Breukink promoted to Rabobank technical director

The Rabobank cycling team management has been given an overhaul, the organisation announced today. Erik Breukink, formerly manager, has been promoted to the position of Technical Director for 2010. He will be responsible for the composition of the ProTour team as well as the race programme, management of team directors and cooperation with the Continental Team.

The organisation will have five directors sportif: Jan Boven, Erik Dekker, Frans Maassen, Adri van Houwelingen and the newest recruit, Nico Verhoeven who moves up from the Continental Team.

"There is a need for coordination and manpower in order to give more intensive support to the riders," said General manager Harold Knebel. "Erik Breukink, with his experience, is the right man for the job. Nico, of course, is a logical complement. As with the riders, we promote from within. Nico has done excellent work with the Continental team."

Breukink said he was looking forward to the new challenge. "Cycling is constantly changing and our organization must change accordingly. The spotlight is now placed on the young riders. With Nico we get someone who has trained most of the boys himself."

Verhoeven was equally enthusiastic. "I was obviously fine with the Continental team, but this is a great opportunity. Our increasing focus on developing talent requires more attention on the riders. The five team leaders are definitely in line and ready to put their strength together."

The vacancy in the Continental team left by Verhoeven has not yet been filled.

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