News: Rapha Condor committed to development program

Rapha Condor committed to development program for at least three more years.

Team Press Release

Rapha Condor Sharp has been the top ranked UK team during the last two racing seasons, achieving success both domestic and international racing, and winning a remarkable 45 races in 2011.

Driven by team owners Rapha and Condor in partnership with title sponsors Sharp, with support from key sponsors, Skoda, Madison and Claremont hospital, and managed by long standing team manager John Herety, in 2012 the team embarked on a new adventure, and switched its focus to developing young talent and actively supporting the growing UK racing scene.

Kristian House mentoring one of the younger riders int he team, Luke Grivell-Mellor

Racers and fans alike have embraced the team’s new direction and the new faces in the squad have impressed with competitive performances the team’s UK and international race program. The success of the new development focus was highlighted at the Great Britain National Road Race Championships when, new recruit Mike Cumming performed exceptionally to win the Under 23 title.

Team manager John Herety has been impressed with the progress shown throughout the year, and remains confident of a bright future for the team, Mike Cuming becoming national U23 champion was the perfect proof that what we are doing here works. This is a project that I have long since wanted to be involved in and I am looking forward to taking it further in 2013.’

On the back of three years of success with Rapha Condor, title sponsor Sharp has recently committed to supporting cycling at World Tour level, by taking over as a title sponsor of the Garmin-Sharp team.

This marks an increased sponsorship in cycling for Sharp and we at Rapha Condor, are very proud of the fact that the professionalism and passion of the Rapha Condor organisation has served to show to a household brand name that the sport is worthwhile of major investment, and to have helped increase investment in cycle racing from sponsors from outside of the sport.

Team owners Rapha and Condor, along with Sharp and manager John Herety remain totally committed to the UK based development strategy and are already looking at ways to best continue forward into 2013 and beyond.

Rapha Chief Executive Simon Mottram commented: WWe have really enjoyed working with Sharp over the last three years and have appreciated their support. We remain committed to investing in UK talent and are excited about developing younger riders.’ The team remains committed to continuing to nurture UK racing talent by offering them top flight racing, expert management and coaching and the best bikes, kit and equipment on the UK racing scene.

In accordance with the U.C.I regulations regarding naming sponsors the team now intends to race as ‘Rapha Condor’ for the duration of the season. Sharp will remain as sponsor of the team and be represented on the jersey as the team builds up towards selection for the Tour of Britain in September.