SotD wrote:
Too bad you are a british team, cause I would love to make deals with you after the amazing job you did on my shirt

Now that the team has been officially announced, everyone's attention turns to transfers, and which riders Cyclevox plan on snatching up. In an exclusive interview, team manager, Adam Freeman, gave fans an early insight into how the team will be comprised and constructed.

Whilst the team is based in Britain, and formed of British sponsors, team manager says he has no intentions to fill the line up with the union jack. He says that as a sport, cycling is international: "Anyone can ride a bike," he says, "even people from poorer countries in parts of south America, or Africa, and in fact parts of Europe- even they are still able to get a bike, and understand the freedom and thrill of cycling. That's what the team is to stand for. Cycling as an international language."

He also says that, if possible, he wouldn't give the team a nationality, speaking of football teams as an example. "Whilst not a fan of football, I know for a fact that my "home club" has little to no players from my home town. To name it after such is pointless. Similarly, I wouldn't call our team British. Yes, it is British-based. But not British to the core."

What riders exactly the team manager would be aiming for is unclear; though he did give hints that suggested he would be after fast, strong riders; and the kind who are brave enough to ride alone all day if need be.

Whilst little is known now, at least we know that Cyclevox will have a very international flavour, as the team enters the world stage of cycling.

There has also been word that the Team Manager has been in contact with several unsigned, British riders, to start getting the team up and running. Amidst these are Simon Richardson, Peter Williams and young Welshman, Rhys Lloyd. There has even been speculation of targeting Graham Briggs, or Scottish strongman, Evan Oliphant, should they become available through the transfer season.

Team manager explains desire for a strong Time-Trial contingent.
By Nick Adams

Earlier today, the manager of the Cyclevox team expressed his desire to have a strong contingent of well able strong men, who are fast against the clock.

When initially questioned about the type of team he would be formulating, Adam Freeman suggested he would be building a strong team for the flat races, and for sprint finishes, having already mentioned Graham Briggs and Evan Oliphant as potential candidates. Whilst it is unsure whether or not this is still the plan, a strong TT team would possibly be suitable support for such a squad.

"To win a sprint finish, you need to be at the very front," said the manager, earlier today, "a bunch of strongmen is great for that, as they are able to pull the pack along at incredible pace, to ensure no one escapes, or can get in front."

He continued to state that they are also "invaluable in Stage Races as well, and are able to take wins just as well as helping their leaders."

Some of the names which have been circulating with regards to such plans are Tom Southam, American Tim Duggan, and Lithuanian Time Trial champion Ignatas Konovalovas, formerly of the now defunct El Al - IDF team.


Meanwhile, other news has been circulating with regards to the team's insight into finding a stage racer to meet their needs; in particular, the team have been looking to Belgium and Holland, with names like Jurgen Van De Broeck and Ricardo Van De Velde in circulation, as well as young Frenchmen Romain Sicard. All three were signed to teams that are no longer continuing, though management suspects that there will be large competition for their talents.

felix_29 wrote:
Better write "edited by felix_29" as i just did some colour changes

3 Belgians announced as being possible targets.
By Nick Adams

Perhaps thus far, Cyclevox have been one of the more vocal teams about which riders they are aiming for; and it seems unlikely to change, as the team management announce 3 riders of interest, all from Belgium.

The first is 27 year old Kevin Pauwles. Currently a free agent, the team feel that he has talents which are possibly going to waste. His background in Cyclocross ensure that he has fantastic bike handling skills, and whilst maybe not the quickest up hills, his ability to ride rough terrain makes up for it somewhat, as does his fast finish.



The next rider spent the season riding for the Highroad - Tomtom team who, after finishing one spot from the bottom in the Continental Rankings, have dropped out. Maxime Vantomme, the 25 year old Belgian with a very strong sprint. His wage at his other team was fairly steep, at €450,000 and after a moderately successful season, finishing in 68th overall, it seems unlikely to drop much. However, the team believe with him on board, they'd have a great team leader for the sprints. As of yet, no other teams have expressed an interest in him; though it seems unlikely that there will be no challenge when trying to sign him.



The team's final target is a somewhat ambitious one, and management have already stated that it's unlikely they'll even get the possibility to sign him: Frederik Nolf. Currently riding for now renamed Festina - CONEC team; his management have expressed slight uncertainty regarding his results in the previous season. Whether this translates in the team not renewing his contract, or looking to exchange him is unclear. However, Cyclevox team manager, Adam Freeman, recognises the 24 year old's immense talent on the cobbles, and suggests he would be an invaluable asset to any team, whether as a leader, or helper.


The team have also looked to other nationalities for potential riders, including France, Denmark, Australia and even Argentina and South Africa; though have released no information regarding such as of yet.

Young Australians make team's Shortlist.
By Nick Adams

Further expressing their interest in global talent for the upcoming season, Cyclevox management today revealed that they'd been to Australia, in search of upcoming talent. For them, two names stood out.

The first, Timothy Roe, is still a U23 rider, but the team feel he has the chance to become somewhat of a great all-rounder. Making himself known as a very attacking rider, and a strong fighter in week long stage races, Cyclevox hope the young Aussie will show an interest in the team.



Also 22 years of age, Angus Morton has also been toted as a potential candidate for the team. Like Roe, Morton has shown to be a strong willed, attacking rider- and everyone at Cyclevox hope that he can develop into a great all-rounder, as the team grows.



However, whilst the team express an interest in these two, Team manager, Adam Freeman, also acknowledges that obtaining their talents may be difficult:
"This year, the Continental Division has a few Australian-based teams: namely Emu Export, who currently have [Cadel] Evans on their roster, as well as Red Bull, who have been sponsored by Jayco, too. Whether they'll be looking for young talent in their already-established teams is unclear.

"Of course, there's also the Oz Cycling Project, which will naturally be after talented Australians. Whether or not they'll be after these two is yet to be seen- though we highly doubt to be able to simply sign them up without any competition."