Dane forever grateful to Stapleton for the opportunity
As reported earlier today, HTC Highroad directeur sportif Brian Holm will move to Quick Step for the 2012 and 2013 seasons. This comes after HTC Highroad owner Bob Stapleton announced his team would not continue due to a lack of sponsorship.
Holm told VeloNation that he was out riding his bike with his son when he heard the news about the team’s demise.
“My son ‘fat boy’ Albert who is 8 years old cried like a baby and I felt really bad,” he said. “Albert was so in love with Lars Bak, [Mark] Cavendish, [Rasmus] Guldhammer and [Marcel] Sieberg even though the last two riders was long gone, but ‘fat boy’ didn’t understand that.” [Guldhammer and Sieberg have moved to other teams and are not currently part of HTC Highroad anymore]
Holm was not too concerned about his future after the HTC Highroad announcement as three teams quickly came knocking. Other prospects were also available which included joining a sports television station and focusing on his cancer foundation, La Flamme Rouge.
Although he is looking forward to his new challenge at Quick Step, the Dane could not hide his appreciation of what Stapleton has done for his career as a director.
“Bob taught us a lot. He made us feel so old fashioned in everything we did or didn’t do,” he said to VeloNation.
“Bob brought cycling to another level – from stone age to space age – and made a big step forward in technical development from training to nutrition.”
Holm has agreed a two-year deal with the Belgian team who has already confirmed the signing of two of HTC Highroad rider’s in twin brothers Martin and Peter Velits. The team will be amalgamating with Omega Pharma who earlier this year announced they and current co-sponsor Lotto would be going their separate ways.
“I’m a part time Belgium and have known [Patrick] Lefevere, [Rick] Van Slycke and [Wilfried] Peeters for many years,” speaking about the time he spent in Belgium during his own cycling career.
“Quick Step has a very serious development plan for the next years and that made my choice very easy. Of course I was proud to get the offer from Quick Step and take part in their future plans.”
Holm and fellow director Allan Peiper are the first two known members from the HTC Highroad management team to have found new employment. Last week Garmin-Cervélo announced it has acquired the services of Peiper for next season.