Report: Rapha Condor JLT
The 2013 Rapha Condor JLT team was officially launched in London yesterday. Held at the London offices of Jardine Lloyd Thompson, the launch was an opportunity for the Rapha Condor team to officially welcome new title sponsor JLT to the team, as well as to introduce the full 2013 line up for the first time.
The team’s commitment to the development of young British riders has been re-emphasised in 2013 with the addition of no less than five fresh young talents to the team, including Wales' Ed Laverack. Alongside the team’s stars, Olympic hero Ed Clancy and former National Road Race Champion Kristian House, in 2013 the team will field its youngest ever line up, including five under 23 riders – three of whom will be making their senior debut for the team.
Rapha Condor JLT at the team launch in London
Team manager John Herety spoke of the team’s ambitions to develop young riders, as well to continue to be a force in the British and international peloton.
“After a successful transition into a development team in 2012, we’ve taken on an even younger group of riders this year. Our ambition is offer these riders the best possible platform to experience high level racing both at home and abroad to help them develop and put themselves in a position to move up through the sport.”
“We will also of course be looking for results. Our main aims will be focused on the Tour of Britain and the Tour Series here in the UK, but we also have a busy calendar of international racing where I expect these riders to prove themselves in some highly competitive racing.”
As well as John Herety’s analysis of the team’s ambitions, representatives of the title sponsors spoke about their commitment to the team.
Talking of the fresh faced new line up, Simon Mottram, CEO of Rapha commented,
“Rapha is committed to investing in the sport at all levels and we're extremely happy with what the team has achieved already. We are building on that strength and I think this year we will do even better.”
Rapha Condor JLT have already enjoyed an impressive start to the 2013 season, with the team returning from a seven week training camp in Australia to claim six wins through five different riders in the first three weeks of competition in the UK.
Herety was quick to praise all of the team’s sponsors who had helped make sure the team was ready to compete as soon as the year began.
“I am very thankful to all of our sponsors, and suppliers who have worked really hard to make sure we were ready with equipment, clothing and everything we’ve needed to get the season underway in Australia and already be racing at the highest level on January the first.”
“It’s clear that extra effort has been paying off so far with the performances that we’ve seen since we’ve returned from Australia.”
The team’s European campaign starts next week with the tough eight-day Tour of Normandy that will be the first major test for the team’s young riders.
