January 23/11 9:09 am - Garmin-Cervelo Fires DS Matt White

Posted by Editoress on 01/23/11
 

It has just come to the attention of Slipstream Sports Board of Directors that in April, 2009, Matt White referred former rider, Trent Lowe, to the Sports Institute of Valencia to Dr. Luis Garcia del Moral. Slipstream Sports has an explicit internal policy that all medical referrals are approved by our medical staff. In this instance, this vital rule was broken. As a result, the Board of Directors has dismissed Matt White.

We want to make it clear that we are parting ways for one reason and one reason only: because this vital team rule was broken.

We are actively looking at solutions for competition and in the interim, Jonathan Vaughters will step in as Director of Competition.

Quote from Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports:

"We made a promise to our riders and to the world when we started this team. We live, every day, by the standards we have set for ourselves. We cannot allow this vital team rule to be broken."

Quote from Jon Cassat, VP, Communications, Garmin:

"We initially partnered with Slipstream Sports because we believe in their mission. We remain committed to Slipstream Sports and commend its management for holding true to the organization's values and high standards."

Quote from Gerard Vroomen, CEO of Cervélo:

"It's tough news but it gives me a lot of confidence in the Slipstream organization. It's easy to take a tough stance when there are no consequences, it's much more impressive when a team is willing to take a bullet to protect its philosophy and the cycling sport in general."

Press release