Cycling: Official starting signal for the BORA-hansgrohe team during the first training camp in Gandia, Spain. In the first press conference as a WorldTour team, the sponsors and the team kit were presented and, of course, the riders were also given a chance to speak.
Only a few weeks until the start of the WorldTour season at the Tour Down Under in Australia - time for the teams to officially present themselves to the public. So does the new German WorldTour Team Bora-hansgrohe around world and European road champion Peter Sagan. In addition to information on sponsoring and the presentation of the team kit, drivers and those responsible also commented on the expectations and goals for the 2017 season.
Peter Sagan: “At our first team meeting in October I said that the coming season will be a new adventure for all of us. Just as BORA started a revolution in the kitchen, we can start a revolution in cycling. For me personally, one of the keys to success is the support in the team and I felt very comfortable at BORA – hansgrohe right from the start.”
Leopold Koenig: "I'm very happy to be back in the team that made it possible for me to make the leap to the pro camp. It's obvious that things have changed since I left the team. BORA – hansgrohe will be one of the biggest teams on the World Tour and I'm impressed with how Ralph is handling these changes on the management side. I'm also looking forward to having a number of young talents like Emanuel and Patrick by my side. We have big plans, but we also have a strong squad for 2017.”
Rafal Majka: “Both of us, Leo and I, are able to lead a team in a Grand Tour. I will focus on the Tour and the Vuelta in the coming year. Together with Leo, but also with Peter, we can play a big role in the tour. It will be important for BORA – hansgrohe how the new drivers integrate into the team, but based on what I have seen so far, I am sure that we will quickly find the right team spirit.”
Emmanuel Buchman: “A lot has changed in the team. Everything has gotten bigger, but at the same time much more professional in many areas. This is very important because in today's cycling every little thing counts. I'm also sure I can learn a lot from drivers like Rafal or Leo. For these reasons, I expect to take the next step in my development with BORA – hansgrohe in 2017.”
Pascal Ackerman: "It's unbelievable what has developed in Ralph's team. Everything is new to me. Bike fitting, nutrition, training, equipment, every day I collect new exciting impressions. My goal for the coming season is to gain a foothold in the team. If I can contribute to our success as a team, then I'm satisfied. I still have enough time in the next few years to realize my own sporting ambitions.”
Ralph Denk (Team Principal): "Since 2015 at the latest, when BORA decided to become the title sponsor, the team's clear goal was to advance to the World Tour. I already said at the beginning of last season that I think that the Grand Départ 2017 in Düsseldorf in Germany will get things moving again. With our new title sponsor hansgrohe and the new partner Specialized, we have now succeeded in putting together a world-class team. For the first phase of the season we have one of the top stars in our ranks in Peter Sagan, the two-time UCI World Champion. With Rafal Majka and Leopold König, we are also well positioned for the Grand Tours. But it is also important for me to state that we will continue to rely heavily on German-speaking talent.
The step into the World Tour does not only bring many changes in terms of sport. Much has also changed in the organization of the team. In 2016 I had around 45 employees, in 2017 there will be around 75. We have upgraded in all areas and now also manage driver training centrally in the team. Our claim "ride.natural." remains unchanged. In addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle, respectful behavior and fairness are important values at BORA - hansgrohe."