Paragraph 1: Jenny Rissveds and the Rise of Team 31
Jenny Rissveds, the Swedish mountain biker who captured Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro in 2016, experienced a significant career disruption following her victory. Struggling with mental health challenges, she stepped away from the demanding world of professional sports. Her return in 2019 marked not just a comeback to competition, but also the embrace of a new philosophy with Team 31. This uniquely mission-driven team, named after Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, prioritized the long-term inspiration of young people over the relentless pursuit of results. It represented a conscious shift towards a more holistic and sustainable approach to athletic development, fostering a supportive environment where athletes could thrive both on and off the bike.
Paragraph 2: Team 31’s Impact and Rissveds’s Resurgence
Team 31’s approach proved remarkably effective. Rissveds, riding under their banner, experienced a resurgence in her career. At the Paris Olympics in 2024, she secured a bronze medal, a testament to her resilience and the team’s positive influence. Her success continued on the World Cup circuit, where she achieved multiple podium finishes, including a victory. This combination of Olympic success and consistent World Cup performance solidified Rissveds’s position as a top contender in the sport and validated Team 31’s unique philosophy. Their impact extended beyond Rissveds’s individual achievements, inspiring a new generation of cyclists and demonstrating the potential of a values-driven approach to competition.
Paragraph 3: The Unexpected Pause: Team 31’s Strategic Shift
Despite their successes, Team 31 recently announced a surprising pause in their World Cup endeavors. This decision, communicated via Instagram, signaled a significant shift in the team’s focus. Team manager Mats Pettersson explained the rationale behind the move, citing a combination of financial challenges and anticipated changes in the World Cup structure. The decision reflects the difficult realities of operating a professional cycling team, particularly in a rapidly evolving sporting landscape.
Paragraph 4: Financial Headwinds and World Cup Uncertainty
The team’s financial difficulties stemmed from a challenging sponsorship market and the non-renewal of a crucial three-year contract with a major sponsor. This loss of funding significantly impacted their ability to compete at the highest level. Compounding these financial pressures were impending changes to the World Cup format, creating further uncertainty. The planned restructuring aimed to create a more exclusive, elite-level competition, potentially pricing out smaller teams like Team 31. The absence of a robust feeder series below the World Cup level also raised concerns about the long-term development pathway for aspiring cyclists.
Paragraph 5: Rissveds’s Departure and the Future of Team 31
With all rider contracts expiring in 2024, and the team’s future in the World Cup uncertain, the riders were faced with a choice. Jenny Rissveds, seeking new challenges, decided to pursue opportunities with another team. While acknowledging the positive impact of her time with Team 31, Rissveds expressed her need for a change and a fresh start. Her departure, while a loss for Team 31, underscores the natural evolution of athletes’ careers and the constant pursuit of growth and new experiences. Team 31, while pausing its World Cup participation, remains committed to its core mission of nurturing young talent and promoting a healthy and supportive sporting environment.
Paragraph 6: A Return to Grassroots and the Hope for 2026
Team 31’s decision to pause its World Cup involvement represents a strategic refocusing on its foundational principles. The team plans to shift its efforts towards national-level youth development programs, creating a safe and supportive environment for young athletes to flourish. This renewed focus on grassroots development reinforces Team 31’s commitment to long-term athlete well-being and the holistic development of individuals, reaffirming the values that initially defined the team. While stepping away from the World Cup, Team 31 maintains its ambition to return to the international stage in 2026, contingent upon a more favorable and sustainable World Cup structure. This forward-looking approach demonstrates the team’s resilience and its enduring dedication to the sport of cycling and the well-being of its athletes.
