Currently I'm racing in Austria, where I already had a good race and was 16th in the GC. When I joined the break in the next stage, with finish up Sonntagberg, I had never expected to be in the succesful break. When I reached the finish line and raised my arms, I realized I had just taken my nicest victory of all time. I want to thank mister Luttenberger for giving me this opportunity in his home country.
We were geniunely on the edge of our seats during the stage. Congratulations from the entire staff of NetApp Endura to this great victory, Ioannis.
As a gesture of gratitude and reward, our main sponsor NetApp has promised to help further your initiative in your greek homeland, by offering additional bikes and NetApp jerseys to young kids.
Transfer Talk
Apparently the transfer talks are open now for our EPIC youngsters. NetApp Endura has ever since its foundation remained as a harbor for young talent, and wants to offer similiar quality in the future too.
A sign of this quality is the fact that with Ioannis Dimitriou, recently the third EPIC rider in our team has achieved a stage win. We live for the success of our young guns here at NetApp Endura and we are eager to ensure the best enviroment to unfold your potential.
We understand that for top level EPIC youngsters, NetApp Endura - as Pro Continental Team - might not be the best option. Our stage racing consists of a deck full of wild cards, man eager to join and create breakaways. We are missing the big races and arn't a World Tour team. But in return, we like to give riders a chance. As such, and in conclusion, NetApp Endura is interested in keeping their young talents, primarily 18 to 19 year olds, and hiring additional young, active talent.
Leopold König to leave NetApp Endura?
Another pit of news noteworthy is Leopold König's recent claim of possibly looking for a new (World Tour) team in case he achieves the Top 10 goal at the Vuelta.
König has delivered some great results the past months and years, and has developed under Peter Luttenberger's guidance to a true dark horse for the contention in Stage Races. However with König's rapid rise to such heights, it will be difficult for NetApp Endura to hold him.
Thus one thing is certain; If König delivers in Spain, the vultures will circle around NetApp Endura's brightest gem in the upcoming transfer period.
Edited by Shonak on 12-08-2014 11:20
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Another pit of news noteworthy is Leopold König's recent claim of possibly looking for a new (World Tour) team in case he achieves the Top 10 goal at the Vuelta.
König has delivered some great results the past months and years, and has developed under Peter Luttenberger's guidance to a true dark horse for the contention in Stage Races. However with König's rapid rise to such heights, it will be difficult for NetApp Endura to hold him.
Thus one thing is certain; If König delivers in Spain, the vultures will circle around NetApp Endura's brightest gem in the upcoming transfer period.
I'm just waiting for Orica asking about him Edited by Silvio Herklotz on 12-08-2014 12:56
Let's see how the season pans out, but I think it's understandable considering König's real career and his move to World Tour. EPIC König is around that level too by now. So just thought I'd throw that out there, nothing decided yet of course.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
EPIC Transfer: About Vacansoleil…
The transfer season has already started, albeit only for EPIC youngsters, and things are crazy for Peter Luttenberger right now. “I constantly hang on the phone and have to write emails. Nobody told me I had to do that stuff”, he complains. “Why did I employ a hot chick and a useless Journalist X when all they do is ride their bike and check news websites?!” However, there are also parts he loves. Like getting to know new riders.
Looking at the almost dismantlement of Vacansoleil-DMC, Luttenberger has confirmed that he set his eyes on riders such as Thomas De Gendt, Johnny Hoogerland, Wout Poels & Lieuwe Westra for the future draft season. "If Vacansoleil doesn't make it to next year, yes; then we want them. But it's still open whether what happens to them." On the other hand, he does not think that he can afford Juan Antonio Flecha, his awesomeness just might explode NetApp Endura’s transfer budget.
“It’s still too early to say anything, but yeah, I’d like to give many of those guys a new home in case Vacansoleil won’t make it to next year.”
“NetApp Endura is very much an international team and adding some talent from Netherlands and Belgium, it’s just another step towards that. Of course I’d also love to sign some german and british talents for my sponsors.”
When asked about his EPIC youngster under his guidance, Luttenberger nods happy his head and confirms that some deals are almost done. “I have come to appreciate those boys and I want to give them the best place to develop. When they stand on the top steps in future years, be it either in NetApp’s jersey or some other team’s, I hope they remember NetApp Endura as part of being their foundation.”
Edited by Shonak on 12-08-2014 17:41
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
For NetApp Endura, it has been a vital start of the transfer season and so far, things are looking great, as the team can announce the resigning & contract extension of 4 key EPIC youngsters.
