens, he transitioned to road cycling, starting with his father’s bike. His first competitive race—a BMX event—took place in the early 1980s. Since then, cycling has been a central part of his life.
“I think I was one of those riders from my era who wasn’t destined for the big time, but I just enjoyed being a cyclist,” he explains. “It wasn’t about making it big—it was about the ride.”
European Racing Experience
Coulson spent several years racing and training in Europe, including stints in France and Italy. “It was very different back then,” he reflects. “A lot of talented riders would go to Europe, but many didn’t make it, though they probably would have now. The sport has changed a lot, particularly for British riders—there are far more opportunities today than when I started.”
Cycling Inspirations
When asked about his influences, Coulson mentions a few iconic figures from the sport. “The first rider I really liked was Lucho Herrera, the Colombian who won the King of the Mountains in the Tour de France. Then there was Marco Pantani, who had a tragic story that still resonates with me.”
However, Coulson is quick to add that as he’s grown older, his view of heroes in cycling has shifted. “At my age, you don’t really have heroes. They’re just riders who go fast,” he says.
The Birth of Cycling Sheffield
Cycling Sheffield was born out of necessity, following the loss of a title sponsor in the team’s third year. “We were on the verge of folding,” Coulson admits. “But I had this idea in my head—why not create a team that was rooted in Sheffield, supported entirely by local sponsors?”
The idea quickly gained traction after Coulson spoke with his wife and reached out to his remaining sponsors, who gave him the encouragement he needed to push forward. “Back then, I had the same ambitions I still have today: to run a good team, look after the riders, and help them develop,” he says. “It’s a tough sport, but it’s about making it enjoyable.”
Building a Sheffield Identity
Coulson’s vision for Cycling Sheffield is rooted in a deep connection to the city and its people. “We’re trying to build a team that has a profile not dissimilar to a football club—a team that the city can rally behind,” he explains.
He recalls a recent meeting with a potential new sponsor who had little knowledge of cycling but was drawn to the “Sheffield element” of the team. “It’s about promoting the city, the people, and the businesses that support us,” Coulson says. “This is how many small teams in Europe operate, and I believe it’s the best way to build a sustainable and viable team.”
Although the team is still growing and faces its challenges, Coulson is optimistic. “It’s not easy, but the Sheffield identity has helped capture people’s attention and make a real difference.”
Lessons in Team Management
As a team manager, Coulson has learned several key lessons over the years. “One of the biggest lessons is to not push myself too hard. I’ve learned to accept that I can only do so much,” he says. “Money certainly makes things easier, and cycling teams are no exception. We don’t always have the budget we’d like, but I do my best to make it work.”
Despite the challenges, Coulson believes in the importance of providing opportunities for the riders. “Even when the budget is tight, I try to make sure we’re doing everything we can for our riders. They’re the ones doing the hard work, and I just provide the opportunities.”
Proudest Moments and Future Success
Reflecting on his time running Cycling Sheffield, Coulson points to the team’s recent success as one of his proudest achievements. “This year has been huge for us—we’ve had a lot of success and solid results,” he says. “We’re really establishing ourselves as a great development team, and I’m proud of what we’ve built. Four of our riders are moving to French teams for next year, and I see that as a huge success.”
Coulson’s team is small, with just eight riders, but he is committed to their development. “All teams, except WorldTour teams, have a responsibility to develop riders,” he explains. “For us, that means helping young riders move up to bigger teams. We have new riders coming in next season, but that’s just part of the process.”
Looking Ahead to 2025
As for the future, Coulson plans to continue with the same strategy for 2025—flying the flag for Sheffield, supporting local sponsors, and helping riders progress. “Our racing program will remain strong, with a mix of European events, national series races, and under-23 races,” he says. “With just eight riders, it’s easier to give them enough racing opportunities. The goal is for them to have a full season of racing, learning, and achieving results.”
For Coulson, the key to the team’s continued success lies in providing consistent opportunities and focusing on rider development—while maintaining the strong Sheffield identity that has become the team’s hallmark.
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