TEAM Bahrain Victorious aims to be the “best in the world” with its vision focusing on riders and their performance, according to the man at its helm.
Assuming the role of the prestigious cycling team’s technical director, Vladimir Miholjevic was confident of the men onboard, who he said were the “best professionals around”.
The former Croatian road bicycle racer was responding to the GDN during a virtual Press conference yesterday, held to introduce the riders and to discuss the upcoming season’s expectations and goals.
The GDN reported last month that His Majesty King Hamad’s representative for humanitarian work and youth affairs and Supreme Council for Youth and Sport chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa inaugurated Team Bahrain Victorious, which was previously known as Team Bahrain McLaren. It was also announced the team will take part in the 2021 UCI World Tour Season, after its relaunch which was described as “part of a change” in its “strategic direction”.
“Our approach to racing will be to be original,” Mr Miholjevic told the GDN.
“We have analysed each race that we are going to take part in, and we aim to achieve results.
“Based on this we adopt the tactics in advance.
“We aim to be the best team in the world for riders – in all aspects.
“So we support riders, be it their private lives or their sport side, as in training and organising training camps, as well as providing them with the best possible equipment.
“We are also into research and development projects to enhance the technical and physical strength of our team. This is the main vision forward.”
Earlier this month the team welcomed Bahraini rider Ahmed Madan onboard with the 20-year-old becoming the first Bahraini rider at WorldTour level.
Mr Miholjevic emphasised that the team will adopt the formula of “performance first, riders first”.
“Our focus is foremost on the riders, but this doesn’t mean that we are spoiling them – they are the best professionals around,” said Mr Miholjevic.
Dreams
“We help them to follow their dreams and goals.
“By fulfilling the riders’ goals, the common goal is achieved, which is the team’s goal.’’
The new season will include elite cyclists Mikel Landa, Pello Bilbao, Wout Poels, Dylan Teuns, Sonny Colbrelli, Matej Mohoric, Jack Haig, Jonathan Milan and Gino Mäder.
The team’s strong connection to Bahrain is represented by the support of the Bahrain Economic Development Board, Bapco, Batelco, National Bank of Bahrain and Alba among others.
Bahrain has been involved in UCI World Tour cycling since 2017 with the support of Merida Bikes, who will continue to be an integral partner of the team, supplying race-winning bikes and supporting innovation alongside their technical partners FSA cockpits, Vision wheels, Prologo saddles, Continental tyres and Shimano power meters.
In addition to Merida, Team Bahrain Victorious will also be working with several of pro cycling’s most impressive technical partners – including leading-edge helmet and eyewear brand Rudy Project, cycling luggage innovator Scicon, Elite trainers and bottles, performance apparel brand Nalini and the most innovative tool brands Snap-On and Bahco.
Global news broadcaster CNBC, bespoke tailors Cad & The Dandy, Rocket Espresso and Bristot have also renewed their partnership with the team for next year.