Ioannis Dimitriou, recent stage winner at Tour of Austria, Jose Alberto Juarez, youngest mexican TT & Road Race champion, Heimdal Hägg, breakaway-ist extraordinaire, and Dermot Walker, future Poster Boy of Endura Clothing, have all four resigned with EPIC NetApp Endura.
Each of their respective contracts runs for TWO FULL YEARS, giving those EPIC youngsters enough time to build up their development in a safe environment, as well as granting NetApp Endura comfortable planning in future years.
Each contract includes a clause though that allows for a termination of the contract should either teammanager or rider go inactive in those two EPIC seasons.
Peter Luttenberger was most eager to keep his count of impressive talent at NetApp Endura, lying the foundation for a better tomorrow in cycling.
Though those 4 riders are still very young (3 at 18 years, Dimitriou at 21), their talents are easily spotted. Since they see NetApp Endura HQ as their home, the conclusion of a resignation has been mutually most welcomed by both parties.
"Looking at their age and their potential, we'd like to see them grow into their roles as future leaders and stars of the sport. Be it either at NetApp Endura in the future or at another team at one point."
For now however, all four of them will continue riding for NetApp Endura, somtimes in domestique roles, but with the opportunitiy for a breakaway any day of the week. After all, that is what NetApp Endura is all about at the end of the day: Exciting racing and the love to the bike.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
I've enjoyed my time here at NetApp - Endura a lot this year so when it came down to contract extension talks, there really was nothing to it. I was delighted to be repaid for my efforts by the manager, who has assured me two more years here to develop with little pressure.
There were no conditions as such, just that I might be able to have a friend or two join the team and that I signed an exclusive rights deal with Endura to be the face (and thighs) of their products, which is great for me.
Now I can concentrate purely on my racing, starting in Wallonie in a couple of weeks time before I come back home for RideLondon, which should be a great experience. I have a few races between now and October to show that I deserve to be the lead sprinter next year, so let's see what I can do.
Dermot
Manager of Bunzl - Centrica
ICL's World Tour Champions and Talented Bottlers
Whilst the entire cycling world is paying attention to France, a little german team is effective working for their 2014 squad roster.
As a result of this, NetApp Endura is proud to announce its two newest additions come the next season. With those two new arrivals, the roster of potential EPIC youngster is full and earlier than any other team, NetApp Endura is now able to concentrate on its racing for this season and later play its card in the 'normal' transfer period.
First comes Thomas Schwabe, a new signing, having previously raced under Cofidis flag. The young stage racer from Germany has been heralded as the next Jan Ullrich, mostly by himself. To contradict his critics, who may describe him all too eagerly, as an "ewiges Talent", he has joined NetApp Endura in order to further enhance his development & soon achieve the great things that everybody expect of him. As a german cyclist and one of the hottest prospects in EPIC cycling, NetApp Endura is proud to be his home for the next year. He will have a free role in many of his races, making him a valuable asset both for breakaway attempts as well as stage wins. And maybe one or the other youth jersey finds its way to us too.
Additionally, the team is proud to present Mathias Von Triesenberg as the next and last signing. Peter Luttenberger is especially excited about this talent, since he had his eyes early on him, ever since taking charge of NetApp Endura. Peter spent many nights on his villa, drinking his home-made wine, lamenting about the wasted situation of Von Triesenberg at IAM, "such a talent", he used to say drunk, "and no manager to guide him...".
Right now, Von Triesenberg is still riding for IAM, and certainly he is excited to change to a more active team for next season. Seeing Von Triesenberg as the next PhilBear, hopes are certainly high for the young man from Liechtenstein. And with his talent for hills, high speeds and rough terrain, this might be just the ideal man for future challenges for NetApp Endura.
However all in due time; for now, rest assured, that Von Triesenberg will have good enviroment to develop here and most importantly, fall back in love with cycling again - something he may have lost at his stay at IAM.
Since our roster of EPIC talents is now full, we also have to regretfully let go of Mitchell Birt. Certainly demonstrating his talents in Austria right now, we are sure he will find a suitable team for next season in no-time. With his big ambitions for Grand Tours in the past we felt though that NetApp Endura won't be the best place for him in the coming years.
This concludes NetApp Endura press release. Future stuff will come at some point... I guess.
Edited by Shonak on 14-08-2014 21:11
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
So, it is official now. I signed with NetApp.
