Russell Downing (born 23 August 1978) is an English former professional cyclist, who rode competitively between 1999 and 2019 for numerous teams, such as and . He is the younger brother of fellow cyclist Dean Downing, and both brothers competed largely on the UCI Continental Tour and in British Premier Calendar races. Career Downing was born into a bike racing family: as well as his older brother, his father was also a bicycle racer. He was also a talented football player, playing with Rotherham United F.C.'s under-16s team, but Downing was convinced to become a professional cyclist by Milk Race winner Chris Walker, who Downing trained with during his late teens. He was the winner of the British National Road Race Championships in 2005. In addition to his national championships, he was also successful in some multi-stage races. His biggest victories came in the 2010 Tour de Wallonie, a 2.HC class event, as well as the 2009 Tour of Ireland. For 2010 he signed a one-year contract with the new British Professional Team, , and became the first Briton to win a stage for the team, picking up a win in the Critérium International. His contract was renewed for a further year, for the 2011 season. In November 2011 it was announced that his contract was not being renewed for a third year and he would join the British Continental Team . Following the merger of Endura with Team NetApp Downing joined the squad for 2013. In September 2013 it was announced that Russell and Dean Downing would join the new team for 2014. Russell Downing signed for the team for the 2015 season, but returned to Britain with for the 2016 season. Major results Road 1997 2nd Road race, National Under-23 Road Championships 1998 Tour du Maroc 1st Stages 7 & 9 1999 3rd Road race, National Road Championships 2002 1st Buggenhout Kermesse 1st Boekhout Kermesse Tour de Brandenburge 1st Points classification 1st Stage 1 1st Stage 2 Circuit des Mines 5th Archer Grand Prix 2004 1st Overall Credit Union Ras Mumhan 1st Stages 2, 4 & 5 1st Havant International 1st Colne Grand Prix 1st Warwick Town Centre Circuit Race 1st East Yorkshire Classic 1st Stage 4 Circuit des Mines 1st Stage 1 Circuit des Plages Vendéennes 8th Archer Grand Prix 2005 1st Road race, National Road Championships 1st Havant International 1st Lincoln Grand Prix 1st Clitheroe Town