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Mont Ventoux
Photo ©: Sirotti


Road Season Preview 2004

January 22, 2004

Relax - Bodysol

Relax-Bodysol presentation

Division I newcomer hopes to make a mark

Nico Mattan
Photo ©: Luc Claessen/CN

Spanish registered team Relax-Bodysol held its presentation in Wevelgem, Belgium on Thursday evening, January 22. The team is a splice between the old Relax-Fuenlabrada squad and Quick.Step manager Patrick Lefevere's latest brainchild, Bodysol-Brustor [Bodysol is a division of Omega Pharma, which also owns Davitamon]. Bodysol was originally set up as a Division II feeder team for Quick.Step-Davitamon, but decided to merge with Relax-Fuenlabrada last year. Then when Kelme and Domina Vacanze were denied Division I status, Relax-Bodysol grabbed the chance to move into Division I.

The team is composed of 16 Spanish riders, 8 Belgians and 1 Dutchman, and is jointly managed by José Maria Perez and Herman Frison, with Jesus Suarez Cueva serving as team director. Nico Mattan is the team's captain, although the squad can also draw on the experience of Santiago Blanco and Josep Jufre.

"My objective will be to win races of course, but with such a young team what is important is to help the development of the team's riders," said Mattan.

General manager Patrick Lefevere also admitted that while it was a young team, it will certainly try to play a role in races. "I hope that we can start in the Tour de France. We are certainly no weaker than some of the other candidates.

Relax-Bodysol roster for 2004

Photography

Images by Luc Claessen/Cyclingnews/actiefotos.be