Pro Announces Polygon Factory Racing Is "No Longer Continuing"
Polygon Bikes has joined the ranks of companies forced to shut down their racing programs coming into the 2024 season. This move has left yet another wash of riders without sponsors uncomfortably close to the start of next year's race season.
Matt Stuttard is one of those left in the lurch. He took to Instagram to post an open call to any team willing to take him on for the upcoming race season. Here is his post below.
"*Not a post I wanted to write BUT here we are! With the 2024 season fast approaching I am left without a ride & it is looking uncertain for me to compete at World Level without the correct backing!
Unfortunately @polygonfactoryracing is no longer continuing as a race team, but I take this time to thank all that have put their time & efforts into the past 2 years on this great journey! It has been a pleasure @polygonbikes / @polygonfactoryracing and all team partners.
What the future holds for me isn’t very clear as of yet but we will keep on smiling. Please drop a comment & share it far & wide to get the word out there, would be greatly appreciated. if you are a company/brand that is or isn’t in the industry and would like to help out? Drop me a message or email" - Matt Stuttard via Instagram
For context, Matt is a two-time British national champion racer and consistent competitor on the world stage in Enduro. This post goes to show how unstable the racing world is at the moment with teams folding and true elite-level riders being left empty-handed.
It is alarming that riders like Matt are being left without support and wondering if they will be able to compete in 2024. Yes, racing is a luxury for most bike manufacturers, but on the flip side, it is the livelihood of the racers. This is their job and to see riders being left wondering if they will have employment next year is unsettling.
It does not bode well for the future of the sport we love.
We hope Matt and all the other riders in his position can find a soft landing for 2024 amidst these strange times we are in.
Related: Video: Privateer Life in Lockdown with Matt Stuttard
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