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Team Stradalli – Bike Aid to Tour of Qinghai Lake again – a true peak of the season

The race also known as The Tour de France of Asia takes place in some of the most astonishing places on earth. The Tour of Qinghai Lake leads through the highlands of the Chinese region “Qinghai” near Tibet and along one of the biggest salt lakes on earth.

After participating the last two years 2014 and 2015, this will be the 3^rd year in a row in which Team Stradalli – Bike Aid has received invitation to this race. The 2016 Tour of Qinghai Lake will be a very special edition as it is the 15^thanniversary of the Tour. To be invited again to this race means a lot to the team as the Tour of Qinghai Lake is the most important race in Asia and ranked with HC category in the calendar of UCI. This is the highest category in rankings apart from World Tour races. Qinghai Lake will again give the team the opportunity to race side by side with big teams such as Lampre – Merida of the World Tour during the same time as the Tour de France in July.

The team has been proving their strength over the year against World Tour teams since the beginning of the year. The team first travelled to Challenge Mallorca where they were a constant factor in breakaway moves. The team then continued their aggressive racing style at Vuelta Andalucia Ruta del Sol. The team recently grabbed a 22^nd place finish at UCI 1.HC Rund um den Finanzplatz Eschborn – Frankfurt, widely known as one of the hardest races in Germany and Europe.

Florent Horeau, who will fill the role of head sport director for Stradalli – Bike Aid in Qinghai Lake, said preparations for Qinghai Lake are the most important for the team.

“The whole schedule and planning of the season is targeted to this race. We have been able to show good performances in the past two years with many Top – 10 results, but this year we want to achieve the next level and be focused on this race,” Horeau said.

Stradalli – Bike Aid will continue using the carbon Aversa frame for Qinghai lake. The Aversa frame has proven itself over a wide variety of terrain and racing conditions and will suit the racers needs for the toughest stage race in Asia. The team fully believes in their capabilities to impact the race and will be using the best technology to do so.

Especially with the new rider from Rwanda, Jean-Bosco Nsengimana, team Stradalli – Bike Aid want to play an important role in the general classification of the race. To achieve this goal it is necessary to be perfectly organized and to have a square schedule for every rider to be in top-shape at this time.

Horeau said another goal will be to fight with Meron Teshome from Eritrea for stage-wins.

“Meron already proved lot of times that he is a fast sprinter.” Horeau said. “He has been especially good this year. He already beat one of his biggest competitors a couple of times in the sprint. That gives us confidence and hope to also play a good role in the daily sprints.”

Not only in terms of sport the Tour of Qinghai Lake will be a highlight of the season. The race is well-known for its unique location on altitude and given the fact that the stages will be held at altitudes between 2.400m and 3.800m this will be a very special challenge for the body and also the mind of each and every rider. The team recently traveled to the Tour of Eritrea where they raced and excelled in similar altitudes after preparing on Alpe d’huez in France and STEPS training facility in Germany. Nevertheless the racing will still be tough and the riders will be rewarded for their agonies with breath-taking views and landscapes at the top of this unique scenery that is quite impossible to find the right words for.

In terms of media, the Tour of Qinghai Lake is a real eye-catcher! Every stage will be live broadcasted in the Chinese TV channel CCTV 5 ensuring huge media coverage as well as the reports in the countless daily newspapers. A peak of about 2 million spectators per day on the race roads well-rounding this awesome event and makes it to a unique platform for riders, teams and also the sponsors to present to the Chinese and Asian markets!

We hope that we will be also able to bring you again breath-taking pictures and stories from the Tour of Qinghai Lake also in 2016!

Round um den Finanzplatz Eschborn - Frankfurt, one of Germany’s most important and hard one-day races, can be won by either sprinters or early attackers. It creates a beautiful race in which riders have the opportunity to make the difference before the flat finish in the center of the city. The race is 206.8 km and the presence of the Taunus Mountains and their challenging climbs could see the race change at any time and requires to the riders to focus 100 percent of their energy into every moment of the race.

180 riders lined up to complete the circuit which featured 8 categorized climbs with gradients of 20 percent. The race which saw the riders race uphill at insane speeds had only 56 finishers. On the first lap riders were already losing contact with the bunch.

Stradalli – Bike Aid lined up their best riders to compete against Etixx – Quickstep and Team Katusha. The team knows the strength of the World Tour teams from their early season racing in Challenge Mallorca and Ruta del Sol and came fully prepared to attack the race.

