Team Barloworld sends the best

2008-02-28 14:29

Johannesburg - Team Barloworld has announced a team with a very strong contingent of home-grown, African cyclists for the 2008 Giro del Capo and Argus Cycle Tour.

The three Africans, which make up half of Barloworld's team for next week, are Robert Hunter, Daryl Impey and Christopher Froome, and all three are in good racing condition and ready to take up the challenge on home soil.

"Team Barloworld has the most African cyclists in a UCI Pro Continental team and we are always looking for opportunities for the team to race in South Africa. Being based overseas, it's something which the team always looks forward to and it gives them a chance to touch base with their SA fans," says Chris Fisher, head of corporate marketing at Barloworld.

The Giro del Capo is the biggest International stage race in South Africa and when asked what racing at this year's event means to him, team captain Robert Hunter, said getting a chance to race in South Africa is rare, so it is really great to have the opportunity to come back home and share in the excitement with SA supporters.

Impey, one of the youngest cyclists in the team this year, said: "I am really looking forward to cycling the Giro and Argus as part of Team Barloworld, a team which I have admired for a long time. At last year's race I won the prologue and a stage and am hoping to do well again this year."

Froome said Having the chance to come to the Giro and Argus in his first season with Barloworld is exciting and challenging at the same time.

"The quality and level of competitive cycling here is continually improving and the competition is tough and of a high standard. As a South African sponsored team, our cyclists regardless of where they are from, all have a strong affinity towards South African races and are always motivated to do well at home," Fisher concluded.

- SAPA