Jelly Belly presented by Kenda has announced renewals with both its name sponsor – the Jelly Belly Candy Company – and presenting sponsor – Kenda Tyres – until the end of 2013, which will take the team into its fifteenth year. The other good news for the US-based Continental team is that it has also secured further two-year deals with its technical sponsors Focus Bikes, apparel provider Pactimo, and long-term helmet and eyewear provider Rudy Project.
“I’m excited to start next season with so much support from our loyal sponsors,” said team director Danny Van Haute. “I appreciate their enthusiasm for this organization and am committed to delivering the results they expect.”
Returning for another season will be cyclocross specialist Jeremy Powers, who has spent his entire eight-year road career with the team. Also back, for their fourth seasons with the team are Brad Huff, Sergio Hernandez, Sean Mazich and Will Dickeson.
“Being part of this organization has taught me how to deliver results on the bike and how to represent my sponsors off the bike,” said Powers. “The experience has helped me become who I am today as a competitor and an ambassador.”
Joining the team for 2012 will be new riders Scott Stewart from Team Type 1, and Dutchman Ricardo van der Velde, who spent two years at ProTour team Garmin-Transitions before riding for Donckers Koffie-Jelly Belly in 2011. The team is also taking on two neo-pros in the shape of Menso de Jong, from Wonderful Pistachios, and Mexican Luis Enrique Davila.
The 2011 season proved to be one of rebuilding for Jelly Belly p/b Kenda, with many of its younger riders moving on at the end of 2010.
“We could have used more climbers and time trial specialists in this year’s roster,” explained Van Haute, so my objective going into next year is to improve those areas.
"The team will lose one of the best time trial riders in the country when Bernard van Ulden retires at the end of the 2011 season,” he continued. “I have high hopes that Ricardo van der Velde can step up and deliver strong time trial results for us next year.”