Azerbaijani team to boost New Zealand Cycle Classic

Azerbaijan`s first professional cycling team the Synergy Baku Cycling Project will make its debut in the New Zealand Cycle Classic in the Manawatu from January 29 to February 2.The multi-national squad includes well-travelled New Zealand rider Rico Rogers, Azartac reported.Though Azerbaijan`s first professional team is in its opening year, the team has had numerous wins in UCI events (14) in Asia and Europe, with Rogers among the victors.Leading the team in Palmerston North will be Australian William Walker, previously with the Rabobank pro team on tours of Italy, Spain and Germany, which should make him among the favourites to be the overall winner of the classic from January 29 to February 2.Seasoned professionals Daniel Klemme, and brothers Christoph and Michael Schweizer, of Germany, are also part of the Project alongside another Australian, Patrick Lane, who was second behind New Zealander George Bennett on general classification in the 2010 classic.Team manager David McQuaid said he chose to start the team`s year in New Zealand because in January and February "a core section of our squad", including the Azeris, are based in Melbourne with team head sporting director Jeremy Hunt."Races like the NZ Cycle Classic and the Herald Sun Tour, plus good training kilometres in the area, should see us arrive at early season races in Asia in good condition," McQuaid said."We are a development team, and will be for some years to come. Our project in Azerbaijan will take time. The average age in the squad of 17 for 2014 is 25."Race director Jorge Sandoval previously announced two other newcomers to the classic in British team Rapha Condor and OCBC, of Singapore."It`ll be interesting to see the Azerbaijan team going head to head with Rapha Condor and OCBC," Sandoval said. "Looking at the Germans in the team I`d expect the Azerbaijan squad to be very strong on the flat and in the mass bunch sprint finishes."Sandoval also has two Australian national road series squads making their debuts in New Zealand, Satalyst Giant and Data#3 Symantic.Others from across the Tasman are still to confirm their lineups, besides the New Zealand teams.The Giant squad contains Pat Shaw and Kane Walker, both former members of the overall winning squad at this year`s Cycle Classic, and Theodore Yates, Mitch Cooper and Jackson Mawby.The Queensland-based Symantic team of Jacob Kauffmann, David Melville, Alex Grunke, Adam Allen and Kyle Bridgwood will be taking part in their first overseas race.ANN.Az