NEW ARRIVALS FOR AN POST SIDE

Lavery signed up for 2011, as young English rider Andrew Fenn joins the team

 

An Post have today announced nine new signings for the forthcoming 2011 season, which includes the retention of Philip Lavery, whom raced for the team as a stagiaire at the end of last season. Team manager Kurt Bogaerts was delighted that Lavery, who showed great potential and consistency during his time with the Sean Kelly outfit, has signed up for the forthcoming campaign.

 

"Lavery is a great addition. Last season he showed us how hungry he was to ride for the team and of course he has massive potential. We look forward to having him for a full season next year."

 

Joining Lavery on the team is another youngster with a great pedigree, English rider Andrew Fenn. Fenn was the winner of the Junior Paris Roubaix (2008), as well as being a four time British National Champion and a two time European Track Champion, when he raced as a Junior.

 

Last year he won the Under 23 category at the British Road Race National Championships as well as taking 8th in the Elite general classifications. Bogaerts was understandably happy to be adding someone of Fenn's quality to the side.

 

"Fenn is a high quality addition to the team. Anybody who wins the Paris-Roubaix as a Junior has serious potential and we are delighted he has signed for us. He is one for the future and it's great that we can be part of his development."

 

The An Post team also announced two new riders from Lithuania, Gediminas Bagdonas and Darijus Dzervus, as well as four from Belgium, where the team is based; Kenny Terweduwe, Kess Heytens, Kevin Claeys and Dries Hollanders.

 

"The two guys from Lithuania have a great track history and have 16 wins between them from last season, so again we are happy to have them on board. The Belgian quartet are all young and ambitious, so I expect them to do well. (Kevin) Claeys, is a very quick sprinter, which is something we wanted to add to the team. Overall I'm really excited for 2011." Bogaerts added.

 

Carrick-On-Suir native Sam Bennett, whom it had been announced would be joining the An Post side recently, completes the line up for next year.

 

Together with the new arrivals, An Post has announced several departures from the team, including that of David O'Loughlin. Along with O'Loughlin, Kim Borry, Stijn Minne, Gil Suray, Matt Brammeier, Kenny Lisabeth and Benny Deschrooder will all depart.

 

Bogaerts was complimentary to David O'Loughin, whilst wishing all the other riders luck for their future. "As with all riders who leave the team we wish them the well in their future cycling careers or whatever they decide to do. David (O'Loughlin) was great for us, he always took his career seriously and his results proved that. The younger riders also learnt a lot from him. I'm not sure what his plan is for next season yet but I wish him the best."