'Killer' striking the pose in his new sponsors kit, as Rob wears the leaders jersey in the Tour Series.
This next chapter for one of the UK’s most successful and popular riders of the last decade will see Rob use his unrivalled experience to nurture the riders of the future, and lead from the front as his new Endura Racing squad embark on their quest to become the number one professional racing team in the UK.
Hayles, who has also been a double track World Champion has a lot of experience on the road and from 2001 to 2003 rode for the Cofidis pro team. Rob was crowned National Road Race Champion in 2008 and led Team Halfords to victory in the 2009 Tour Series.
Speaking about this exciting move Rob stated: “The timing is really good for me, I’m 36 now and people have asked me when I am going to stop, and answer is that I’m not. I will still be racing next year, but with a different angle. I will manage the Endura Racing team and this will be fresh new challenge.”
“I will be hopefully imparting the 20 years of experience from the National track squad, continental road racing and the Olympic arena on the next generation of riders. This year was a taster for me, as I had a say in how the Halfords team approached the Tour Series, which for us was a big success, so I know that team and rider management is something that I will enjoy.”
“When Jim from Endura approached me, I was intrigued by what lays ahead in 2010. They also have a new programme for product development too, which also interests me, as I have been instrumental in my career in helping my sponsors in furthering their products. I am really excited by this new opportunity.”
The ambitious new team will bring together some of the best riders in the UK, and also be instrumental in helping Endura move their brand into the road market. Endura managing director Jim McFarlane adds, “We're stoked to have Rob on board for next year as lead rider and DS. He's a great rider but he's also a smart guy, a cool guy and someone that other riders look up to.”
“There's no question that he brings tactical experience and leadership, but we put Rob at the top of our list because he'll also bring a load of team spirit and inspiration for the rest of the Endura guys next year and we're really focussed on trying to build a team rather than hanging everything on a single star rider.”
“Rob's switched on and articulate and we're looking forward to working with him along with the rest of the team in testing and developing the upcoming Endura Equipe clothing range. He's had so much experience and so much success over the years there's no doubt that he's going to have a great future as a DS and I'm pleased he's getting his first chance with us.”
National champions join captain Hayles
Four riders so far have been recruited to join the three-time Olympic medallist for this ambitious new team. 2009 Scottish road race champion Ross Creber, 2009 Welsh road race champion Rob Partridge, 2-time Scottish road champion Evan Oliphant and 2006 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist and 2007 British Circuit race champion James McCallum have been announced as part of the 12-man squad.
West Lothian-based espoir Creber is excited about his move, relishing the opportunity to work alongside some of the UK’s most experienced professional riders: “For me this was a natural move. I was with the team for the latter part of 2009 and I am very comfortable with the set up at Endura. The team has a four year plan, and for me that is key, so is the fact that the team will be racing on the Continent next year – something which I have always had as a target.
2009 was my first year on the road - riding Premier Calendar races and the Tour Series, and culminated with me taking the Scottish road title - so I am still learning. To be in a team with Rob Hayles as team captain will mean that my learning will be accelerated, I am sure that Rob will really help me achieve my goals as a professional cyclist.
My goals for 2010 are to do justice to the Scottish national champions jersey and gain selection for the Scottish Commonwealth Games road team. That alongside helping my team become one of the best outfits in Britain.”
Speaking from his Manchester-base, about his move to join Hayles, former Team Halfords rider Rob Partridge said: “I’m very excited about this move and the 2010 Endura plans. This year one of the main reasons behind Team Halford’s success was the togetherness of the squad, and my feeling is that Endura Racing will have the same ethos. In addition to Rob (Hayles) I know Ross and James McCallum from the Tour Series, and got on really well with them.”
“I am not sure of the 2010 race programme as yet, but of course the Commonwealth Games will be a big target for me. Being the Welsh champion I am looking to build on that success and make the team to Dehli next October”.