Etixx – Quickstep fielded a talented team which included Niki Terpstra, Giani Meersman and 3-time UCI Time Trial World Champion Tony Martin. Terpstra, winner of the 2014 edition of Paris – Roubaix and Meersman did not finish the race. Martin was the last of 56 finishers of the tough, hilly route through Frankfurt.

Alexander Kristoff of Team Katusha would take the final sprint of the day, but he was not the only winner at Eschborn - Frankfurt. John Degenkolb could feel like a winner after almost a three-month injury break. Degenkolb celebrated an impressive comeback even if he did not finish with the best time. Degenkolb rode in the service of his team, Giant-Alpecin. After nearly 160 kilometers he reduced his pace instead of hurting himself over the fourth and final time on the Mammolshain mountain. Degenkolb finished the race in the team bus. Giant – Alpecin teammate, American Caleb Fairly, also pulled out of the race.

The race would finish hard and fast in the Frankfurt city streets and Milan – San Remo winner Alexander Kristoff would take the sprint handily. The Argentinian Maximiliano Richeze from the Belgian Etixx - Quick-Step team and the Irishman Sam Bennett Germany Team Bora – Argon 18 rolled in behind for second and third place.

Stradalli – Bike Aid rider Nico Holler had an incredible ride finishing 22 in the main pack. Holler is a climber by specialty, but still managed to be at the front of the group for a tight fast sprint. Eschborn – Frankfurt is widely considered one of the hardest races in Germany and it is a huge result for Holler and Stradalli – Bike Aid to be at the front attacking and competing with the best teams and Europe.

Stradalli – Bike Aid wins stage 2 of the UCI 2.2 Tour of Eritrea.

The 179 kilometer stage from Tesseney to Agordat featured significant elevation change, but that didn’t deter the peloton from riding hard. Attacks started as soon as the riders left the start line. Stradalli – Bike Aid controlled the race with excellent teamwork throughout the day.

After Amanuel Meron’s podium finish in stage 1, the team knew he could provide a result. Amanuel Meron would be the most protected rider throughout the day due to his high general classification placing. Meron Teshome, however, is the better sprinter.

The two riders worked together to shepherd themselves in a fast final after a tough day of racing. Meron Teshome took the win, proving his sprinting ability at the highest level. Amanuel Meron followed closely behind in 3^rd place giving Stradalli – Bike Aid two riders on the podium of stage 2 of Tour of Eritrea.

The Eritrean riders have special motivation to race well in their home country, but the entire Stradalli – Bike Aid team and their management are working hard to ensure success at the Tour of Eritrea. Many of their riders are native to Eritrea and it is the place where the Stradalli – Bike Aid mission of creating a better future for those who are less fortunate began.

The Stradalli – Bike Aid team is currently using the full carbon Aversa frame because of its ability to perform well under a variety of conditions. The Tour of Eritrea will feature technical roads, fast sprint finishes and high mountains.

The Tour of Eritrea continues tomorrow with Stage 3 from Keren to Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. The stage will cover 93k, but it is mountainous. This stage will be the first opportunity for the real climbers of Stradalli – Bike Aid to show their talent.

Welcome to UCI Tour of Eritrea, Africa

Stradalli – Bike Aid has landed in Eritrea to prepare for the upcoming Tour of Eritrea. Eritrea sits on the East Coast of Africa. The race will explore the entire country, from the mountainous inlands all the way to the Red Sea in the east.

Stradalli – Bike Aid will be using the Aversa for the Tour of Eritrea due to its versatility. The bike climbs well, but is also suitable for sprint finishes. More importantly, the frame will keep the riders comfortable on the rough roads of Eritrea.

The Tour of Eritrea covers 669 kilometers over 5 days of racing. Mekseb Debesay, formerly of what is now Stradalli – Bike Aid, won the Tour of Eritrea in 2013 the last time the race was hosted.

Stradalli – Bike Aid riders Meron Amanuel and Teshome Meron took 3^rd and 4^th place on the general classification during their last attendance at Tour of Eritrea.

Eritrea has historically been a country of turmoil, but the country is responsible for some of the most successful riders to arrive at the World Tour from Africa. Daniel Teklehaimanot, who has ridden for teams such as Orica GreenEDGE and is now currently with Dimension Data, is arguably the most successful Eritrean rider in history. Mekseb Debesay recently switched from Stradalli – Bike Aid to join Teklehaimanot at Dimension Data.

