Team Barloworld stars honoured
13 December 2007What a year 2007 was for the South African-sponsored Team Barloworld! After an outstanding showing in the Tour de France, two of the team's spearheads have received prestigious awards in their countries for their awe-inspiring performances.
Robbie Hunter, the winner of stage 11 and runner-up for the sprinters' green jersey, was crowned South Africa's Road Cyclist of the Year for the fifth time in the last seven years in late November.
First African victory
His victory in the Tour de France was the first ever by an African cyclist and it came after he had narrowly missed out on a win on the fourth stage when Norwegian star Thor Hushovd pipped him to the finish line.
Hunter consistently challenged for honours among the sprinters; ultimately he finished with 234 points, 22 shy of the green jersey winner Tom Boonen, and two clear of Erik Zabel, who won the jersey for six consecutive years from 1996 to 2001.
With the SA speed freak featuring as one of the leading sprinters throughout the Tour, sponsors Barloworld received a wonderful return on their investment in the cycling team, with their name and colours on regular display, and the team receiving widespread praise.
Colombian Athlete of the Year
The other man to be honoured was Barloworld's Columbian climbing ace Mauricio Soler, who was named Colombian Athlete of the Year.
Little known before the Tour de France, Soler announced his arrival with a stunning victory on the mountainous ninth stage. Charging out of the leading group of riders, with 47 kilometres to go, he opened up a good gap on the 159.5-kilometre route from Val d'Isere to Briancon.
As the finishing line neared, the tension built as the chasing pack tried to mount an attack to haul the courageous Colombian in. Soler, though, kept charging for home and maintained a solid lead.
With French President Nikolas Sarkozy in the race director's car just behind him and the end in sight, Soler zipped up his jersey to display Barloworld's name prominently before crossing the line 38 seconds ahead of his nearest challenger. His victory rated as one of the most inspiring of the entire Tour.
Polka dot jersey
Soler never let up the rest of the way to the finish in Paris where he captured the polka dot jersey, awarded to the Tour's leading climber. It was a sensational debut and the humble Colombian made for a popular winner.
As a South African, watching a Colombian riding for a South African team, on his way to victory on stage nine, it was as if Soler had become an honorary South African that day; it was with no small amount of pride that I celebrated his win as if the 24-year-old was one of my fellow countrymen.
Team Barloworld's manager Claudio Corti attended the prize giving ceremony where Soler received his Colombian Athlete of the Year Award on 6 December.
2008
Afterwards Soler sounded an ominous warning for the world's leading cyclists; having sat down with Corti and examined the route for the 2008 Giro d'Italia – one of the three Grand Tour events, along with the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España – he said he believed he could do really well in the race because there are some tough mountain stages that will suit him.
Barloworld, as UCI Pro Continental team, will need to receive a sponsor's invitation to take part in the Giro. After their success in the Tour de France it will surely be forthcoming.
The same deal applies to the Tour de France; Team Barloworld would have to be invited to participate in cycling's most prestigious event but, after the hugely positive impression that SA-sponsored outfit made in 2007, it's hard to imagine they won't be back burning up the roads of France in 2008.
Once again, star sprinter Hunter and ace climber Soler, national heroes in their countries and now recognised all around the world for their cycling exploits, will be at the forefront of the team's challenge.
Intaka Tech World's View Challenge
Meanwhile, South Africans will have a wonderful opportunity to see Team Barloworld's new and strengthened line-up in action from 2 February to 7 February 2008 when Pietermaritzburg hosts the Intaka Tech World's View Challenge.
The South African giants will be up against tough opposition, including UCI Pro Tour teams, Milram and Liquigas.
The format is one that ensures tough, competitive, tactical racing each day, with the event made up of five one-day races, over different routes and distances, but with all of them starting and finishing in Pietermaritzburg.
With R650 000 in prize money up for grabs, the competition is sure to be fierce. It is a new year's treat that will be surely be embraced by South Africa's strong cycling community.
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