November 24/10 15:58 pm - Jamie Sparling Joins Team Raleigh for 2011

Posted by Editoress on 11/24/10
 

UCI Continental level Team Raleigh has announced its squad for 2011, a team of 12 riders which combines a blend of experience and youth that will fully support the UK program and also compete in a larger overseas calendar including races in the United States and Canada.

To bolster the team's strength a wealth of young talent has been signed,  Matt Cronshaw a punchy fast finisher, Matt Kipling and Gaël Le Bellec both good climbers and strong in tough races and Matt Jones who has spent the last two seasons in France as a Dave Rayner funded rider taking six wins in 2010.

Matt Gee, the team's youngest rider, was very impressive during 2010 whilst riding for Raleigh's amateur team. Matt received sponsorship and additional support during the season from Cyclelife Lichfield, which has helped him step up to the Pro Team.

The overseas talent signed to the team has a familiar face in Jeroen Janssen, known as the 'Flying Dutchman' Jeroen is a formidable criterium specialist and super fast finisher who will be joined by Ryan Parnes from the United States Yahoo team. Ryan is a sprinter and a very fast lead out rider who has over 10 wins and 26 podiums in 2010.

Also from the United States is Phil Mooney, a teammate of Ryan's in 2010. Phil is a prolific winner across all disciplines and took nine wins in 2010. The final rider is Canadian Jamie Sparling, another tremendous signing for the team, recently winning the end of season Tour of Tobago. Both these riders are exceptional against the watch, a skill they have utilized to great effect.

"We are very pleased with the team that we have put together for 2011. We believe we have a formidable line-up that will be a credit to Raleigh and all our sponsors," said Cherie Pridham - Team Director.

Liam Holohan 22 (Leeds, UK)
Richard Handley 20 (Warrington, UK)
Dan Fleeman 28 (Lichfield, UK)
Matt Cronshaw 22 (Lancaster, UK)
Matt Kipling 28 (Bishop Auckland, UK)
Gaël Le Bellec 22 (Nottingham, UK)
Matt Jones 21 (Milton Keynes, UK)
Matt Gee 19 (Burton On Trent, UK)
Jeroen Janssen 26 (Nijmegen, Holland)
Ryan Parnes 26 (Ketchum, USA)
Phil Mooney 25 (Valparaiso, USA)
Jamie Sparling 26 (Victoria, Canada)