Over at Pure Black - Genesys, the public have been proven right. They said the team would most likely draft Australian superstar, Cadel Evans, and they were correct, with the team officially announcing the signature this morning.
Always the way with drafts however, the teams public following no longer wants to know about Evans, but their next signing.
"All I can say is that you can never have too much talent, and we do need to expand our horizons somewhat. I can't imagine a team full of Australians, New Zealanders and 1 Frenchman doing any good at this point of time.
With the team Pure Black - Genesys taking a very Australiasian approach to the draft, rumour has it that Sylvain Chavanel, the teams first, and biggest, signing so far, will remain the teams only international rider. However, a new quote from the manager has decided otherwise.
"I can neither confirm nor deny this claim, but i will say tthat Sylvain may be joined by other international riders, but at this point in time, it is looking increasingly likely he will be the only French native on the team."
With the team having the first pick for this new round, and having to restrict their drafting to Under 23 riders from a different region, the teams selection remains larger than most. It is not yet know whether the pick will come from Europe, Asia or the America's, but needless to say, with their first pick, it should bea great talent with reasonable successes and a log way to develop. The only certainty; They are not from France.
It has been confirmed that the rider signed by Pure Black - Genesys for this round is Taylor Phinney. Touted as one of the most promising riders of the new generation, Phinney can Time Trial, sprint and even cobble. He is a former Under 23 time trial world champion and also placed (equal) third in the road race that same year. Big things are expected from this youngster, and we wish him the best with his future at the team.
According to insiders, Pure Black - Genesys couldn't wait for another draftee and have been chasing up and coming talents. Rumours have it that they are very interested in 2 (very different) riders. One is a sprinter from New Zealand, while the other is a Puncheur out of Hungary.
Will the team take the Kiwi for a ride? Or are they Hungry () for the puncheurs talents?
Just in, is that Pure Black - Genesys have formally announced the signing of young Hungarian Puncheur Peter Pal. Being only 22 years of age, and being a team member on an International World Tour team is a big step into the world of cycling for the youngster. Although he agreed it was a daunting prospect, he was adamant the experience and development heavily outweighed the nervousness and insecurity.
No official statement has come from either the team or rider, but it only a matter of time. We'll keep you posted on this new signing and the teams drafting season.
Hot off the press, it has been confirmed that Pure Black - Genesys has in fact released their brand-new team kit to the public. Relying heavily on the Pure Black Racing side of things, many blacks and greys are used, with just a hint of Orange from the Genesys side of the team. It has been described as 'eye-catching, but with the up-most class'.
Jersey designer Miggi has outdone himself with this recent jersey, and the team will look great.
It's been a great few days for Pure Black - Genesys, as they confirmed the signings of 2 very respected members of the pro peloton. Both have immense amounts of experience, horsepower and will, and are most welcome here.
David Millar, one of the most experienced riders on the road, will captain the majority of races. Thor Hushovd, one of the strongest riders within the peloton, will assist, and possibly lead, the Northern Classics races, as well as leading some smaller Sprint races and Small Stage Races.
The team is starting to look much more complete, however, they still lack a few dedicated roles. Namely a supporting climber for Cadel Evans, a back-up/reserve stage racer, and Matthew Goss' lead-out. We will have to wait and see what happens.
With everyone's Christmas and New Years breaks coming to an end, and as the team slowely begin to show up for work, there have been a few members of the team continuing on with the drafting season.
We've missed a bit of action, so lets recap.
Since the signings of Ten Dam and Peter Pal, the team has since signed 5 very competent and willing riders that have really strengthened the teams sprint train.
Firstly, 2 Australian's joined the team. Ace Lead-Out man, Mark Renshaw has joined after a 'very heated debate with Cav' as he put it, and has one goal and mission
Win! (By Leading Out Goss)
Joining him from Down Under is Leigh Howard. The young sprinter has enjoyed success on the track, and translated this to the road when he claimed a Stage of the Tour of Qatar, against much more establised and set-up competitors such as Tyler Farrar.
Next, we have Hayden Roulston and Julian Dean, both bringing immense experience to the team within their own discipline. Hayden will compete in most Cobbled races, and be the team captain, providing advice and tactics on the road. The same goes for Julian, however, he will focus more on the flatter, sprinter orientated races. Not only will he be the team's captain in the run in to the line, he will most likely be the final man before Mark and Matt do their thing.
