One Pro Cycling, the team set up by the former England cricketer Matt Prior and a Yorkshire businessman Simon Chappell, have been granted a Pro Continental licence moving them into the second division of the sport.

Prior, the team’s chief executive, said: “We’re incredibly excited to finally have confirmation that One Pro Cycling will be racing on a Pro Conti licence in 2016.

“It’s been a whirlwind journey from when we initially decided to set up the team to then get to where we are now. As most people will know, we’re an ambitious team and after a strong debut season racing in Britain we were in no doubt of where we wanted to be next season.

“We’ve spent the last few months carefully selecting new riders to join the squad preparing us for what will be a huge step up. We have a great balance of talented up and coming riders who are hugely motivated to fulfil their potential, as well as experienced riders who have already tasted success at the top level. This mix of experience and youthful exuberance will stand us in good stead.

“It has been equally important for us to ensure we have the right performance and support staff in place creating a culture that will give us the best chance of success. The staff have been selected not only based on the skill they bring but also their character and outlook on the world of professional sport.”

The team’s general manager, Becky Frewing, said: “Plans are already in place for our first training camp in December and having overseen each of the new rider signings it will be very rewarding for all of us to finally see the whole team come together.”

The team have already been accepted into a number of UCI races across the world with a squad of 20 riders.

Pro Continental status, which is one level below Team Sky and the other World Tour squads, requires teams to meet the UCI’s ethical, financial and administrative criteria.