Cycling’s new kid on the block secures first big race participation

Two days ago they gained entry to cycling’s second division, and now Drapac Pro Cycling got its first World Tour event invitation to the Santos Tour Down Under. The new kid on the block is the only Australian team in the Professional Continental ranks, and is also the only one to move up from Continental level.

“It is fantastic to receive formal confirmation from the UCI that we will be granted a Professional Continental licence,” team manager Jonathan Breekveldt told Velo Nation. “This is only the beginning of the journey but it is the final step in enabling eligibility for a wildcard invitation to the Santos Tour Down Under.”

The team has armed itself considerable for the 2014 season, enrolling Saxo-Tinkoff’s Jonathan Cantwell, Argos-Shimano’s William Clarke and Travis Meyer from Orica-Greenedge. Their current roster has become pretty impressive, and it will be interesting to see how they perform.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to compete in not only the biggest race on the Australian calendar but also the first, and our first, WorldTour event of the year,” Breekveldt added.

Mike Turtur, race director of the Santos Tour Down Under, confirmed Drapac’s participation to Velo Nation.

“A wildcard entry at the race has been discussed for many years and when Drapac made it clear to us they were aiming for Pro Continental status we decided that it was time for us to offer an invitation if that was achieved,” he said.

“Drapac is a group of aspiring young cyclists who get a great opportunity to race against the best teams in the world on Australian soil, which in anyone’s book us just a fantastic opportunity.”