Strata 3-VeloRevolution has unveiled a nine-rider team, and new kit, for the season ahead when it aims for more wins on the domestic circuit.
The squad has been one of the most
prolific on the home scene in recent years and, now operating for almost a
decade, it’s one of the most recognisable cycling teams in the country.
This year team principal, Aidan
Crowley, is keeping an open mind about adding one or two additional riders to
the line-up, opting to take a flexible approach in a time of uncertainty due to
Covid-19.
However, the nine riders already signed are now firmly in place for the year ahead and it’s a line-up packed with potential race winners.
Crowley, whose Irish cycling and
triathlon apparel brand VeloRevolution is one of the team’s main backers, said
he was very happy with the riders he has signed and the team’s new red and blue
look for the season ahead.
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“We have stuck with the riders who’ve done the business for us in the past; every one of them has been great for us. And I think we’re going into the season, whenever it starts, with a tight group that can win lots of races,” he said.
“We have riders who have been among
the most successful people in road racing over the last few years and it’s all
about trying to repeat that success this year and looking great in the
VeloRevolution kit while they do that.”
As well as VeloRevolution, Strata 3
is also returning in the ‘main sponsor’ line-up. It is one of the leading
digital agencies in Ireland and now has a long association backing the team.
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Also on board this year are Manuka Health, Caremark and Midleton’s An Rothar Bike Shop.
Grace Young is the sole female rider
signed with the team at this point, something that Crowley says may change, and
is a great bet for success in the year ahead.
A frequent winner on the road and on
the cyclocross circuit, Young has represented Ireland on the road and is the
reigning Irish criterium champion.
Daire Feeley and Mark Dowling, two
heavy hitters on the Irish circuit, are back for more but there’s also serious
firepower, and potential wins, elsewhere in the team.
Feeley was the most prolific rider at home last year, taking more wins than any other cyclist and finishing atop the Cycling Ireland A1 rankings.
Dowling has often been the best
climber in the country and has won most of our biggest races; a record few
would bet against him extending this year.
Richard Maes, very successful on the
road and in cyclocross, will once again ride in Strata3-VeloRevolution colours this
season. Having often excelled when the racing has been at its hardest,
including in Rás Tailteann, he is due a big win the year ahead.
Paul Forristal is also lining out
for Crowley’s outfit this year after breaking through in the last couple of
seasons and taking some great victories.
Mark Quigley, Paul Norton and Andy
Whales also return with the team for 2021 and are a very strong trio among the
group. James Davenport is back again and hoping to return to winning ways after
suffering glandular fever.
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