Former Cervélo Test Team directeur sportif Alex Sans Vega will bring his experience to the British-based Endura Racing team in 2011, seeking to help the Continental team continue to build and grow.
Sans Vega was recently hailed by Cervélo rider Xavier Tondo as playing a big part in his step up to the top level of the sport. “He was the sport director who really believed in me, who really helped me to be in this team, and now he doesn’t have something for next season,” Tondo told VeloNation. “It is really sad….the person who really helped me to be here doesn’t have a team.”
That's now no longer the case: he will act as a consultant to the British squad, supporting DS Julian Winn. Sans Vega has worked on ten Tours De France, four Giri d'Italia, six Vueltas a Espana and five World Championships in roles as either a soigneur or a Director Sportif.
While he is undoubtedly with a smaller setup than the Cervélo Test Team for 2011, he will try to use that time to bring Endura Racing forward.
The team today confirmed that seven of its current riders are being retained for 2011, namely Rob Hayles, Ian Wilkinson, Rob Partridge, Callum Wilkinson, Evan Oliphant, James Moss and Scott Thwaites. The 2010 East Yorkshire Classic winner Dave Clarke has also been signed up, having ridden with the Pendragon team in 2010.
“I am really excited to join one of the most successful UK teams with a great set up, talented riders and experienced management. I am relishing the thought of all the up and coming challenges of a great calendar of racing,” he said.
“When you are given a chance like this, you have to embrace it, give it your all and reach your full potential. I intend to give this everything. There is some unbelievable talent on the team, but as a unit we have something even greater.”
Further riders will be confirmed in the weeks ahead, including a number of international competitors.
The team’s victories include the 2010 Vuelta Ciclista a Murcia and the British Cycling Elite Circuit series. Rob Partridge was best British finisher at the Tour of Britain.