Eastwood Hall conference centre and hotel in Nottingham, the home of Raleigh hosted the launch of the new professional team for 2010, Team Raleigh.
The team presentation was part of Raleigh’s annual product launch and saw Mark Gouldthorp, Managing Director of Raleigh commence the evening with a speech to the packed audience of cycle retailers and team sponsors, about the company’s marketing objectives for 2010, primarily focusing on how the new team of top riders will take the Raleigh name into the public domain and enhance it as the greatest name in cycling through cycle sport.
David Duffield, a legendary name in the world of cycling TV commentary and a past employee of Raleigh conducted the team launch, his opening speech detailing Raleigh’s impressive history in the sport. Chris Truett then introduced the 2010 riders who rode in astride their Raleigh Avanti Team bikes and lined up on the stage in the new kit which combines a modern look with a hint of the old Raleigh heritage.
The team stood proudly before David Duffield as he interviewed team leader Dan Fleeman, and the two international riders, Peter Smith of Australia and Julian Rammler of Germany.
The experienced team made up of 10 riders will be competitive in all areas in 2010, starting out with a UK program in year 1 with a plan to grow the team and compete at the very highest level of the sport in the future.
There will be more information to follow from the team in the coming weeks as they begin their journey in Mallorca in February for a two-week training camp and then start their domestic calendar for their racing.
