October 12/12 15:31 pm - Steve Bauer Discusses SpiderTech Withdrawal from 2013 Season

Posted by Editoress on 10/12/12
 

After the abrupt news earlier this afternoon that Canada's only pro continental men's road team, SpiderTech powered by C10, would not participate in the 2013 season, as they look to secure additional sponsorship, we spoke with team owner Steve Bauer.

Bauer agreed that it was late in the year to announce this, but insists it is not the end of the team and, in fact, is a positive step in the path to eventual WorldTour status.

"SpiderTech [the title sponsor] remain with us and are committed to our program," said Bauer.  "The WorldTour is the goal, and we need sustainability [of sponsorship] to meet that goal.  We will be working over the next year to build the business plan for the bigger program.  It is a challenging moment, no question, but we will have more positive news as we move forward."

Bauer said that SpiderTech has shown their commitment to the program by honouring salary contracts to riders on the team, for those who are not placed with other squads.  At this time, Bauer says, "We are working to place riders [with teams], that's the biggest priority."

We have been told that it looks like pretty much every rider will be placed at a Pro Continental or WorldTour team.

Cycle Sport Management Inc., Bauer's company that owns the team, will spend the coming months ensuring that the company has the financial partners and commitments in place to ensure that the team will be able to successfully meet its goal of WorldTour status, and entry to races such as the Tour de France.