Belkin signs Barry Markus
The Belkin Pro Cycling Team signed Barry Markus for the next two years, through 2015. Sports Director Nico Verhoeven is very content with bringing in the 22-year-old, who is with Vacansoleil-DCM.
“Barry is young, fast and a Dutchman,” explained Verhoeven. “He turned professional two years ago but is still only 22 years old. He has a bright future ahead of him. We are active on multiple fronts, and therefore we’d like to have other strong sprinters beside Theo Bos.”
Well organised
Markus showed his fast legs several times this season. He placed third in the Scheldeprijs and in the Tour of Qatar, he fought fierce battles with top sprinters like Mark Cavendish.
He purposely opted for the Belkin Pro Cycling Team. “Belkin is a very nice team, both on and off the bike they always looks well organised. They have a strong sprint train, and I expect to develop myself as a sprinter on higher level at Belkin. I’m looking to learn from Theo Bos and occasionally do a sprint on my own.”
Trainee Ivar Slik
Ivar Slik will join the Belkin Pro Cycling Team as an trainee during the last month of the 2013 season. In October, the 20-year-old Rabobank Development Team rider will get the chance to experience cycling at the highest level.
“We’ve been keeping an eye on Ivar for a while now,” said Verhoeven. “This way we’ll really get to know each other well. Ivar is an all-round rider and with us, he’ll get the chance to see what pro cycling is like.”
Slik is happy with the opportunity. “It’s great to be allowed to race with the real men. I hope to gain experience and to see how things are done at Belkin,” added Slik. “I’m sure my career will benefit from this apprenticeship.”
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