Suggestions that Bob Stapleton is looking increasingly likely to secure team’s future
Amid suggestions that ongoing backing for the HTC Highroad team looks increasingly likely, directeur sportif Brian Holm has talked about the push to secure the team’s future and to ensure that the squads continue into 2012 and beyond.
“I know my boss Bob Stapleton is quite busy. I think he has got one, two weeks more to make a deal…everybody is willing to wait for him," he told VeloNation during a video interview. "I think everybody is quite happy on the team here…we have got a very good atmosphere in the team, pretty relaxed and still winning.”
According to various media reports today, things are looking positive. VeloNation spoke to Stapleton during Saturday’s time trial stage and while he preferred not to make a statement for now, he indicated that talks were ongoing and that the team had several options.
The impression was that things were moving in the right direction. According to Holm, the riders have decided to give Stapleton more time, including Mark Cavendish. “I think everybody wants to wait…even Mark agreed to give Bob a few more weeks to see what is going to happen. We will do everything to keep it together.”
This would appear to suggest that the oft-rumoured move to Sky Procycling was not yet certain, and that Cavendish could end up staying where he is. The Manx sprinter said during last year’s Commonwealth Games that he was satisfied with the team, but that he wasn’t being paid enough.
Holm remains guarded about predictions, preferring to wait and see what happens. However he said that if the team did stop, that it would mark the end of an era.
“I think it would be a pity, because Bob Stapleton was setting new standards in cycling,” he stated. “I think most people know that we have been as clean as a cycling team can be, we have got a very good development programme, we have probably the best bikes in the bunch, the best tyres and everything.
“If we do have to stop in one or two weeks, if we never pulled in a new sponsor, then that’s life. Everything comes to an end here in life, but it would be a pity.”
Judging by other indications, though, it seems possible that the team will have its future secured for several more seasons, and with a bigger budget.
HTC Highroad has been hugely successful in recent years, with the men’s and women’s teams together racking up 481 wins in the past four years. It was one of the most successful teams in this year’s Tour, with Cavendish taking five stage victories and bringing his career total to 20. Tony Martin also topped the podium, taking Saturday’s time trial.
Also see: Holm talks about Cavendish's winning mentality