Eight Fly V Australia riders confirmed for move to Pegasus Racing
Pegasus Racing, the biggest Australian cycling team yet, was publicly built on the foundations of Fly V Australia. Fly V has been a highly successful international continental team, and Pegasus founder Chris White knew that it was
an organization with which he could achieve his goal of forming the first Australian ProTeam, the highest level of cycling. Finally, White has announced which Fly V riders will be making the move to Pro status with Pegasus Racing.
“I'm ecstatic that so many of our Fly V Australia riders now get their chance to step up to the next level,” said White in a team press release. “This was always the plan, consistent with one of Pegasus' goals to provide a pathway for young talent to build
a foundation, develop and progress all the way to the highest levels in the sport. This is validation of our Pegasus Sports program. To see these guys take the next step on this journey together is truly satisfying.”
Though the intention was to be awarded a ProTeam license for 2011, the Pro Continental license they will ride with is a step closer to the highest level and will allow them invitations into several European WorldTour races. Eight riders from Fly V will get
the chance to compete in Europe in 2011. Australian riders such as Jonathan Cantwell, Bernard Sulzberger and Jai Crawford have dominated the Australian and American calendars and will be joining the Australian legend Robbie McEwen next season.
“I’m really looking forward to racing with and learning from my old sparring partner Robbie McEwen,” said Cantwell. “He and I have had some great battles in races in Australia over the years and to be on the same team as him will be incredible.”
Fellow Australians Ben Day and Aaron Kemps are two riders making the move who have had experience in Europe before. Kemps spent four years at Astana before joining the Australian team, and Day has competed in European Continental teams.
“Personally I'm thrilled to be heading back to Europe to compete in the biggest races, with my mates, in an Australian team that provides an environment where it is easy to thrive,” said Day. “To think that I may be part of an Australian team in the big
races is unbelievably exciting.”
American Phil Zajicek and South Africans Darren Lill and Jay Thomson will be joining the five Australian riders making the switch from Fly V Australia to Pegasus Racing.
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