Team Barloworld in this years Tour De France

Those of you who know me, are aware that I still ride in my Team Barloworld colours - even now, and I am very proud to say this was planned for a few years back when I worked for them. It's going to be awesome to see Ryan Cox and Robbie Hunter riding in the Tour - I can't wait for July.

Team Barloworld in the 94th Tour de France: See you in London!


The much hoped for news finally arrived today with an official announcement by the Tour de France organizers ASO: Team Barloworld has been invited to ride the 94th edition of the Tour de France that will start in London on July 7 and end in Paris on July 29.
The other teams invited by the organizers are: Agritubel, Ag2r Prèvoyance, Astana, Bouygues Tèlècom, Caisse d'Epargne, Cofidis le Crèdit Par Tèlèphone, Crèdit Agricole, Team CSC, Discovery Channel, Euskatel-Euskadi, Francaise des Jeux, Gerolsteiner, Lampre-Fondital, Liquigas, Team Milram, Predictor-Lotto, Quick Step-Innergetic , Rabobank, Saunier Duval - Prodir e T-Mobile Team.

"Obviously we're very happy with ASO's decision and very thankful that they've recognized the qualities of our team and our professionalism," Team Manager Claudio Corti said.

"The project we've been working on for two years has everything in place to take to the highest level. From an organizational point of view, I believe we've already shown that we work to the highest standards. We've always kept our standards very high and focused on quality young riders that are showing their worth, and on more experienced riders who have already obtained impressive results."

"It's important to talk about our sponsor. Barloworld is a South African multi-national company that is present in numerous European and world wide markets, and is a extraordinary resource for cycling in a difficult moment. I'm very proud to have brought an African sponsor into the highest level of cycling."

"I honestly think that Team Barloworld has deserved this great opportunity and I'm sure that we'll be able to honour our place in the Tour de France. We know we can't compete for the big objectives in the race but we're sure we can play a key role in the racing. The enthusiasm of our riders will be extra motivation so that we put ourselves in the spotlight in the most important race in the world."

"Directuer sportifs Alberto Volpi and Valerio Tebaldi will direct Team Barloworld at the Tour de France and we've already drawn up a list of 12 riders for the nine-rider team and we will announce the names in the next few days."