Judith Arndt to lead GreenEdge-AIS for the coming season
GreenEdge women’s team, GreenEdge-AIS, will be led by the German cyclist, Judith Arndt, as an announcement was made earlier today.
Arndt will be accompanied by Giro Donne 2009 winner Claudia Hausler, Copenhagen runner-up Linda Villumsen and Loes Gunnewijk.
The above mentioned four cyclists form the perfect attack for any team. However, they will be escorted by a number of other Australian cyclists.
GreenEdge women’s squad will secure the third overall position as per the current UCI team’s classification.
GreenEdge Manager, Shayne Bannan, will also manage the women squad, along with Kevin Tabotta who is currently Cycling Australia’s National Performance Director.
Australian cyclists in the women’s squad have some well known names, including Tour de Feminin overall winner Amanda Spratt, stage winner at the Tour de Feminin Melissa Hoskins, Jessie Maclean, Tiffany Cromwell, Rowena Fry and Krasna Lipa overall winner
Amanda Spratt.
Shayne Bannan commented on the team, “We consider this team an authentic Australian venture".
He further added that a number of top international cyclists have been contacted to make sure that the team has enough points to make an appearance in the world’s major races.
Bannan also mentioned that the inclusion of experienced riders will help the younger ones, who will learn from their knowledge and understanding of the sport.
He said, “We will look to our international riders to provide the leadership and experience necessarily to create a culture of success. It's our hope this culture will flow down through the domestic women's development programs".
Bannan is hopeful that GreenEdge-AIS will be amongst the top teams in the coming few years and will have the best Australian riders in its line-up.
He stated, "While we will register only nine athletes with the UCI for the January 1 season start, there exists the potential to add neo-pros and other non-contracted Australians during the year".
It is believed that Martin Barras has played a vital role in setting up the GreenEdge women squad. Barras is Cycling Australia National Women’s Road Coach and has been given the role of Technical Director in the team.
The team will also be assisted by CA-AIS High Performance Program Coach, David McPartland who will assist the team as the Team Director.
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