Stradalli – Bike Aid is now the team which hosts the most exciting, young talent to come out of Eritrea. Meron Teshome and Amanuel Mengis Ghebreindrias are just two Stradalli – Bike Aid riders from Eritrea, but they have already had many podium appearances in 2016.

The team is now doing race reconnaissance on the mountainous roads of Eritrea before beginning the 5 stage UCI 2.2 race which begins on April 19^th.

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On everyone's desk this morning bicycling magazine

Stradalli – Bike Aid pro team’s new full page was released in Bicycling Magazine this month. The photo was taken in Mallorca when the team was preparing for the Mallorca Challenge earlier this year.

The team started early in 2016 in Gabon, Africa at La Tropicale Amissa Bongo taking multiple top 10 and podium finishes. From Africa the team flew straight to Mallorca for the Challenge Mallorca for four days of racing with top World Tour teams from all over Europe. The team met with Stradalli Cycle management for product testing, photo shoots and training rides around beautiful Mallorca.

The photo features 9 of the top riders from Stradalli – Bike Aid Continental Professional Cycling Team and title and official bike sponsor Tom Stradalli. Bike Aid and Stradalli joined forces this year on a 3-year multi-million dollar deal.

UFC Fighter Cole Miller Prepares For Next Fight With Stradalli Cycle TTR-8 Time Trial Bike

American Top Team veteran UFC fighter Cole “Magrinho” Miller is currently training for his next MMA fight with his new Stradalli Cycle full carbon time trial TTR-8 bike to help improve his conditioning not only for the octagon but for triathlons which Miller has become a huge fan of competing in.

“It started years ago when I was on the show The Ultimate Fighter in 2007 and some of the guys told me about how they rode bikes and did triathlons to keep their cardio up. I was hooked from that point on. I love the races and I love riding bikes. American Top Team has a great relationship with Stradalli Cycle and I went over there to get my first bike. Now I own 3 and I ride them everywhere. The ATT full carbon road bike is the beast I use all the time, I abuse it and it takes a pounding and keeps going. Then I have a carbon Fixie from Stradalli I use when I ride up to Starbucks for coffee or go somewhere in town. Just love being on the bike and it really helps keep my knees healthy during training.” Cole Miller

A professional MMA fighter since 2003, Miller has been using Stradalli Cycle full carbon bikes for training since 2007 while also training at American Top Team academy in Coconut Creek, Florida. He was a member of Jens Pulver’s Team on TUF 5, and is a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black belt who has fought under both featherweight and lightweight divisions.  

Many also remember Miller for calling out Conor McGregor back in 2014. The two were originally slated to fight in the main event of UFC Fight Night but injuries kept Miller from fighting.

“A big misunderstanding people have about MMA and UFC is that they think you can only get hurt during a fight. Fighters put their bodies through so much during training that it can often do as much or more damage. That’s why cycling has become such a popular form of cardio for MMA fighters. It’s not just that it is a great way to build endurance, it protects your body from the wear and tear you get from other forms of training like running.” 

The Sunshine Grand Prix and the beginning of the USA Criterium Series

The Sunshine Grand Prix and the beginning of the USA Criterium Series kicked off this past weekend. Several teams riding Stradalli Cycles found themselves at the front of the action and on the podium this weekend in Tampa, Florida. Hundreds of the best racers from all over the United States traveled to Florida this weekend for the start of the 4 day race omnium.

Ruben Companioni, former Stradalli – Safetti racer and family friend, won Saturday evening’s Criterium ahead of Holowesko – Citadel presented by Hincapie and Astellas Professional Cycling Team. Over 80 racers started the professional race and riders from multiple teams riding Stradalli Cycles took top spots in the finish.

Finish Strong Cycling Team, a new partner of Stradalli Cycle for 2016, took the sprint points jersey after two days of racing in the Sunshine Grand Prix while taking many top placings in the process. Finish Strong presented by Stradalli Cycle is targeting all the top level national races on the calendar in 2016. Last year Finish Strong took the overall title and many podium spots in the USA Criterium Series last year. This weekend began their defense of the best overall team title in the USA Criterium Series.

Stradalli – Safetti Cycling Team put new rider Enrique Lopez on the podium of Stage 2 of the Sunshine Grand Prix after 60 miles of fast racing. This is a great result for the Stradalli – Safetti team against the some of the best riders the United States has to offer.

