Metaltek‐Scott Professional Cycling Team has unveiled its 2012 line-up which includes Jason White and Matt Rowe.
Jason White (right) topped the 2011 national road and track rankings
Updates: 9 Feb 2012 - Team targets road safety message with new partnership & adds new rider to roster.
Metaltek-SCOTT Professional Cycling Team have announced a hook up with transport and logistics specialist Knights of Old in a joint bid to raise awareness of road safety for both drivers and cyclists.
Northamptonshire-based Knights of Old has partnered with the newly formed team for 2012 and will working closely together to tackle issues such as road safety, nutrition and fitness to its staff members, the local schools and the wider community.
Ian Beattie, Managing Director, Knights of Old says: “We recognise that we have a responsibility to look after our staff, the local community and all road users and by joining forces with a professional cycling team we gain expertise and a greater platform to generate interest, discussion and positive results.
“Unfortunately, more accidents between cyclists and trucks are happening but through training and raising awareness on both sides we hope to be able to make a difference. We recognise that this will be a challenge and it will take time and effort from everyone, not just Knights of Old and Metaltek-SCOTT.
This month the company starts workshops with its staff to educate and inform about cycling and road safety as well as nutrition and fitness. Beattie adds: “The wellbeing of our staff is very important to us, and by holding workshops, hosting forums and focusing on training we hope to have a healthier workforce.”
The company will begin working with local schools in April as a part of its campaign for road safety. Beattie continues: “The interest from the schools has been great. They too have the same items on their agendas and by working with local companies and a professional team; the topics get covered in a different way which is more interesting for the children.”
New Rider
Metaltek-Scott have also strengthened their squad by signing Matt Gee, who will fill the space in the team left vacant by the departure of Ross Creiber, who left to concentrate on his final year at university. He joins Metaltek-Scott after having a successful 2011 season at the Raleigh Team.
Elite Racer Matt capped a good year by winning the first stage and the overall win in the Newcastle Cheviot 4 Day (Tour of the Border), the Litchfield rider also secured 4th place in both the Echelon Cycles and Paramount Stan Jones Circuit Races, got 11th place in the tough Severn Bridge and a hard fought 3rd in the WWCC Shrewsbury Circuits. Matt also competed in the National Road Race and finished in 28th position. Matt was a consistent top ten finisher in 2011 with Team Raleigh and is looking to build on his success in 2012 with Metaltek-Scott.
Matt said. “I’m really pleased to have been given the opportunity to ride for Metaltek- Scott this season, it’s a great opportunity for me, and I’m looking forward to riding with the team and getting some good results”.
The Team Announcement
Commenting on the upcoming season, team manager Andy Swain said: “This team has been in the making for a few months now and a lot of people have put in a great deal of hard work to get us to this point, this is just the beginning.
“We are realistically ambitious and will grow the team at the pace necessary to be successful. The team of riders includes a wealth of experience and talented young riders. They have been individually handpicked from the huge amount of interest we received and we are exceptionally pleased to have attracted some of the best riders in the UK. I believe this is due to our honest fresh approach, sponsors and our determination to succeed.”
The team will be targeting British Cycling’s Premier Calendar and Elite Circuit Series, national championships in road, circuit, team trial and team pursuit disciplines. The An Post Ras and other European races are also targets with the team confirming that participation in The Halfords Tour Series is ‘extremely high on the agenda’ if a successful application is granted.
The 2012 complete line up for Metaltek‐Scott:
Jason White
Tom Gallacher
Matt Gee
Tony Gibb
Rhys Lloyd
Matt Rowe
Tom Barras
Simon Wilson
Stephen Halpin
Marcel Six
Dale Appleby
Ben Stockdale
James Gullen
Andy Hastings
