Young riders have a chance to impress pro teams
Talented Swedish rider Alex Wetterhall and the promising African rider Daniel Teklehaymanot have been announced as taking up stagiaire (trial) slots with the Cervélo Test Team, while the strong young American Cole House will shortly make his debut with the BMC Racing Team.
House is believed to be the first Native American to reach this level in cycling, and recently won a stage of the International Cycling Classic. Last year he became the first American to win the G.P. Waregem, and both team president Jim Ochowicz and directeur sportif Jean Lelangue are eager to see the 22 year old make the step up.
“It’s a good experience for him and for him to see where we is and what we can expect in the future,” said Lelangue. “The most important thing is for him to get experience on this level.”
Ochowicz said it’s a chance for him to show he deserves a pro contract. “It’s up to him seize the opportunity and show what he can do,” he stated.
Meanwhile the Cervélo Test Team has picked FBD Insurance Rás victory Alex Wetterhall to begin a trial. The former mountain bike rider turned to road cycling in 2008 and became Swedish national time trial champion the following year. Apart from his FBD Rás success, the 24 year old also won a stage in the Ringerike Grand Prix.
Teklehaymanot is from Eritrea and is regarded as one of the most promising African riders. He took the national road title in 2008 and also won the under 23 time trial. Last year saw him finish an excellent sixth overall in the Tour de l’Avenir, regarded as one of the best predictors of young talent, while this season he has continued his progression with victory on stage in the Coupe de Nations Ville Saguenay.
The 21 year old also grabbed the runner-up slot in the Berner Rundfahrt.
Teklehaymanot will make his Cervélo Test Team debut in the Chateauroux Classic de l’Indre Trophée Fenioux in France at the end of August. Wetterhall will get things underway in the Post Tour of Denmark on August 4th, while Cole’s chance to line out with the pro BMC Racing Team will come six days later in the Tour de l’Ain.