Welcome to the HQ of Verkefnið Iceland, the first ever Icelandic continental cycling team. We will be racing in the Man-Game peleton for the 2015 season, and hope to promote Icelandic cycling and bring home some good results in the process.

For many years now, cycling has gripped the lives of Scandinavian people. The likes of Kristoff, Hushovd, Bäckstedt and Boasson Hagen have won races on the big stage and firmly embedded the ambition of cycling into the Scandinavian consciousness. However, so far this phenomenon has yet to spread to Iceland. It is understandable as to why, in many ways Iceland is isolated from Europe, a country of strongmen, who haven't yet fully embraced the bike.

However, this is about to change. Verkefnið Iceland translates as project Iceland. This is a project to develop cycling in Iceland over the next few years. Hopefully the current generation of Icelandic youths will be inspired by the achievements of the first fully professional Icelandic Cycling Team. We will race in Iceland and across the world, spreading our message and providing the catalyst for the development of Icelandic cycling talent.

In January 2015 the manager of the Verkefnið Iceland met with people behind Icelandic cycling, with the goal to scout out the finest Icelandic cycling talent, and bring them to the world's eyes. The next step was to secure backing, both from the UCI and sponsors. Early on we made the decision not to have any title sponsors on board. This made it much harder to find investment, but it also made it easier for us to promote Iceland, not just a brand. Instead, much of the team is paid for by crowd funding, from people all over the world who want Icelandic cycling to succeed. After many long weeks of waiting, we are proud to stand here today and announce the official launch of Verkefnið Iceland.

Like any good project, we have goals. For the short term, these are the same as any team, sign riders, win races, finish high in the standings. However unlike many other teams, we have goals which stretch long into the future, not just for the team, but for all of Iceland. Here they are:

The manager of Verkefnið Iceland is sad to say today that he will be unable to manage the team over the coming weekend. According to the man himself, he is particularly gutted, considering this is an important time for the team. If anyone wishes to contact him, he says he will reply when he is fully recovered.

The reason for this absence is an unexpected illness which started while out partying in Reykjavík on Friday Night. Perhaps unwisely, he chose to try some Hákarl. It turns out fermented shark meat is not for everyone, and can cause severe stomach upset in the unprepared. It estimated that the manager will be back to full fitness on Monday or Tuesday.