Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka have announced the launch of their Continental development team for 2016. The South African registered squad will comprise of 10 African riders who will race a mainly European program in 2016.

Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka sees the launch of its very own Continental outfit as a logical step and investment into the future of African cycling. The team will provide world-class infrastructure, services and race opportunities to give talented U23 African road cyclists a path into the pro peloton in Europe. The Continental team will be based in South Africa until mid-March before relocating to Lucca, Italy to commence with its European program.

Ten African riders make up the Continental squad for the 2016 season; 6 South Africans, 2 Eritreans and 2 Rwandans. The team’s race program will focus predominantly on the UCI Europe Tour complemented by a few selected international events.

The Continental team will race in black, in contrast to the World Tour team riders, who compete in white jerseys.

“The Dimension Data for Qhubeka Continental Team is an incredible extension and development platform of our World Tour team which will support more riders from the African continent to be able to race and gain international cycling experience. The riders have been carefully selected by our World Tour Performance Team with the goal that they will be able to become seasoned professionals in the peloton of world cycling in the coming years. This team will have the incredible opportunity to be based at our training centre in Lucca, Tuscany and to be mentored by their World Tour compatriots,” Douglas Ryder – Principal, Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka - said.

Dr Carol Austin, General Manager of Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka Continental, added: “Our new Continental Team represents hope and life-changing opportunity to the next generation of African cycling talent. While our team’s performances in Europe over the past three years have been inspirational, our future success as an African team depends on the establishment of a sustainable talent pipeline and development pathway. There are many committed individuals, teams and federations in Africa working together towards this common goal. Through our Continental team we will fast track each rider’s athletic development and integration into European bike racing and life, by leveraging our knowledge, systems and support structures. I am very grateful for the support our partners have provided to this initiative, and delighted to be part of the leadership team."

Sport Director for the new team Kevin Campbell is thrilled.

“Naturally I’m thrilled that the Continental team is officially registered. We know that we have some really talented athletes in our team. Bicycles have changed the lives of the young men on our team, and now these riders can ride for Qhubeka and allow bicycles to change more lives in their communities. It has been great to see some of the younger riders step up to compete against the other top cyclists in the world over these past 5 years with our World Tour Team. The riders on our Continental team now will emulate and hopefully surpass their achievements," he said.

The founder of the Qhubeka foundation, Anthony Fitzhenry, is equally delighted.

“We are delighted to be associated with the Dimension Data Continental team which consists of athletes and staff from three different African countries. This marks the start of an important step for the next level of African cycling talent to develop. Qhubeka believes that bicycles change lives and this is another opportunity to show how far reaching those changes can be.”

Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka Continental roster:

Amanuel Gebreigzabhier (Eritrea)
Bonaventure Uwizeyimana (Rwanda)
Jayde Julius (South Africa)
Keagan Girdlestone (South Africa)
Metkel Eyob (Eritrea)
Nicholas Dlamini (South Africa)
Ryan Gibbons (South Africa)
Shameeg Salie (South Africa)
Stefan de Bod (South Africa)
Valens Ndayisenga (Rwanda)