On October 19th 2012 news hit the cycling world that Rabobank , one of the most famous names in the peloton, would end their sponsorship of the professional cycling team following the Lance Armstrong revelations. Pro cycling would have to say good bye to the familiar blue, orange and white as the team were left waiting for what 2013 would bring.
I would like to introduce Blanco Pro Cycling Team. Blanco’s aim: to perform at the highest level, fairly, honestly and trustworthy. They are dedicated to playing a role in clean riding for the sport, the fans and the riders, transparently and passionately. The team boasts a plethora of talent that will be able to influence the greatest sport in the world, helping it to translate into a sport that can be enjoyed by all.
Blanco will make their debut at the Tour Down Under, bringing with them an excellent mixture of Australian and Dutch talent, ready to challenge in the sprints and lead in the climbs making their presence known in the peloton.
Jack Bobridge will lead the team in his home town of Adalaide. At 23 years old Jack has had numerous successes on both the track and the road. The former 2011 National Road Race Champion, World Individual Pursuit and Team Pursuit champion of 2011 and silver medalist at the 2012 Olympic games, Jack has an all-round talent that can be hard to come by.
Aussie sprinter and lead out man extraordinaire Mark Renshaw joins Jack ready to take on the bunch. Mainly known for his skills in helping Mark Cavendish to the finish line when riding for HTC, Mark has had a very successful career; winning stages in the Giro, Tour Down Under and Tour of Qatar amongst others. He brings his strength and talent on the bike to his homeland in the hopes of bringing a first win to the new team.
Another sprinter who has been recruited as part of the train to get Renshaw to the line is Australian born David Tanner. After a not so successful season with Saxo Bank, David has made the move to Blanco with the most important role; to support the top sprinters in the team.
As the new 2013 season quickly approaches the world will be watching for what Blanco has to offer. Following the aftermath of the Armstrong saga it is important that all teams are ready for a new kind of Pro cycling and for a team that was directly affected by the shake-up, Blanco will definitely be ready to show the world that they are here to stay.
Tour Down Under Team Roster:
Jack Bobridge (AUS)
Graeme Brown (AUS)
Wilco Kelderman (NED)
Mark Renshaw (AUS)
Tom-Jelte Slagter (NED)
David Tanner (AUS)
Maarten Tjallingii (NED)
