The Endura Racing team have increased the international flavor and strength of the team with the signings of Estonian René Mandri and Dutchman Maarten de Jonge for 2011. Earlier this year the Endura Racing was invited to race at the Tour of the Méditerranéen, and the new acquisitions announce their intention to continue to build momentum for the team.
Madri, 26, spent the last six seasons riding for the French AG2r-La Mondiale team and, along with his strength, will add valuable experience on the road. The 2006 European U23 road race runner-up said he's looking forward to being a part of the project.
“This will be a fresh start with Endura for me," explained Mandri. “I have been Impressed with the team to now, and I like their ambitions for the future.”
De Jonge spent most of his career in Holland and, after a 2010 that includes wins in the Ronde van Limburg and Koln-Schuld-Frechen, the 25 year old was ready to take the next step as a rider.
"I am really happy to be part of this ambitious team, and working with some top-UK riders and former European professionals like Rob Hayles and Julian Winn," de Jonge said.
The British team currently boasts twelve riders that represent homegrown talent, and also includes Alexandre Blain, who moved over to the team this year after two years with the Cofidis squad, and former Footon-Servetto rider Spaniard Iker Camaño. Australians Jack Bauer and Jason Christie round out the 2010 squad.
“Rene and Maarten are both part of the strengthening process for 2011. We recently announced the signing of Iker Camano and we’re delighted to have two more experienced European riders to join him," added team director Jim McFarlane. "Our long-term plans for this team mean that ProTour riders such as Rene will need to be recruited, and their experience in big race situations will be a great boost to the younger members of the squad."