With news of teams being forced to close as sponsors pull out, the Belgian Telenet-Fidea team has announced the good news that it is to continue at least until the end of 2017. The Belgian Continental team, which is home to many of the nations top cyclocross riders, was created around Bart Wellens in 2000 as Spaarselect, and should now see out the former two-time World champion’s career.
Wellens’ current fate could not be more different from that of big rival, current World champion Sven Nys, whose Crelan-Euphony team is set to fold at the end of this year.
"This marriage has led to many successes "said Telenet-Fidea team manager Hans Van Kasteren at the team’s presentation today. "I am extremely grateful for their loyalty. Our sponsirs jumped on our boat, which created a new dimension seen in cycocross. With their input we took World titles with Bart Wellens, Erwin Vervecken and Zdeněk Štybar. The list of successes is endless.
“Meanwhile, both companies also followed our intent to have for a team for young people, in addition to the pros, in the hope that they can move on. This aim will continue to have a high priority. Hence the YTFCT [Young Telenet-Fidea Cycling Team - ed]. Thanks to Telenet and Fidea.”
As well as the pro team, which features established stars Wellens, Tom Meeusen and Rob Peeters, as well as up and coming riders like Joeri Adams and Arnaud Joffroy, Telenet-Fidea also includes several under-23 “beloften” riders. The YTFCT includes several of the sport’s most talented juniors, and also features a women’s line up, with British champion Nikki Harris (left), Dutch star Sophie de Boer, Czech champion Pavla Havlikova and American Amy Dombroski.
"First of all, I hope that Nikki Harris finally the makes connection with the absolute top in the women's races,” said directeur sportif Kris Wouters. “While Sophie de Boer, Amy Dombroski and Pavla Havlikova should be able to get on the podium more often.
“I am counting on Nikki also being outstanding in the World Cups,” he added. “Nikki is a tough nut. She can die on the bike and come back again and again. She has a lot of will power.”
In addition to the renewed commitment from its sponsors, Telenet-Fidea also confirmed that Meeusen has signed a new contract through December 31st 2017. Wellens has also renewed with the team that he has ridden with for 12 years, until his likely retirement day of March 1st 2016. The team also announced that Belgian Ellen Van Loy will be joining the women’s team on January 1st next year.