After running two teams in 2012, a senior and U23 squad, CMI are heading into the 2013 season as one unified international team. With the focus on UCI stage races in Europe and further afield, CMI will build on the last 2 years’ successes across four continents, where the team has won UCI 2.2 and 2.1 stages, overalls and amassed a number of other top 20 UCI results.
The team will consist of the following riders; Sebastien Jullien (2012 UCI 2.1 stage winner, 2011 UCI 2.2 stage winner), Darren Lill (previously of team BMC and Barloworld amongst other pro teams as well as 2012 Tour of Rwanda winner and 2011 South African National Champion), Julien Schick (2010 UCI 2.2 Tour du Faso overall winner), John Delong, Luke Dunbar, Simeon Green, Ash Martin, Al Murison, Conor Ryan, and Guillaume Soula.
Support comes from many quarters for the 2013 season; Greenover Distribution, a UK based company distributing brands, Grit Scooters, Crisp Scooters, Code Components, Nitelights, Lucky Scooters, Karnage products and 9Transport electric bikes. Dan Maker MD stated “We are incredibly happy to be supporting CMI this year, with the perfect blend of new and seasoned talent it looks to be one of the best ways for our young professionals to perform on the World stage. It is very exciting to be involved in the grass roots helping the riders of the future with a foot in the door.”
Bikestyletours has supported the team since its inception and remains a valued partner, maintaining the strong relationship with both the team and Cannondale, who will supply the team with Cannondale SuperSix Evo bikes. Racewear will be supplied by Kalas, which will get its first outing at the team’s training camp and official team launch in the South of France in February.
Young rider development is a strong element to CMI’s philosophy. The four young British riders have shown a lot of potential over the past couple of seasons, with top 20 finishes in UCI events. The aim of the team is to continue to help these younger riders progress at the international level with the support and mentoring of the more experienced riders on the team.
Team manager David Walters commented; “With the on-going development programme we have established over the past few years, we are confident that the current crop of young riders are some of the most talented riders around. Our calendar emphasizes stage racing, which requires a different approach to the traditional UK race calendar. It is here that we see most potential and future success. They’re all great lads to work with and help develop.”
Senior CMI rider Sim Green added; “Alongside the U23s we have a group of solid riders who can deliver results on most course profiles, whilst also making sure we have a group of guys who are easy-going and fun to be with. This will keep everyone grounded, realistic and comfortable in their surroundings, no matter what the racing is like, or what part of the world we find ourselves in. It’s what CMI is all about.”
Alongside the race team, CMI are very proud to announce that it will manage an exciting new project, University of Exeter Elite Cycling, an extension of the CMI rider development programme. It is the intention of both CMI and The University to establish Exeter as the primary destination for aspiring young undergraduates with real cycling talent. The support structure and knowledge is in place at the University, and combined with the CMI management and senior rider experience, this will offer a unique pathway to an international race team. It is hoped that with this partnership, CMI and the University can develop an increased pool of talent that offers young riders a training and race structure that is the best currently available in the UK.
Assistant Director of Sport (performance and competitions) at the University Nick Beasant adds;” This partnership with CMI Pro Cycling is an ideal way to grow our cycling offering to be the best in the country. By running both the University and CMI rider development programmes in parallel, we can establish a strong and focused core group together.”
CMI manager Walters; "This is exactly the right thing for a professional cycling team to be doing. A group of young talent with access to the best institutional support, shared amongst all its members, should deliver the right results. It’s time to pool our resources, be the best prepared we can be, and go racing with both knowledge and a sense of adventure.”
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