A decision on the future of Trek Drops cycling team is expected to be made over the next few days.

The professional women’s team, which features leading Isle of Man duo Lizzie Holden and Anna Christian, faces an uncertain future after it emerged recently that its main sponsor for 2019 had pulled the plug on the deal.

With the start of the season only weeks away, this left the UK-based outfit facing an uphill struggle to secure financial backing, therefore they turned their attentions to crowdfunding.

Via www.indiegogo.com the team have managed to attract more than £25,000 in pledged money, which equates to 10 per cent of their £250,000 target.

Speaking to Cycling News last week Trek Drops co-owner Tom Varney confirmed that the team have been given an extended deadline of November 27 to get everything together before a decision needs to be made.

For the time being, Lizzie is trying to remain upbeat about next season and remains focussed on her preparations for the 2019 campaign.

’Sadly, on October 29, the title sponsor for 2019 pulled out of the deal. This is very last minute for a cycling team as the race season tends to start in January for most teams.

’So obviously it is a very stressful time not only for the riders, but for the managers of the team - Bob and Tom Varney - this is completely out of their control.

’Both Anna and I had recently signed contracts for 2019 with the title sponsors’ agreement from back in August. The sponsor had signed a letter of agreement with the team for the following season so obviously this was pretty unexpected.

’Everything else is in place (bikes, equipment etc) so it’s a huge blow for the team to have a sponsor pull the plug at this stage of the year, leaving a £250k budget shortfall.

’At this stage most UCI World Tour team rosters are full but there’s still hope that Drops can put something together and the team has been registered with the UCI for 2019.

’For me Drops has been a great place to develop over the last two years, racing at the highest level possible on the road and no pressure for results with a clear focus on improvement.

’2019 is my last year racing at under-23 level so I am motivated for u23 European road race selections and road world championship selections.

’I was also hoping to improve results in the European WorldTour races. I am still really focused on this but I will have to wait and see what my race programme looks like.

’Since the news came out, Tom and Bob have been onto different sponsors everywhere and anywhere in the hope they can find someone who can hopefully step in with the financial support required.

’The riders have even been putting people in contact for them, which shows that we’re all still working together.

’The team has also set up a crowdfunding, with different options of support. I think this is the last thing they wanted to do, but we aren’t left with much choice at this stage.

’If anyone thinks they’d be interested in helping out, they can head to https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/be-part-of-drops-cycling-team or contact the Drops team management directly via email [email protected] or [email protected]

’Obviously it’s pretty daunting and very sudden news, but we’re keeping positive and hopefully we’ll be racing across the globe in 2019.’