Max Sciandri joins BMC-Racing staff
British-born Italian former professional cyclist Max Sciandri has been hired by the BMC-Racing team. In 2011, Sciandri will work as the assistant sports director for the development of young riders and future talent on the team.
"He'll be working with our younger riders, while scouting for potential new signings that are coming out of the international pool of Under-23 athletes," said BMC team manager Jim Ochowicz.
Sciandri current works for British Cycling and is responsible for the establishment of the Under-23 Academy based in Quarrata, the Italian’s hometown. The Academy is likely to move to Manchester for the 2011 season, but Sciandri was integral in making it
easy for British riders, especially Team Sky, to base their training camps in Italy.
"He will have a really big mission – first taking care of the younger guys on the team by overseeing their direction,” said sports director John Lelangue. “He will also take time to go to the Under-23 races and make contact with national coaches and club
coaches and young riders. He'll tell us about the guys we should be hiring."
Sciandri began cycling in 1989 and joined Team Motorola in 1991, then managed by Ochowicz, and developed a positive working relationship with the BMC team owner over the years.
"I spent three years with Jim when I was riding with Motorola. He's clear, honest, correct and professional. Cycling needs a few more people like him to get things sorted out," said Sciandri.
The Italian won a bronze medal in the 1996 Olympic Games and retired from racing after the 2004 season. His major new charge at BMC-Racing, the team of Cadel Evans and George Hincapie, will be the newest young American signing, Taylor Phinney, who is on
his way to becoming one of the best young cyclists in the world.
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