Before I want to say anything to all my fanboys around, I want to congratulate Lutte [Peter Luttenberger]. He has made a great signing and he will surely enjoy the output of it. And I am sure the sponsor will be very pleased, too.
People out there might ask why I wanted to change my environment. Well, it wasn't a secret that I could not talk anymore with my team manager. He just ignored me all the time and did not give me any support like every normal DS would have done with a similar diamond.
He did not give me a good schedule, did not used me as leader and totally underestimated me all the time. In total, he was like a empty bottle of wine. If you want to get something from him, it is a waste of time as you cannot get anything.
I hope that these things change now. I will have a competent manager that can change things to the better side. A manager that cares about his riders. And a manager that does not speak with that fucking french accent! I cannot hear it anymore! It sounds more like drunk aliens that try to hypnotise each other...
However, this chapter is over soon and I will get the propability to show out to every one that I am the real deal and not one overhyped youngster that did not proved himself at any point.
Österreich Rundfahrt: First season goal about to be completed
It's not over yet, but with only one very flat stage, heading towards Austria's capitol city Vienna, the Österreich Rundfahrt is about to be finished. For NetApp Endura, it's time to wrap up.
The team went into this race with the easy goal of getting a Top 15 result, and with a huge pile up of U25 riders in the race, Mitchell Birt prevailed stunningly. He was riding a clever race up to the mountains of Kühtai and Kitzbühler Horn, and finished 6th in the TT. The same ranking will be presumably his final place in the GC. A great performance, worthy of celebrating our first completed goal of this late season half.
With the transfer season, certainly looming brightly over all our heads, it's notable that NetApp Endura did not prolong Birt's contract as you may heard. Surely however, with such results, Birt does not have to wait for long to sign a new contract.
However, there were other moments to cherish for us too. Ioannis Dimitriou for example went into the breakaway and to the surprise of many, yet not ours, the young Greek climbing specialist delivered on top of the Sonntagberg. His first stage win is the result of daring riding and great class. Once again, congratulations to you Ioannis. It's also worth noting that this is the 3rd EPIC rider to have won a stage at NetApp Endura in his first year. Talk about youth development!
One last mention goes to Juan Alberto Juarez. Our young mexican National Champion from the other side of the ocean has confirmed the trust we put in him for resigning, by delivering a 17th place in the (flat) TT. It will be exciting to see more of him in the future!
Final Rankings will be included once Stage 8 has been raced.
Edited by Shonak on 18-08-2014 12:50
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Another pit of news noteworthy is Leopold König's recent claim of possibly looking for a new (World Tour) team in case he achieves the Top 10 goal at the Vuelta.
König has delivered some great results the past months and years, and has developed under Peter Luttenberger's guidance to a true dark horse for the contention in Stage Races. However with König's rapid rise to such heights, it will be difficult for NetApp Endura to hold him.
Thus one thing is certain; If König delivers in Spain, the vultures will circle around NetApp Endura's brightest gem in the upcoming transfer period.
Mathias Von Triesenberg, Ioannis Dimitriou & Jose Alberto Juarez please announce your signing with NetApp Endura in this following thread.
Some racing is going on lately, though not much to report on for NetApp Endura. Oh, there was also the biggest race of the season, which NetApp Endura of course wasn't part of. It was won by Chris Froome ahead of Quintana and Nibali. NetApp Endura's former archrival & now best bud Chris Horner achieved 6th place, so only imagine what could have happened if Leopod König had started this race? His time will come at Vuelta though!
Edited by Shonak on 18-09-2014 11:27
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
Hello all Net-App fans out there, remember me?
Not too long ago I finished 8th in the GC of the Osterreich-Rundfahrt as well as taking multiple Top 10s including 6th in the TT which resulted in the team achieving its easy goal, but a goal is a goal. I feel in great form going into the biggest race of my season. This race is....
LA VUELTA 2013
I joined Net-App earlier in the season and they promised I would ride in it and very soon I will join the team in Spain which includes the great Konig who I worked with in California, so thank you very much for holding your promise Mr Luttenberger.
I have multiple goals in Spain, a team goal and a few personal goals. The team goal is to help Konig achieve the Top 10 in the GC that the team seems to very much want. My personal goal's are to finish in the Top 20 of the GC, if not better, to be the top finishing EPIC rider and to win at least one stage. Hopefully all of this can be achieved and the next time you see me hopefully I'll be on the top step of a podium.
