Endura Racing Team

The 2010 Endura Racing Team

Last week Friday I attended the launch of the Endura Racing cycling team, which took place at the Porsche Human Performance Centre located at the Silverstone race circuit.

My day started off quite early considering I had a two drive to get there. But I had good reason to get there early too  – thanks to both Endura and Cyclevox, I was given the opportunity to drive as passenger inside a Porsche 911 Turbo. The drifting around the low friction circuit as well as super fast straights (and the drifting around) on the handling circuit, it was an awesome experience.

The Porsche 911 Turbo

Anyway, back to the launch itself. It was a slick event which in my view, made a big impression on the gathered audience. The day started with MC Anthony McCrossan introducing the Endura brand and Endura Racing history, to a backdrop of SRAM equipped LOOK race and TT bikes. Endura director, Jim McFarlane, then addressed the audience expressing his ‘pride’ at what had been assembled in the impressive Porsche centre’s foyer.

Team captain Rob Hayles being interviewed by Anthony McCrossan (check out the red trainers!)

A suprise announcement on the day was that of Alexandre Blain.  A former ProTour rider with Cofidis, 28 year-old Blain is a continental rider whose pedigree extends to podium rides in races such as the Etoile de Besseges. His arrival on the squad is yet another statement of intent from this very ambitious team.

Former ProTour rider Alexandre Blain interviewed by Anthony McCrossan

Another announcement on the day saw the team reveal a key partnership with the Porsche Human Performance Centre (PHPC) at Silverstone. Acccording to press release, the PHPC will provide rider physiological testing and support over the season and will be the bedrock of performance measurement as the Endura riders progress through their season of domestic and continental racing.

Prior to the team riders being unveiled the Endura Racing promo film was shown to the crowd gathered, a video-diary of visits to the Endura offices, team sponsors Fisher Outdoor Leisure (LOOK, SRAM, MET and Tacx) and the house of Rob Hayles, for an insight into his thoughts and expectations for 2010.

Look Team Bike, kitted out in Zipp wheels and SRAM components

Look 596 Team Time Trial Bike

The launch finale saw the team riders being introduced and interviewed, followed by team photos with riders, guests and sponsors.

The Endura Racing team for 2010 are:

• Alexandre Blain
• Callum Wilkinson
• David Lines
• Evan Oliphant
• Gary Hand
• Ian Wilkinson
• Jack Bauer
• James McCallum
• James Moss
• Jason Christie
• Rob Hayles
• Rob Partridge
• Ross Creber
• Sandy King
• Scott Thwaites

All in all, a really good launch. So, watch this space. This team is on the cusp of something big!

Cadel needs to work on his image

For the sake of his sponsors. Seriously! The guy was a hot favourite to win this year’s Tour, even though he didn’t quite manage to pull it off. So a lot of media attention is paid on him, which I am sure all his sponsors love. However, his attitude towards the media isn’t all that great.

Take a look at what I mean.

If I was one of Evans’ sponsors, I don’t think I’d be all that happy with the what I’ve just seen. Now don’t get me wrong, I understand the guy is under huge pressure and all to win. But, making enemies with the media is not generally a smart move. Remember, sponsors pay riders and teams so their names make it into the press, whether it be print, internet, TV or even radio.

The more forcefully fans and TV crews are kept away, the more unruly their attempts to get close to Evans will become. However, taking a look back at footage from this year’s Tour, Evans’ rivals, appear to have cottoned onto the fact that, the more respectful they are towards the media, the more the media keeps a respectful distance from them.

So come on Evans, get working on your PR. You could definitely do with some brushing up in that department!