Finally, seeing as their are 4 of them, no team will be complete without one of them, but joining us from the Netherlands is Dutch sensation Michael Kreder. One of 4 brothers, he can sprint. Aaaand, he can climb. Watch out for him in uphill sprints or to get in to powerful breaks when the going gets tough.
It remains to be seen what the team will do as the draft progresses, but one can only guess Australian or New Zealand sprinters.
Edited by Pinktay3 on 08-01-2013 09:57
After a short break to focus on the team's draftee's, we are back. First things first though. We would like to introduce to you all our new signings. Once again the team has stressed the sprinting aspect, confirming 4 riders out of the new 6 are indeed sprinters.
Jonathon Cantwell joins the team from the Gold Coast. A very capable sprinter, he can ride reasonably on the flats, yet can only really climb small hills. His role within the team will be a part of the lead-out team for the larger races, but if he chooses to participate in smaller races, he may be given the change to take a stage for himself.
Hailing from a similar background as Johnny, Josh England, a New Zealand up-and-coming sprinter, is a household name in his native region. He's competed at the Professional level in all the major Domestic New Zealand races, and quite regularly mixes it in with the nations top sprinters. He's not much of a climber, but with plenty of room to develop, he's a great asset to the team.
Another local boy, James Williamson, a young upstart sprinter adds an extra little something to the sprint train. Like Joshy, he can sprint, and although he doesn't have quite the same top speed, he can get of the mark a little quicker, making a good early lead-out man. Perhaps you'll see the pair helping out the more senior sprinters in the smaller Continental races as they develop into (hopefully) world class riders.
Finally, we are extremely proud to announce the signing of yet another Kreder brother. This time we welcome Raymond to the team. Not quite the same developed rider as his older brother, Raymond still has many merits of his own. A fine sprinter, he can blow away the majority of sprinters on a climb, except maybe his brother. And Thor. And Matty Goss. But they all ride for the same team...
AS for the rest of the team, its all fine and dandy to have a sprinters team in maybe the Continental ranks or even the Pro Conti levels, but to survive in the World Tour, you do need some support. The team has built up rather well in this aspect, with Evans and Ten Dam being there for the big climbs, Chavanel, Hushovd, Phinney and Roulston to work on the Cobbles, Millar and again Chavanel and Phinney for time trials. With aim's on GT's though, and such a small climbing squad, we want every opportunity to get our leaders into the best position, so focusing on TTT's are rather important.
Tom Zirbel of the United States joins us for that extra time trial firepower. The 3 time Silver Medalist at the USPRO Time Trial Championships, brings great strength and experience to the team, and along with Dave Millar, will lead the team on the road.
The team's final recent signing is New Zealand all-rounder Glen Alan Chadwick. The puncheur's only visible weakness is on the cobblestones, as there aren't to many in is native country. The final piece of a climbing puzzle, Glen joins to help our only other true puncheur in races for the much harder races. Chavanel and Chadwick should compliment each other well, with both being strong riders and both being fluent in French (Chavanel for obvious reasons, and Chadwick because he spent 3 years there as a Junior racing amateur races).
The team has now successfully completed their Natinalism bonus for Secondary Sponsor; Australia (10% of squad), and has completed their bonus for Main Sponsor; New Zealand. With only 5 riders left to get their Nationality; New Zealand bonus, and only 9 rounds left, things might get a bit close...
With the end of the drafting season within reach, Pure Black - Genesys has altered their tactics a bit. They have stayed with a predominately New Zealand focus, with 4 of the 6 newest signings coming from the teams home country, however, they have seeker climbers from other areas of the world. Miguel Rubiano joins the team from Columbia, with fantastic ability in the hills, and ability and prowess in the mountains and in backing up again the next day. He will be in a mostly domestique role for Cadel and Laurens, but could take opportunities in the Conti Races.
Adding more New Zealand cyclists to the team was never a question. Recent signings include sprinters Roman Van Uden and Joseph Cooper, power rider Shem Rodger, and the biggest talent in New Zealand at the moment, Michael Torckler. The budding climber is a natural in anything that goes up, so watch out for him in a few years.
Edited by Pinktay3 on 15-01-2013 21:22
