In the stylish surrounds of London’s Singapura restaurant, the Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk team was launched on 24 January 2008. Following the merger of two of the biggest names in British road racing of recent years, the team announced its goals and aspirations for the upcoming season in front of more than 200 people.
The team will field 14 riders, divided into two squads, and will compete in the British Premier Calendar series as well as aiming to make an impression on the international race scene. A key driving force behind the team is to cultivate new talent and provide the right environment for young riders to gain experience in competition with the world’s best.
As well as winning races the team is aiming to win hearts, bringing a genuine passion for the sport in the way it conducts itself. The team will set new standards for style and quality, and will be open and accessible. The focus of the race season will include the Tour of Britain, Tour of Ireland and the British Premier Calendar series in the UK, as well as Continental races.
Signings include Ben Greenwood, Chris Newton, winner of the British Premier Calendar and a former world champion on the track, Kristian House, who has already won the Premier Calendar once with the former Recycling.co.uk team and Dean Downing, winner of 11 major races last year.
Rapha’s Simon Mottram said: “It’s exciting times. We’ve got an even better platform to put together a team which will communicate what racing is about and bring it to a much bigger audience, and try and bring that new spirit of racing throughout the UK across the season. And if we can do it while winning races then so much the better.”
Recycling’s Charlie Jackson said: “Last year was very much a development year, and this year is very much a year for Chris (Newton), and his development towards the Olympics and world championships. One of the things I like about Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk riders code is that it’s all about racing, and racing well. We believe in racing honestly.”
Condor’s Grant Young said:”Condor’s ethos is a simple one, to provide the finest products and offer the highest level of customer service. This ethos has helped us well over the 60 years and the company has gone form strength to strength. I believe this year’s merger will produce the most exciting team this country has seen for a long time. I have no doubt we will achieve great things this season.”
Bringing a wealth of experience as both a racer and manager, John Herety and his commitment and professionalism are key driving forces behind the team. “The race programme has been built around the fact that we’re a Continental team, so we have to ride some Continental races. But with the young element of the team as well, and the success of the premier calendar series in the UK, we need to support both the international scene and the premier calendars.”
Magicalia Media will soon launch the Rapha Condor Recycling.co.uk team website, which will feature profiles of the team riders, features from behind the scenes, race reports, event calendar, daily blogs, columns and much more.
