Speaking to VeloNation recently in South Africa, Rapha Condor Sharp rider Dean Downing commented on the changes the team will be making next season. The British based team has decided to focus on young rider development but has kept some of its more experienced campaigners on board to guide them, including the 36 year old Downing.
“It’s a really good decision [to overhaul the team]. I spoke to [team manager] John Herety quite at length towards the end of the season," he said. "He was telling me the plans of the sponsors. They’re in charge of the team; they want to get out of it for their companies what they want to do.
“I think Sharp technologies have been a really big driving force in a younger team so luckily I’ve got a start for next year. Myself Kristian [House] and James McCallum are going to be mentoring some of the youngsters.”
Downing's race programme will begin with the Tour of Taiwan in March, and while much of it is yet to be finalised, he confirmed today that a major focus will once again be the British Tour Series.
Rapha Condor Sharp is run by former professional Herety, who is one of the most experienced managers on the British pro scene. He is also well regarded as a person, interacting well with his riders, and this is a factor in Downing being happy in remaining part of the setup.
“One of the reasons why I have stayed with this team so long is because John is so good at what he does,” he said. “He looks after his riders in the good times and bad times…he is a great manager, a great people person.”
Downing has spent most of his career racing on the British scene. So too did his younger Russell, until he graduated to the top rank of the sport with Sky Procycling in 2010. Recently though it emerged that Sky would not be renewing Russell’s contract.
Dean told VeloNation in the video below that he is happy his brother is leaving Sky, giving his reasons why he believes the move will be a better one for his career.