Stradalli Cycle – Papa John’s Women’s Elite Team got on the podium on in the first USA Criterium Series of the year on Saturday against a very competitive professional field of elite racers. This weekend was the first test at high level racing for the new women’s outfit and they took high placings in both races and took the sprint points leader’s jersey.

Wizard Development Team presented by Stradalli Cycle was also in attendance this weekend at the Sunshine Grand Prix. The development team has been taking top placings at the regional level all year and capitalized on those results with a strong 10^th place finish from young rider Justin Pfaff. Pfaff recently returned from a stint in California where he took his Stradalli R7 to San Francisco, California for training and topped off his time there with the Chico Stage Race.

Texas Roadhouse also had a successful weekend with races in Tampa, Florida, St. Louis, Missouri and Tennessee. Texas Roadhouse has been a successful elite cycling team for many years and is already continuing that trend in 2016.

The Sunshine Grand Prix and USA Criterium Series will continue next weekend in Clearwater, Florida.

March Madness Starts For Stradalli/Wizard Racing Development Team

It will be March Madness for more than just your favorite college basketball team. The Stradalli/Wizard Racing Development Team is off to a strong start this season and they want to continue that stretch during a month full of tough competition and multiple road races. 

One thing the young team has going for them is solid coaching. The one on one style is perfect for the smaller roster because it gives each young racer an opportunity to work on his or her game with more teaching from the coach. Attention to detail is key for the young but very talented racers as even a single mistake can be the difference between finishing near the back or winning a race. 

Another bonus for the team is that this year they are racing on Stradalli Cycle R7 Star full carbon road bikes which has been a big hit with the young riders as they get to use pro level tour quality. 

The Best Full Carbon Road Bikes For Under $2,000

Every consumer has to deal with the challenge of finding balance between quality and affordability. If you are a cyclist you know the difference between a quality full carbon road bike and the ones you get at popular retail chains. There really is no comparison when it comes to quality. Full carbon road bikes are more durable, weigh half as much and give you such a better ride that you literally never want to get off the bike. These are the bikes used by pro racers all around the world, check out the Tour de France.

But then comes the issue of the price. What if you’re not a pro racer? What if you just want a bike to help you to lose a few pounds, commute to work or ride around town? You shouldn’t have to break the bank for that should you? Again it comes down to quality, you may not think there is a significant difference between an $8,000 car and an $80,000 one until you actually drive them both.

That’s why there is such a demand for full carbon road bikes, because the quality is unmatched. The good news is that you do not have to break the bank to get one. Here are some full carbon road bikes that are under $2,000 from Stradalli Cycle.

Full Carbon Road Bikes For Under $2,000 From Stradalli Cycle from Stradallicycle

Not only are the full carbon road bicycles at Stradalli Cycle low in price because they sell it themselves, but the quality is undeniable as their cycles are used in pro races all around the world. In fact Stradalli currently owns and/or sponsors over a half dozen race teams and racers including the Stradalli-Bike Aid pro team that races in Europe against some of the top racers and World Tour Teams.

So if you want a new bicycle and you want something that is going to give you the performance you need at a price you can afford there’s only one place to shop. 

Stradalli-Bike Aid Racer Niko Holler Is A Leader On And Off The Road

The success of the Stradalli-Bike Aid team this season will be based on two things, their deep pool of young talent and their solid leadership. 

Pro racer Niko Holler falls into both of those categories. While he is still a young, up and coming racer in the cycling world, Niko has over 11 years of racing experience and is one of the veteran leaders of the Stradalli-Bike Aid team.

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Meet Stradalli-Bike Aid Pro Racer Damien Garcia

One of Stradalli-Bike Aid's newest young racers is Damien Garcia. At 23 he is entering his third-year as a professional out of Pau, France. 

Originally from the Southwest of France, Garcia has already seen and experienced a lot in races all around the world. He raced for Euskatel Development Team in Spain before transferring to GSC Blagnac, the best elite team in France. 

2014 Garcia began racing for a continental team out of Luxembourg before ending up in Norway for 2015.

With all that traveling Garcia is very excited to find himself with the Stradalli-Bike Aid team, mostly because of the family atmosphere. 

“When you spend countless weeks together with the same group of guys you want to make sure you get along with them. The Stradalli –Bikeaid team is truly like a family and that's what I like about them. We enjoy racing with each other and work hard to help our teammate. Now we have to keep racing hard but also stay humble as we prepare for upcoming races. I am excited to be a part of the team and help us advance to the best of my best abilities.” Garcia said.

