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Global Racing to be Swift

Another new deal for British team

Change in title sponsors for cyclo cross / road team

Global Racing Team are pleased to announce a major sponsorship partnership with Swift Group which will fund a significant new initiative to find and train top riders from the UK in the build up to the 2012 Olympic Games in London. The team was known as FBUK in 2006 and Global Racing in 2007. 

Swift is basing the sponsorship around it’s market leading ranges of Bessacarr, Ace and Swift of coachbuilt motorhomes, and has committed to a long term sponsorship package that will see the Global name change to Swift Racing from 1 January 2008. 

The sponsorship will open a new route to young riders wanting to reach the top and hopefully be able to compete for a medal for Britain. The team behind the venture, Global Racing, has been established for three years and has already gained a good reputation in Europe since becoming the first ever British women’s professional team in 2006. 

Under manager Stefan Wyman, 2007 has seen the women professional team undertake an impressive race programme including the Tour of Flanders, Tour de L’Aude and Het Volk. 2008 will see the team use the UK National Series to help develop its youngest riders, whilst also giving them the opportunity to race against the World’s best in Europe.

In 2007, the team has worked alongside British Cycling with it’s under 23 academy riders where it has gained experience of working with riders balancing the cycling and studying demands of young riders. Swift Racing will provide another path for those talented riders who do not fit the profile of other programs available to riders from the UK.

“One of the major differences in this programme is that we will constantly be reviewing new talent and feeding riders into the team on a phased basis so that we can give as many people as possible the chance to make it to the top of the sport,” Manager Stefan Wyman commented.

“British Cycling is doing a great job to take its selected riders forward and provide them with opportunities to succeed.  We intend to continue to allow other riders to have an alternative route in cycling.”

Swift Racing has retained several leading riders for 2008 including Helen Wyman, Louise Moriarty and Debby van den Berg. New Zealander Olympian, Toni Bradshaw, joins them along with Commonwealth Games Medallist Emma Davies Jones. 

The most recent addition to the squad is Alice Monger-Godfrey, one of the most exiting talents of 2007. With a bronze medal in the national under 23 championships, she went on to win the National Road Race Series whilst still a junior.

Swift Racing will announce how young riders can apply to join the squad shortly, but Manager Wyman assured prospective candidates that anyone with real potential will be considered.

Swift Group Chairman, Peter Smith, explained why the company is making this major investment in British cycling. “Cycling is one of the most popular sports in the UK but probably one of the most under funded. British Cycling does a great job, but clearly focuses on the cream of British cyclists. Quite often the best stars take time to develop and the main aim of this sponsorship is to provide Swift Racing with enough support to enable Stefan and his organisation to spread the net a little wider and help more youngsters achieve the dream of riding for their country and hopefully go on to win a medal in the London games.”

2008 Riders

Emma Davies Jones                UK

Alice Monger-Godfrey             UK

Gabby Day                                UK

Helen Wyman                            UK

Louise Moriarty                         Ireland

Jenny Fay                                 Ireland

Toni Bradshaw                           New Zealand

Marina Duvnjak                        New Zealand

Ine Beyen                                  Belgium

Lien Beyen                                Belgium

Debby van den Berg                 Holland

Sigrid Jochems                          Holland

Sarah Reynolds                         UK Junior

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2008 Race Programme (Selected Major Events)

16 March                       Het Volk (Belgium)

6 April                           Tour of Flanders (Belgium)

23 April                         Fleche Wallone (Belgium)

27 April                         Cheshire Classic (UK)

11 May                         Olverston Road Race (UK)

16 May                         Tour de L’aude (France)

7 June                           Omloop Humsterland (NL)

19 June                         Ster Eilanden (NL)

2 July                            GP Gerrie Knetemann (NL)

16 July                          Tour of Brittany (FRA)

1 August                       World Cup Sweden TTT

3 August                       World Cup Sweden

10 August                     Holland Hills (NL)

24 August                     GP Plouay (FRA)

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