More details have emerged about the new team that president the union of Dutch riders Bobbie Traksel is trying to create to help unemployed Dutch and Belgian riders in a difficult situation. While the team still needs further funding to be turned into reality, it has opened negotiations with new riders, with Reinier Honig confirming that he has been offered a monthly salary of 750 Euros.
Last month it emerged that president of union of Dutch riders Bobbie Traksel whose Champion System is one of five professional teams to fold at the end of the season, is trying to create a new continental team. The plan is to bridge the gap for unemployed Dutch and Belgian riders who want to keep riding in 2014 with the hope of joining a bigger team in 2015 where several new professional teams are likely to be created.
Last week Traksel confirmed that he needed 600000 Euros for the project to continue and that he still needed 750000 Euros to reach that target. Having postponed the deadline until this week, he asked potential backers to react quickly.
Traksel also confirmed that he had been in contact with several riders that could potentially join the team but refused to name any names. One of those riders seems to be Reinier Honig who is left unemployed by the demise of Crelan-Euphony.
In an interview with L1, Honig reveals that he has been offered a contract with the new team but he also tells that he will have a minimal salary.
"The team will consist of 12 riders that do not earn more than 750 Euros a month," he said. "Of course, 750 Euros are nothing but I can continue my cycling career- And that's what I want. Next year I can maybe join a bigger team."
Honig also confirmed Traksel's previous statements.
"Today I understand that we have 525000 Euros," he stand. "It comes down to finding 75000 Euros over the next few days."
Meanwhile, Traksel has launched a Facebook campaign to find the needed money before Thursday which is the new deadline.
"It's our last chance!" he writes. "Friends of cycling, Bobbie is still looking for a major sponsor who can fund the initiative Is your company interested or do you know a company that has an interest?"
Traksel is likely to be one of the riders on the team if the project continues.
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