Stradalli – Bike Aid began their season at La Tropicale Amissa Bongo. Since then they have raced in the Mallorca Challenge as well as the Vuelta Ciclista a Andalucia Ruta del Sol. Garcia said the Ruta del Sol was a great experience for him.

“I believe i learned more in the 5 days of racing the Vuelta Andalucia than eight years of cycling. The team, staff and riders gained  knowledge and experience in that race and it will serve us for the rest of the season.” Garcia said.

The Ruta del Sol was the perfect testing ground for Stradalli – Bike Aid’s young talents and a taste of what is possible for the team in the future.

“For me personally the race was a great experience. I'm racing with World Tour riders through the mountains on live television in 120 countries. That's an amazing experience and something you dream of doing.” Garcia said.

Garcia feels that racing against such competition is important for the growth of the team.

“You had Valverde, van Garderen, Mollema, Kelderman, Kyrienka and Poels all there. The biggest difference with the races at World Tour level is when the top teams such as Sky, Movistar, BMC or Lotto start to push it is real steamroller and you cannot go back to front. We have to fight to keep our place.” Garcia said.

One area where the Stradalli-Bike Aid team will not be overmatched this year is with equipment as the team is armed with the latest Aversa full carbon road bikes from Stradalli Cycle, an advantage Garcia is grateful to have. 

“The performance of the road bikes we got from Stradalli have been spectacular. They were well tested in the high mountains and the performance was perfect. The bikes are super reactive and easy to climb with. The Ruta del Sol was a grueling race with only 81 of the 165 racers finishing. I was proud to be one of the 81. ” Garcia said.

Special Video Feature With Stradalli-Bike Aid Pro Racer Dominik Merseburg

Get The Same Bikes Used By The Stradalli-Bike Aid Conti Team

Looking for a new bike to race with next year? Why not use the same full carbon road bike used by the pros and it's available for less than $4,000! The Aversa is one of the best quality full carbon road bikes sold by Stradalli Cycle and is currently on sale for less than you would imagine.

Stradalli Cycle y el equipo continental Bike Aid unen fuerzas para el 2016

El fabricante estadounidense de bicicletas de carbono, Stradalli Cycle, anunció la semana pasada su vinculación al equipo alemán profesional Bike Aid como patrocinador y proveedor oficial de material. El nombre del equipo para el 2016 será Stradalli-Bike Aid.

El equipo correrá con objetivos como la promoción del juego limpio y la ayuda a ciclistas del continente africano para que se conviertan en corredores de la categoría World Tour. El equipo además de correr apoyará el trabajo social y la beneficencia en comunidades alrededor del mundo.

http://carbonroadbikebicyclecycling.com/news-blog/

UFC Fighter Gilbert Burns Begins Using Stradalli Full Carbon Road Bike to Train

There is a new member of the Blackzilians MMA Team using a Stradalli Cycle full carbon road bike to train for cardio. 3-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and UFC fighter Gilbert Burns will be training on the Stradalli Cycle full carbon Trebisacce SL1 road bike in preparation for his next fight. Burns currently trains at the JACO Hybrid Training Center.

It was at the JACO training facility where Burns was told about the benefits of training on a full carbon road bike as an alternative to running. It is challenging to strengthen your legs and endurance with cardio without putting pressure on your knee joints. Professional cyclists are able to strengthen their legs without the same wear and tear as running because cycling has less of an impact on the body.

“The trainers and other fighters talked to me about the benefits of cycling when you want to improve your conditioning. Running can mess up your knees and back, but you still have to strengthen your legs when you are in MMA. I noticed that a lot of the guys don't even drive to the gym, they ride their bikes and when I asked about it they told me to go to Stradalli.” Burns said.

Finding the right bike was quick and simple for Burns thanks to Stradalli Cycle's experience with MMA fighters.  

“When you walk in and meet Tom he already has an understanding of the type of training you need and how the bike is going to help you. Then he explains how a bike should fit you, how to properly ride and get the most out of a workout. I was even able to meet with 3 Time World Champ Grant Potter who invited me out for a training ride. I'm very thankful for how much they helped me out.” Burns said.

There has been a long relationship between Stradalli Cycle CEO Tom Steinbacher and JACO Training and Clothing as they are sponsors for a number of race teams and many of the fighters who train at JACO ride Stradalli carbon road bikes.

