Bobbie Traksel has said that he believes the new Pegasus Sport team will make a good impression in its first year, surprising people with how it performs.
The former under 23 Tour of Flanders winner highlighted his talent in 2010 when he won Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne with a long-distance break in appalling weather. He is now leaving the Vacansoleil team for the new Australian squad, and has travelled to his first training camp. He’s impressed with what he has seen thus far.
“After a long journey from the Netherlands to the other side of the world, I felt that I’d come into another culture,” he told Omroep Gelderland. “Australia is a country that is very sports-minded and everybody is extremely motivated, but also very relaxed. It's a totally different way to live, but very professional.”
His plan is to blend the two and thus continue his progression. “I'll try to mix the sports culture from here and Europe to be a better rider. With this talented and ambitious team, I am certain we will surprise you.”
The Pegasus Sport team has not yet named its title sponsor, but is expected to do so soon. It is currently negotiating with the organisers of the Santos Tour Down Under for an entry to the race.
Its lineup for 2011 includes triple Maillot Vert winner Robbie McEwen (Team Katusha), Christian Knees (Milram), Daryl Impey (RadioShack), Serguei Klimov (Team Katusha), Ben Day (Pegasus Racing) and the Garmin Transitions trio of Svein Tuft, Robbie Hunter and Trent Lowe.
The team didn’t get a ProTour licence for 2011 but is nevertheless aiming for Tour de France participation. It is the first-ever Australian team on this scale.