Team Dimension Data were quietly confident at today’s official unveiling of the new team ahead of their first season in the ProTour ranks.
Merhawi Kuds of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka shows off the team kit for the 2016 season. Photo: Supplied
The squad consists of 28 riders from 15 nations, including 13 from Africa.
Douglas Ryder, team principal, said that 2016 would be the biggest step up in their existence.
“The first division in cycling requires depth and consistency and I am confident that our riders and staff are ready for this incredible challenge.
“Most importantly, we have been fortunate to receive support from the most incredible partners in so many areas and on so many levels on and off the bike.”
He said that Team Dimension Data for Qubeka, the outfit’s full name, were highly motivated to embark on the new journey and to “ride the unridden roads for African cycling”.
Dimension Data’s Group CEO, Brett Dawson, said that they were excited to officially become the title sponsor of the team.
“We continue to support their iconic rise from being one of five wild-card teams invited to ride last year’s Tour de France to becoming the first team on the African continent to participate in the UCI WorldTour.”
The team also presented their new team colours.
Full squad: Igor Anton (ESP), Natnael Berhane (ERI), Edvald Boasson, Hagen (NOR), Theo Bos (NED), Matthew Brammeier (IRL), Mark Cavendish (GBR), Stephen Cummings (GBR), Mekseb Debesay (ERI), Nicolas Dougall (RSA), Bernhard Eisel (AUT), Tyler Farrar (USA), Omar Fraile (ESP), Nathan Haas (AUS), Jacques Janse van Rensburg (RSA), Reinardt Janse van Rensburg (RSA), Songezo Jim (RSA), Merhawi Kudus (ERI), Cameron Meyer (AUS), Adrien Niyonshuti (RWA), Serge Pauwels (BEL), Youcef Reguigui (ALG), Mark, Renshaw (AUS), Kristian Sbaragli (ITA), Kanstantsin Siutsou (BLR), Daniel Teklehaimanot (ERI), Jay Thomson (RSA), Johann van Zyl (RSA), Jaco Venter (RSA).
