Former German professional will work with men and women on US ProTeam
Boosting the strength of its management team, HTC-Highroad has announced that the former Cervélo Test Team director Jens Zemke will help oversee its riders in 2011. The 44 year old German raced as a professional for seven years, retiring in 2001, and has experience in working as a directeur sportif for both men and women.
“After seven years with the Equipe Nürnberger women and two years with Cervelo TestTeam, this is another step forward for me,” said Zemke. “In my eyes, this team is the best professional team in the world. Bob Stapleton and his crew have always been successful in finding young talent and developing riders. I am proud to be part of this operation.”
He will bolster HTC’s existing lineup of sports directors, and will work alongside Rolf Aldag, Brian Holm, Allan Peiper, Valerio Piva, Jan Shaffrath and Ronny Lauke next season.
Aldag, who acts as team manager, believes that he will be a very strong addition. “Zemke is the perfect answer to this new position in our team. He is someone who has long-time success and experience in women’s cycling as a Sports Director, plus a backround in professional men’s cycling as a pro rider and directeur sportif,” he explained. “So both our men and women will benefit from his knowledge and experience.”
As a pro, Zemke took several national hill climb titles and also won the Hessen Rundfahrt event in 1999.