Robbie McEwen will be seen in a dual role with the debut side, Team Green Edge
Robbie McEwen will be seen in a different job with Team GreenEdge during the 2012 season. He will be seen in a management role and the cyclist is happy with his new position as a rider-coach with the Australian team.
The 39-year-old represented a number of teams throughout his extensive career. Making his professional debut with Team Rabobank in 1996, he went on to spend a period of four years with the side.
McEwen also rode for Team Domo-Farm Frites (2000-2001), Team Lotto-Adecco (2002-2008), Team Katusha (2009-2010), Team RadioShack (2011) and finally penned a deal with Shayne Bannan’s team Green Edge for the 2012 season.
The Australian is famous for his outstanding sprinting abilities which helped him with a number of glorious victories over the years.
He has as many as a dozen stage wins under his belt for both the Tour de France and the Giro d’ Italia.
McEwen also won the green jersey at the Tour de France 2002, 2004 and 2006. He achieved the silver medal during the UCI World Championships 2002 while representing Australia during the Elite Men’s Road Race.
Robbie’s experience will definitely be a plus point for the new team, as the cyclist is familiar with all the ins and outs of the sport.
He had ridden a number of races throughout the 16 years of his professional career.
He explained, “An important part of my role in the team is not only to be a rider and now and again try and win the sprint, but to organise and coach the younger guys and mentor them”.
McEwen further added, “Going into my 17th season of racing I think I can share my experience with the guys and get them up to speed. My role in the team is diverse but most importantly is that I share my experience”.
Team GreenEdge had a terrific start to its 2012 season with an overall win at the Santos Tour Down Under.
Simon Gerrans wrote history with the first ever overall victory for the Australian team.
Only time will tell if Shayne Bannan’s team can continue to put up an impressive show at the more challenging races towards the later part of the year.
The Grand Tours, the World Championships and the 2012 Olympic Games are the three big events that will test the new team.
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