Season 2:
"Out with the old in with the new"
From now on Augantis will be known by there main sponsor, world renown, Wikipedia. The team will be American backed but will not forget the ties made with lithuanian cycling, under the aegis of the Augantis brand.
What to expect from Wikipedia in the coming season. I hear you ask?
Snazzy new outfits YES Attacking riding YES
But most importantly there will be a roster of 29 immense riders ready to ride.
The Team
The Leader:
The team will be spearheaded by American vet Levi Leipheimer. With a strong squad Wiki should hope to get invited to some major races, grand tours, (fingers crossed) where Levi can compete against the best over three weeks.
Goals for Levi:
- Top ten Tour de France
- No.1 Tour of California
- Become face of Wiki cycling
- Don't burn out before big races!
The Dark Horse:
Augantis possess a squad with proven riders such as Valjavec, Popovych and David Rebellin, so to highlight Mauro Finetto may be a bit odd. He only had one victory with Augantis and was often by the rear of the peloton. However, Wiki believe he has the skills to become a great classics rider, he has a great sprint coming on and has the ability to get over hills, when on form.
Goals for Mauro:
- Top 10 Milan-Sanremo
- Win two races
- Increase sprint quality
- Complete one grand tour
The Prospect:
At 25, Alex Howes is one of the youngest riders on the roster. Wiki have informed Howes, that there is no pressure on him to perform, hoping this tact will see him further develop. It will certainly be interesting to see if any results come from him in the coming season.
Goals for Howes:
- Ride in the Tour de France
- Multiple Top 10 finishes
- Develop multiple attributes
- 70 Days of racing complete
At the October 25 deadline Wiki had 29 riders signed for the season. But then a massive name rider became available, Wiki increased the budget and signed.............
SAMUEL SANCHEZ
After not signing a new contract with Euskadi, many people thought he had retired, however, he accepted a paycut and has signed with pro continental Wiki. His main goal will be the Vuelta, unlikely at this point if he will race the Tour.
The full squad (30):
Notes on other less known riders:
- Pawel Cieslik - 16th world championships 2012
- Mantas Bliakevicious- Lithuanian champ 2012
- Aivaras Baranauskas- Will retire at end of season
- Andy Jacques- Maynes- USA road champ
Edited by The Rider on 01-08-2012 12:35
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