“When we have a fighter from Blackzillians come in we know that they are going to need to find the right bike. The bike has to fit them properly and we make sure they get the best deal on whatever bike they want. It's important that theylearn how to incorporate training with a bicycle with they other training they do. They have to get the most out of a workout just like everyone else.” Steinbacher said

50 Or Older? No Excuse Not To Be In Shape With A Stradalli Cycle

Blain Reeves is proving age is just a number as the newest member of the Stradalli - Safetti men's team is proving. At age 50 he's still entering races all around the world where he often finds himself near the front of the leaders, not just in his age category either. 

A member of the United States Army, Reeves has been a longtime customer of Stradalli and owns multiple full carbon road bikes which he rides over 300 miles a week while working for the United States Southern Command. Winner of the best ranger competition in 1993 and a member of the US Military Cycling Team, Blain has always had an interest in racing. What he loves about cycling is the team aspect of it and how it relates to the military. 

“People think of the military as having the most advance forms of physical training. While they have some great programs the real focus is on the mental side of it. How do I become mentally tough enough to push myself past the limitations I create in my head? When you are in the Army you are trained to push yourself and if you find a method of exercising you like, then apply what you learn to it. But it's not like we are only allowed to do one form of exercise. They encourage us to try new things. For me I love racing because it combines competition with teamwork.” Blain Reeves

Riding full carbon bikes appealed to Reeves because it reduces the wear and tear on the body compared to other forms of training. Every type of cardio beats up your body but cycling is the best way to get the heart rate up without putting huge strain on your legs and back. 

Stradalli Cycle CEO Tom Steinbacher knew that adding Reeves to the team was an obvious move as he was looking to strengthen team mentally as well as the talent level. 

“We have tons of talent in Stradalli and we want to continue to add to that. But you can have all the talent in the world but who is going to mentor and coach them? Who has experience racing at some of the spots these kids will be racing at? Blain is a very talented and experienced racer and his experience in the Army as well as teaching classes makes him the perfect teammate and mentor for our young guys.” Said Steinbacher

With great talent and multiple race teams Stradalli needs mentors and people to train and lead the way but reinforce the mentality of teamwork. 

Stradalli - Bike Aid Gears Up For La Tropicale Amissa Bongo

The beginning of La Tropicale Amissa Bongo is closing in. January 18, 2016 the UCI 2.1 status race features some of the best teams in the world. More importantly it is the most prestigious race in Africa and it is the first race on the calendar for Stradalli-Bike Aid.

         For the 10th straight year the La Tropicale Amissa Bongo will be held in Gabon, Africa.  This race consists of 7 stages. 3 stages that will take the riders on a tour through the hillier parts of Eastern Gabon. 1 stage is an individual time trial and the rest of the stages will be held near the flat coastline of West Gabon.

          Competing with Stradalli-Bike Aid for the race are teams representing countries from each region of Africa as well as Skydive Dubai Pro Cycling Team.

          La Tropicale Amissa Bongo is one of the few races during the season that amateur African cycling teams have the chance to race with professional teams who race a full UCI calendar. The race focuses on developing African cycling, which makes it a large target for Stradalli-Bike Aid.

          Timo Schafer, team leader for Stradalli-Bike Aid, said La Tropicale Amissa Bongo is the perfect place to begin the season and debut the new racing team.

          “This was the most successful and exciting off season in team history between training in the United States and all around Europe, the new racers we have added to the team and the new sponsorship with Stradalli Cycle. Having the support of a great sponsor makes you even more optimistic about the upcoming season and we are excited to see what the new members of the team can do as well. Now we get to go to Gabon, Africa to show how serious we are about our mission to develop African cycling.” Schafer said.

          Stradalli - Bike Aid has had several success stories including Mekseb Debesay, a Eritrean professional cyclist. Dimension Data, UCI World Tour Professional Team, bought Debesay from Stradalli-Bike Aid because of his performances over the course of 2015. Debesay is just one success story of the Stradalli-Bike Aid team and Dimension Data are not the only major players who have noticed.

          Matthias Schnapka, professional rider for Stradalli-Bike Aid, feels that the new sponsorship which includes Aversa full carbon road bikes, is going to make a big difference for the upcoming season.

          “We have been training with our new bikes for a couple of months and they are fantastic. Every pro cyclist in the world will tell you about the importance of having reliable equipment when competing at such a high level. I know I speak for the whole team when I say the support from FSA - Full Speed Ahead has been outstanding. I can say the same for Prologo Seats. Having these big companies like those go out of their way to support us is very special.” Schnapka said.