Rabobank has announced the creation of its new off road division beginning January 1, 2010, naming the project the Rabo-Giant Offroad Team. The newly formed team will be composed of several cyclocross and mountain bike riders and will grow alongside the already existing Rabobank ProTour and UCI continental formations.
The Rabo-Giant Offroad Team has unveiled several members that will run the team, including, manager Jan ten Tusscher and two director sportifs. Leo van Zeeland will head the mountain bike subdivision and Richard Groenendaal will use his experience to lead the cyclocross division. The team hopes that it will act as a stepping stone for approximately 16 Dutch under-23 talents onto the international cycling scene.
“The creation of this offroad team is a logical step. It fits perfectly in Rabobanks philosophy to branch out into all parts of cycling and create a team where our talents can grow and develop with an eye of the 2012 Olympic Games in London,” explains managing director Harold Knebel. “Due to some budget changes this project became possible and in Jan ten Tusscher we have found a serious and knowledgeable partner. Jan has years of experience leading teams on the national and international level, many of our current riders have ridden for him in the past.”
The Rabo-Giant Offroad team differs from Rabobank’s other teams in that it is not solely sponsored by the Dutch bank. “We are sharing title sponsorship with Giant. Despite the slightly different structure our guidelines in relation to communication, ethics and medical policy will still be followed,” added Knebel.
The successful partnership between Rabobank’s road team and Giant has led to the expansion into the off road branch of cycling. The team’s roster is currently in the making, with announcements expected to be made in the coming weeks.