Silber Pro Cycling team announced

On Jan. 27, Canada’s newest continental team announced its team roster and plans for the 2014 season. Silber Pro Cycling, the team formerly known as Team Medique, was known as youthful squad with great potential in the local Quebec racing scene. “Last year, we were the youngest team competing at most events, including the Tour de Beauce, Coupe des Nations and nationals. Our success meant that in order to develop the team, we needed to expand the race calendar, add experienced riders and attract staff with established records working with professional teams,” said team owner, Scott McFarlane in a press release.

In 2014, the new continental licence and the addition of experienced riders such as Derrick St. John, Jean-Michel Lachance and William Goodfellow, the team’s ambitions have been heightened. It no longer wants to be a player in just the local scene but rather expand its horizons to some of the top races in North America. The planned season includes the Tour of the Gila, the Philly Classic and the Cascade Cycling Classic. Their primary goal for their 2014 campaign will be centered on the Tour de Beauce and the Canadian championships. June’s Coupe de Nations in Saguenay will be a major target for the team’s under-23 riders.

One of Canada’s most accomplished directors and former professional riders, Gord Fraser will act as the team’s director sportif. “I should be working a pre-Gila camp either in Tucson, Ariz., or in Silver City, N.M.,” said Fraser. His intentions seem focused and professional when asked about his role. “My goals are to bring experience and the intangibles of accountability and expectation of performance,” said Fraser.

Silber joins Garneau-Quebecor bringing Canada’s count of continental teams to two. Since SpiderTech folded at the end of 2012, the country has been without a pro continental team.

Their full program is posted at Silber Pro Cycling.