German Sprinter Robert Foster is certain for a fruitful season for UnitedHealthcare team
Robert Foster is ready to continue his second consecutive year with the Professional Continental team, UnitedHealthcare. The cyclist is certain that his side is much stronger than the previous year, which will ultimately help them with their goals.
Foster is currently working with Hilton Clarke, Jake Keough and Boy Van Poppel, to strengthen their sprinting capabilities.
He believes that his team has a total number of five cyclists capable of claiming the top positions.
He named Jake Keough, Boy Van Poppel, Hilton Clarke and himself as the main podium contenders for the season ahead.
The 33-year-old cited that the Dutch sprinter, Van Poppel is a speedy guy and is a top sprinter in their side.
Poppel is most suited for the uphill sprints and has a lot of time on his hands to improve the other aspects of the game.
Team UnitedHealthcare was launched in 2003 and it rode as the continental team until 2010. It made the professional continental debut in 2011, with Mike Tamayo and Eric Greene as the two Sport’s Directors, along with Thierry Attias as the General Manager of the side.
The 33-year-old cited, "Last year was the first year for the team to ride in Europe and it was a big step. It wasn't everything perfect, we came with one or two cars, and we had to change in the rain”.
He further added, “It was crazy, but it's part of cycling. We learned a lot last year, and we'll come back stronger. We have more better riders this year, and I think we can make a good presence in Europe this year".
Forster secured the maximum number of wins for the side in 2011, including a stage 8 win at the Tour of Langkawi, and a stage 2a victory at Vuelta a Asturias. He also helped the side to secure a stage 4 win at the Tour of Qinghai Lake 2011.
UnitedHealthcare failed to receive invitations for the Tour de France and the Giro d’ Italia 2012 but the team is hopeful for a wild card invitation at the Spanish grand tour in 2012.
It is expected that the American Professional squad will take its performance to the next level in the season ahead.
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