Arctic-Premier RT 2008 Team Launch

News Posted: 3rd March 2008

Source: Arctic-Premier Race Team

The Arctic-Premier Race Team was presented to a packed house of press, sponsors and friends in north London on Thursday 28th February. Whilst the paparazzi were kept out by hotel security, official photographers jostled for position and optimum exposure levels whilst Mick Clarke of Sport & Publicity presented the riders and their new strip to the masses. The new Premier team bikes were on display thanks to team sponsor Ash who runs The Cycle Store in Friern Barnet, and clothing supplier Kalas were also present for the soiree.

The evening started with a fitting tribute to team member Peter Bissell, who passed away on December 29th, by Arctic Air Conditioning CEO and team director Peter Ruffhead. All the riders and team staff signed a jersey for Peter Bissell's parents identical to that worn by the talented young rider from Stevenage when he won the Under 23 British Road Championships in 2006 - a proud day for family, team and friends that will never be forgotten. Following this poignant moment the riders stepped forward one by one for a good-hearted cross-examination at the hands of Mick Clarke, and the ribbing and practical jokes so beloved by Peter started in true Arctic style.

For 2008, the team has put its focus very much back on the road, with time trials taking a back seat apart from the National Championships (10 and 25 miles as well as the 3-up and British Cycling titles in September). The team will focus on key events such as Premier Calendar races the Tour of Wessex and the Chas Messenger Memorial alongside the Elite Circuit Series. At the National Road Championships France-based cycling legend Jon Dayus will return home "to give Rapha a good thrashing".

For 2008 the line-up is as follows:

Danny Axford (podium places at some of the best UK races over the last decade, including the much-missed Tour of the Cotswolds and Havant GP)

Jon Dayus (known in this country for 3rd place at the Rutland-Melton International 2006, his National Hill Climb title in 2005 and his numerous top-5 placings at the National Road Championships, but better known in France where his palmares includes back-to-back wins at the Essor Breton stage race)

Jody Crawforth (National Elite mountain bike champion, National Trophy cyclo-cross series winner, former GB team member for cyclo-cross and MTB)

Andy Profitt (4 times winner of the Bec CC road race, twice winner of the Tour of the North)

James Dobbin (double national Hill-Climb Champion)

Darren Barclay (3rd place at National Road Champs 1998, Tour de l'Avenir finisher)

Jon-Kris Mason (Prutour 1999 race finisher and former GB squad member)

Matt Holmes (numerous wins in London League cyclo-cross)

Alistair Tulett (6th overall Surrey League 3-day 2007)

Simon Wilson (4th overall Surrey league 3-day 2007)

Tim Bayley (past placings include 6th at the Archer International GP and 3rd at National 24-hour TT)

David Law (5 wins in France at National level, 4 years spent on Dave Rayner fund at VS Quimper in Brittany, 11th place Under-23 National Road champs 2002)

Dave McGaw (17th place National 10 in 2007 only 3 months after his first ever bike race)

The team management is headed up by Rob Finch (team manager for the last 7 years), Peter Ruffhead (team founder and director) and Nigel Franklin (cyclo-cross and MTB director), without whose help the team would go the direction of ANC-Halfords or Le Groupment, but with whose steady hands the ship has been sailing for 11 fantastic seasons. The team wish to thank Arctic Air Conditioning, Premier Cycles (supplied by the Cycle Store), Fisher Outdoor Leisure (Met helmets, Schwalbe tires and Maxim race food), Kalas (top-notch team kit), Thule (bike racks), Xero (wheels) and Form (nutritional advice and consultation given by team member Darren Barclay's own company).