Rapha-Condor-Recycling Launch

Last night saw the launch of the new team that will take English cycling to this years olympics in Beijing, China and various races in the UK and Europe. The evening held at a restaurant in the Central London, showed the team kit and bikes that that will be worn and riden for this years events. A combination of the two strongest teams from last years British Cycling season, it is hoped that this super team will take on the opposition.

Speeches were made by each of the 3 sponsors (Rapha, Condor and funny enough, Recycling). These ranged from their interest in the cycling scene to the hopes and aspirations of this years lineup. The kit was also spoken about, the colours dictated by the 3 sponsors mains colours: Black, White and Pink. Despite sounding like an unlikely colour combination, the kit was tastefully designed. Although the team strip was rather 'retro', the bikes were not, hand-made full carbon Condor Leggero with DuraAce groupset all decked out in the team colours and reminiscent of the classic bike paint jobs of yesteryear.

The Team lineup itself, was a large 14 man squad, whose age averaged around 20. It being a young team, one of the aspirations was to encourage and develop the team to go onto larger international teams. Chris Newton, the UK's man of Beijing headlined the line-up and also
spoke about the year ahead.

Newton said that his commitments to his new team will "fit in well" with his Olympic preparation where he is expected to ride in both the team pursuit and the points race.

John Herety explained the decision to have a young team: "For the 2007 season the Recycling team (of which he was manager) was all about giving a platform to younger riders and this merger will allow us to further their development whilst at the same time allow us to be competitive both domestically and internationally."

Also present was guest of honour, Tour of Britain race director Mick Bennett, who said that the team were the first to be given a place on the country's national tour - which of course was received with spontaneous applause.

All in all a great launch with a good line-up. One that Britain is pinning a lot of hopes on for those shiny gold medals at the Olympic Games

Team roster

Team manager: John Herety

Riders: Chris Newton, Dean Downing, Kristian House, Graham Briggs, Ben Greenwood, Rob Partridge, Ryan Bonser, Dale Appleby, Matt Rowe, Simon Holt, Adam Bonser, Tom Diggle, Rhys Lloyd, Luke Rowe (junior).