In a bid to boost their public image and in an attempt to give them worldwide recognition, Magners, under the leadership of a new CEO Sean O'Flaghterty, have announced today that they will be sponsoring a new Irish based cycling team.
This team, wishes to show off the very best of the Irish, hoping to sport several of the islands top names to drive the team right to the very top of the cycling world. To lead this operation, Sean has given the role of Sports Directeur to native born son, Neillster. Sean's comment on Neillster's appointment was to say that:
"I know that Neillster doesn't have very much experience leading a team on the scale with which we would hope to run Magners Pro Cycling Project, but we believe that as an irishman, he has the passion and dedication to make this team a huge success."
Speaking about the chance to run this squad, Neillster replied that whilst he was extremely excited to run this team, but he wouldn't be offset by patriotism and would only ever do what was best for the team.
Certainly, given that there are already 2 large irish teams already established, Neillster may well have a struggle on his hands to land any of the real irish talent on offer, so we'll have to watch and see how he gets on signing riders up to his cause.
Alongside Magners, Boardman cycles and Schrader electronics also signed along the dotted lines as minor sponsors, hoping to broaden the field, with Boardman cycles having influence in the rest of the UK whilst Schrader have operations sprouting across the globe. Both spoke of the great opportunity this was to get into the world of sport.
Team Jersey
Sean O'Flaghtery and Neillster were also extremely pleased to be able to unveil the teams new jersey today in advance of any riders actually signing for the team.
With the list of Pro-tour teams coming out shortly, Neillster is hopeful that this new project will catch the eye of the selectors and make it into the Pro Tour.
No Pro-Tour for Magners
With the list of Pro Tour teams announced today, one gaping omission was that of the Magners Pro Cycling Project, who have been consigned to the Continental tour. Speaking to Eurosport, Sports Director Neillster could barely contain his disappointment:
This will make a big difference to our aspirations over the next year, I won't deny it. Also given that the other 2 irish teams have both made it into the Pro Tour, it'll be near impossible for us to be able to land the quality irish riders we were hoping to, as they will most likely have been snatched up by the time we even get a look in.
However, looking forward, this is merely a minor setback, an extra hurdle that we shall have to overcome. We still intend to reach the pinnacle of cycling, and if it takes us an extra year, we're prepared to do the hard graft."
My name is Alex Fischer. I was born eighteen years ago in Aarhus, Denmark. When I was younger I was always playing football with my cousin Viktor, but at around the age of twelve I started to get more interested in cycling, so I joined a local amateur team and I had a great time racing with them. When I reached the age of eighteen I got many offers from professional teams and while I could have gone after Viktor, who signed a contract at AFC Ajax in The Netherlands, I was more enthusiastic about the offer from Magners Pro Cycling Project. We agreed upon a two-year contract, but I hope I can ride here for many years more.
While I won races on every terrain on amateur level, people always saw me as a puncheur. I love watching riders like Gilbert and Rodriguez and hope I can reach their level. My dreams are to win Liège-Bastogne-Liège and Il Lombardia.
I think that is enough about me for now. Like everyone, I am looking forward to the draft and to see which riders join me for next season.
Birth: 15. march 1981
Nationality: Belgium
Height: 174
Weight: 66 kg
Hello!
I am Max Detreute, and I will make my professional road cycling debut this year, for Magners ProCycling. They have lured my away from the world top in Cyclocross and onto the road. Though I am old, I feel that I have much potential because it is my first serious season, and I think I can get bigger results after some years in the game. Still I hope for some victories this season as well.
Background:
I was born in 1981 in Quebec, Canada, but my parents were both Belgian and I moved home at an early age. and I grew up in the Ardenne city of Maaseik, on the border to the Limburg province of Holland. Since I was a little boy I have always loved to climb the hills nearby. I started my career as a MTB rider at the age of 12, but I was involved in regional races also in Road. At the age of 17 I got my first CycloCross bike, and the love of my life was found. After 12 successdul years as a Cyclocross professional, I recently decided that it was the time to take the throne also at the Road.
Abilities:
As a Cyclocross rider I am familiar with hills, and I have the body and the complexion to ride good uphill. Also the high intensity in CX has made that I am also a good time triallist.
My biggest weakness is my wife, who demand much of my time, but also I am a weak sprinter. '
About Magners:
I really like the team, and I have already got along with many of my teammates. Thomas Dekker is a rider with about the same strengthes and weaknesses of myself, and I have been cycling several rides with him already. The other Belgians has also made a great first impression. I still don't know what I can do in my first season, so it is difficult to make any goals for the season, but I can hope I can help the spanish leaders in the harder races, and get my own chances in some smaller races.
The one rider on the team that I don't really like is the stupid Dane, Fischer or something. I feel that he is a hopeless idiot with a far two high opinion on himself. I hope he never will reach the level, that fat youngster.
The one rider on the team that I don't really like is the stupid Dane, Fischer or something. I feel that he is a hopeless idiot with a far two high opinion on himself. I hope he never will reach the level, that fat youngster.
