As the 2012 cycling season approaches, new Omega Pharma - Quick Step sports director Brian Holm says three squads should have a major impact on the season. These three ‘super teams’, BMC Racing Team, RadioShack-Nissan and Sky Procycling have all made considerable changes to its line up next year and, according to Holm, should dominate the sport.
“There is no doubt that next year we are faced with three super teams: BMC, RadioShack-Nissan and Sky, which has a lot to live up to and immediately looks to have created the basis for being able to do it,” Holm told Politiken.dk
The BMC Racing team started out small, racing predominantly in the United States but has had annual growth, culminating in the sports top prize this year, Tour de France victory with Cadel Evans.
“BMC has already bought in, as if money does not play the slightest role. Not only has the team now the defending Tour de France winner Cadel Evans, but also the Belgian Philippe Gilbert and the Norwegian Thor Hushovd. Both are candidates for the points competition in the Tour.”
Along with Gilbert and Hushovd, the team has also acquired the services of Marco Pinotti, Tejay Van Garderen (both HTC-Highroad), Adam Blythe (Omega Pharma-Lotto) and Steve Cummings (Sky).
Team RadioShack and Leopard Trek have joined forces and sponsors and will have a roster that includes accomplished riders such as Andy and Frank Schleck, Fabian Cancellara, Chris Horner and Andreas Kloden.
“RadioShack-Nissan is, as I see it, is very much dependent on success in the big tours. Otherwise, it can quickly evolve into a bit of a downer as was the case this year as, as far as I understand, [financial backer Flavio] Becca already voiced his discontent when suddenly it appeared impossible to reach the very top of the Tour.”
Mark Cavendish, a rider Holm knows well, will move to Sky Procycling. The two men have worked together at the outgoing HTC-Highroad the past few years.
“Sky has secured a guarantee of victory in Mark Cavendish, and during the Tour de France that makes the team strong. It would surprise me greatly if Mark did not strike again with stage wins in the Tour and that therefore eases the pressure so Bradley Wiggins can concentrate on the general classification,” Holm said.
Holm’s new team itself has also been called a super team at times as it undergoes a facelift. High profile recruits includes world time trial champion Tony Martin, Peter Velits (both HTC-Highroad) and Levi Leipheimer (RadioShack). Tom Boonen is also expected to be back up to speed next year to tackle the Classics season.