Cervélo Test Team rider Charlotte Becker will not be following Emma Pooley and many of her colleagues to the new Garmin-Cervélo setup, but rather will compete with rival squad HTC Highroad in 2011.
The US team has confirmed the German champion’s signature, as well as that of the young South African rider Carla Swart.
“I am happy that I have the chance to ride with HTC-Highroad,” said Becker, who is 28 years of age and previously competed for Cervélo, Equipe Nurnberger Versicherung and Fenix-Colnago between 2010 and 2006.
“I think it's a great team, and it has been a long-time dream for me to ride for this team. I had a good season this year and signing on with HTC-Highroad is the perfect conclusion. I hope that I will be a helpful part of the 2011 season.”
Becker has had a fine year, taking wins in a number of events including the World Cup GP Ciudad de Valladolid, the German national road race title and the Open de Suède Vargarda. She was also second in the German TT championships, fourth in the Unive Ronde van Drenth, fourth in the Tour of Chonming Island World Cup race and sixth overall in the Roude de France.
Because of that strength and versitility, HTC sport director Ronny Lauke is excited about her signing. “Charlotte will be important to our team's success since she will strengthen our classics squad and our time trials,” he said. “She is top ten in the world ranking, and she still has a lot of potential for future success.”
Swart’s signature is also an important one, given the team’s emphasis on developing young riders. The 22 year old has only been racing a couple of years but was a fine tenth in the world road race championships in Geelong and also took eighth in the Unive Ronde van Drenthe in April.
“I'm thrilled to join this team, with its veteran riders and all the team has to offer,” said the current MTN rider. “It's a great opportunity and I look forward to contributing to the team's success in 2011.”