The Omega Pharma Quick Step team has confirmed that Rolf Aldag will remain part of the setup in 2013, taking up a new role as Sport and Development manager with the Belgian squad.
The former pro previously worked as an important part of the management of the HTC Highroad team, but walked away from cycling when that squad folded last year. He briefly worked in triathlon, then took up a position as development manager with the Omega Pharma Quick Step setup earlier this year.
His future role with the squad will see him continue to work with Brian Holm, and also with the incoming Mark Cavendish. The latter was the star sprinter with the HTC Highroad setup and after one year with the Sky Procycling team, his move will see him reunite with Aldag and Holm.
He will hope that this collaboration will help him have a highly successful 2013.
“I'm very pleased with this opportunity the team is giving me to focus 100% on cycling again,” said Aldag. “As sport manager I will be responsible for coordinating the athletes in collaboration with the team's experienced staff, whose competence I came to know and appreciate last year. The dialogue with the Sports Directors and the team coaches will be fundamental in further improving the organizational aspect.
“As development manager I will work towards developing strong relationships with our technical partners, first and foremost of which is Specialized. I firmly believe in our technical partners and I'm positive that our collaboration and determination in finding solutions that are continually on the cutting edge will help us reach all of the goals we've set together.”
Aldag’s experienced has drawn the praise of the general manager Patrick Lefevere and he said that his full time involvement is very important for the project. “Rolf's skills and experience will be essential both from a technical and an organizational aspect. Ours is a group that is growing step by step. Every small detail is fundamental to bring us to a high level."
In addition to Cavendish, the team will also feature riders of the calibre of Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders winner Tom Boonen plus the double world time trial champion Tony Martin.
Also see: Holm: "Cav is one of the few true champions of cycling”