Canadian-rich Rally Cycling rings in the changes after a successful 2017
Among three American teams to apply for Pro Continental status
Both the men’s and women’s sides of Rally Cycling saw plenty of success in 2017. On the gents’ team Evan Huffman won the Tour of the Gila, Rob Britton took a huge victory in the Tour of Utah and Rally earned one-two finish in the opening stage of the Tour of Alberta. Now the team feels ready to jump up a level in racing, as it is one of four new squads, three of which are American, to apply for Pro Continental status in 2018.
Yes! Rob Britton wins the Tour of Utah. The biggest win of his career! What a great event for @workfront to be part of. #TOU17 pic.twitter.com/nQUD20mdE1
— Joe Staples (@jstaples21) August 8, 2017
On October 5 UCI announced the 18 WorldTour teams for 2018, which will remain unchanged. However, four squads applied for Pro Continental status, after 22 outfits rode at the PC level in 2017. Continental sides Hagens Berman Axeon, Holowesko/Citadel and brand new French team Vital Concept joined Rally in bids to compete on the same standing as teams like Aqua Blue Sport, Caja Rural and Israel Cycling Academy.
Whether or not Rally makes the grade, the team will have a bit of different look for next season. American Sepp Kuss, runner-up in the Tour of Alberta, is making a big jump all on his own, signed with LottoNL-Jumbo for two years after two seasons with Rally. Winner of last season’s Tour of Alberta, Robin Carpenter, has transferred over from Holowesko/Citadel.
Team signs @RobinmCarpenter for two year. https://t.co/i1Ve4NYcAs pic.twitter.com/FlTRjWrahx
— Rally Cycling (@Rally_Cycling) October 11, 2017
Right now Evan Huffman is the only other rider confirmed for next year’s lineup. In 2017 four Canadians–Britton, Matteo Dal-Cin, Adam De Vos and Pierrick Naud–made up a quarter of the orange-clad Rally Cycling team.
