NetApp-Endura has confirmed the signing of exciting Irish talent Sam Bennett and experienced Portuguese rider Tiago Machado for 2014. The German-registered Professional Continental team will make few other changes to its roster, however, after what it calls a “very successful year,” which saw its riders take 24 podium spots as well as a stage of the Vuelta a España.
“We’re betting on continuity said team manager Ralph Denk. “We had a very successful season in 2013 and we demonstrated our team's current level of performance most recently at the Vuelta a España. In order to take it to the next level we can continue working with our top performers - which will prove to be a great advantage for us next year.
23-year-old Bennett has spent the last three years at the An Post-Chainreaction team, taking several impressive results along the way. His performance at last month’s Tour of Britain saw him catch the public eye, where he won one stage and finished second in two others.
Machado has ridden for RadioShack-Leopard since turning professional in 2010, and staying with several of his teammates as the RadioShack and Leopard-Trek rosters merged in 2012. As the team folds at the end of this year, however, with the licence being bought by Trek Factory Racing, the Portuguese rider has found a home at the German team.
“Sam is among the best up-and-coming sprinters in Europe,’ Denk said. “He proved that in impressive style at the Tour of Britain. He will be a valuable addition to our squad of young sprinters. Tiago is an experienced tour specialist, and we signed him on specifically for the general classification at shorter stage races. In addition, with his climbing skills, he will provide added support for Leo Koenig at the bigger tours.”
Aside from its two new signings, there are to be few changes to the NetApp-Endura roster in 2013, with 17 of its 21-man roster staying on. Of the four not listed on the 2014 line-up, British veteran Russell Downing is leaving for British to-be Continental team NFTO, where he will be reunited with elder brother Dean, Roger Kluge leaving for IAM Cycling, while Markus Eichler and Alex Wetterhall have yet to confirm their 2014 teams.
With 19 riders confirmed for next season, however, NetApp-Endura might well have room for more in what is currently a busy transfer market.
“A lot is happening in the riders market, and there are some exciting options,” said Denk. “So we’re still in talks, and we’ll review whether or not to strengthen our team further. But all that is taking place without any pressure because our core team is all set for 2014.”
Team NetApp-Endura confimed riders for 2014
Jan Barta, Cesare Benedetti, Sam Bennett, Iker Camaño, David de la Cruz, Zakkari Dempster, Bartosz Huzarski, Blaz Jarc, Leopold König, Tiago Machado, Ralf Matzka, Jonathan McEvoy, Jose Mendes, Erick Rowsell, Andreas Schillinger, Daniel Schorn, Michael Schwarzmann, Scott Thwaites, Paul Voss