Rapha Condor Sharp continue to make good on their promise of promoting and shaping new talent during the 2012 season with the announcement of two additional signings: Felix English and Mike Cuming. Although the squad has dominated the domestic scene for several years (and may well continue to do so), they now see their focus “on the development of new British talent”, citing English and Cuming as perfect examples for this new mix.
John Herety, Directeur Sportif, commented that: “These two riders will be great additions to the team. Felix English has already had a brief moment in the spotlight when turned heads by beating Sir Chris Hoy in the European Track Champs last year. He was only 18 at the time and for a rider who doesn’t consider himself a pure sprinter it was an amazing scalp….Michael Cuming is another young rider we have identified as a talent. He was brought to our attention by Jon Tiernan-Locke who noticed Cuming during the last few Premier Calendars before the Tour of Britain, while JT was in pretty much the form of his life, Cummings was the only rider who could stay anywhere near him on the climbs.”
With the addition of these final two signings, the complete rider roster rises to 14 riders (one more than the 2011 season) with the confirmed line up for 2012 now set as: Ed Clancy, Mike Cummings, Dean Downing, Felix English, Ben Grenda, Richard Handley, Kristian House, Christopher Jennings, Tim Kennaugh, Richard Lang, James McCallum, Luke Mellor, Oliver Rossi and Andy Tennant.
