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Should Wales have its own cycling team?

WALES could have its first professional cycling team by 2016, it has emerged, after the “We Are Wales” pro cycling team set out plans to one day compete in the Tour de France.

After the success of Cardiff-born cyclists Geraint Thomas and Luke Rowe for Team Sky, We Are Wales Pro Cycling – which is the brainchild of Bridgend-born Eifion Weinzweig and former top coach Yann Dejan – has claimed it will have financial backing to start next season.

The creation of the team will mark another leap forward for Welsh cycling, after Thomas won the Volta ao Algarve last week.

Wales also boasts former Olympic champion Nicole Cooke among its past stars.

“Our desire has always been to create something very special for the people of Wales, a team they can be proud to call their own,” said Weinzweig, who raced in France for pro team UCK Vannes.

“We all know how passionate Welsh fans are about sport and WAW will give them another professional team to follow in what is a rapidly growing sport. The ultimate dream is to one day support a Welsh rider through to the finish of the Tour de France but that is a long way in the future.”

Geraint Thomas has competed for Team Sky in the Tour de France

Geraint Thomas has competed for Team Sky in the Tour de France, alongside Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome

The team has not yet announced its riders but Weinzweig plans to create a legacy for Welsh cyclists.

There are hopes that Thomas and Rowe will get behind the campaign, but Weinzweig wants to concentrate on blooding unproven homegrown talent.

He added: “We want to provide a platform for the Welsh economy to attract global investment into the region as well as engaging with local communities in Wales. One of our key objectives is to develop a long-lasting legacy for young cyclists in Wales.”

Dejan too has a wealth of experience, coaching and directing professional cycling teams, having worked with UCK Vannes and Team Bretagne in the past.

 

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