After many great years in the sport, Wikipedia finally claimed the Pro Tour crown. Now, it faces an even bigger challenge of maintaining that level. Not only was the overall crown claimed, but Taylor Phinney added the individual title, winning the team’s first Grand Tour in the process with a hard-fought Giro win over mountain goat Angel Madrazo. Crucially, Tejay Van Garderen and Danny Summerhill made big contributions in the one day classes. The entire team consistently put in strong performances, and it will take a similar all-around effort to achieve the team’s goals going forward.
Our sponsors have signed back on for another season, impressed by the development of an American-focused team. With a young squad, there is great optimism for the next few years at Wikipedia.
2014 Goals
Management has laid out 5 major goals for the 2014 season, aimed at building on the team’s reputation on all terrains.
Top 5 team standings
Defending our crown will be tough, but a strong all-around performance is expected to be maintained.
Win Tour of California
After a year off, Taylor Phinney will head back to California to reclaim his crown. As we strive to be America’s premier cycling team, we have always targeted this race. Last year, a strong squad livened up the race, and this year, we’ll be all in for Taylor. Prior to last year, the team had claimed the crown for 4 straight years, twice with Dave Zabriskie, and twice with Taylor himself.
Top 5 Tour de France
Phinney will be skipping the lumpy Giro, which seems tailored for puncheurs, and instead making a return to the Tour de France. He sees the long early time trial as a chance to grab a yellow jersey. Competition will be fierce, but Phinney is confident that he can hold his own with the world’s best after fending off Angel Madrazo last year. The team is stronger than ever to support him, with some tipping Thibaut Pinot to be an ace in the hole for the team in mountain stages.
Top 10 Paris-Roubaix and Top 10 Ronde van Vlaanderen
Danny Summerhill has made tremendous progress in his time with the team and will continue to target top results in the northern classics.
American Core
Taylor Phinney, Tejay Van Garderen, and Danny Summerhill have been the heart and soul of this team since they came together to form the best collection of American talent in the peloton. They will not be leaving the team under any circumstances.
Secondary Leaders
These guys added the points that had been missing in previous seasons, giving us solid performances in races where our three American leaders were resting. Stefan Denifl provided a bone fide leader in mountainous stage races, easing the burden on Taylor Phinney. Matthew Goss provided great value and asserted himself well in spring finishes, providing results in one day races as well as individual stages. Both accepted what we felt were very fair wages to stay with the team, but could be on the move if the value is right.
Young Guns
Before the 2013 season, the team went on a spending spree looking to infuse the team with young talent with promise for the future. That future is now. Most of these riders will be retained, but a few will likely be allowed to move on to other opportunities so that the team can diversify and pursue new targets.
Thibaut Pinot
Kenny Elissonde
Andrew Talansky
Jay McCarthy
Travis Meyer
Reinhardt Janse Van Rensburg
Darwin Atapuma
Mikel Landa
Stelly Robert
Steady Veterans
These are our steady workhorses that bring some experience to the squad. Each has significant value on certain terrains, but Nick Kinney may be looking to take on a bigger role outside the Pro Tour where his strength on the hills can pay off.
Brent Bookwalter
Nick Kinney
Christoph Mai
Matthieu Spirck
If you have interest in any of these riders, please feel free to reach out with a PM once transfers open.
