Hans Van Kasteren quits job as manager of Telenet-Fidea
Hand Van Kasteren called a press conference on Wednesday afternoon to announce that he would be leaving his position as the manager of cyclo-cross team Telenet-Fidea.
"The fun is gone and I have to defend more and more lately against negative criticism," he explained.
The latest straw on the camel’s back was the conflict between the Dutch team manager and the Union Cyclist Internationale (UCI) over the colour of the sponsors’ logos on the rainbow jersey worn by cyclo-cross world champion Zdenek Stybar. The rainbow jersey,
signifying the world champion title, only allowed grey, black or navy blue logos on the jersey, but Telenet’s logo is yellow. The manager remains proud of the jersey.
"I think I six world titles I not a bad thing to have achieved with my cross team,” he said. “I also will not (leave a) sinking ship behind. Show me a team whose riders have four years guaranteed employment on offer; everything agreed with riders and sponsors.”
Van Kasteren announced at the same press conference that he had extended the sponsorship contract with Fidea and signed on a new sponsor from the Netherlands for four years, thereby securing the future of the team after his departure. Bart Wellens has also
extended his contract with the team by three years, though his team-mate Kevin Pauwels will be transferring to Sunweb-Revor.
“Kevin has permission to start to ride for the team of Jurgen Mettepenningen from arch 1st,” said Van Kasteren. “I wish him all the best. I’ve never had any problems with him.”
Before his current position, Van Kasteren managed several individual cyclists, including Wellens, and will continue to do so when he leaves Telenet-Fidea at the end of the current season.
“Was very emotional moment to hear how difficult is for our manager Hans Van Kasteren to say, that he stop with his job!” wrote team leader Zdenek Stybar on Twitter. “Thanks to him for my career. We were working together from year 2005. I wish him good luck
and nice time in Spain with his wife.”
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