Hammond makes Team High Road debut

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By Gregor Brown in Diegem, Belgium

Brit Roger Hammond made the most silent Team High Road debut when he took part in the Superprestige round in Diegem, Belgium, Sunday, December 30. The 33 year-old noted road racer had no markings of the team owned by Bob Stapleton, but was listed in the results and was seen preparing in a camper with the new team name.

"The team bus is not the real thing," he remarked to Cyclingnews of the Team High Road-marked camper that was parked at the race in Middelkerke and in Diegem. "It was done by a supporter of T-Mobile, and I just went there to change and get ready for the race."

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Team T-Mobile became known as Team High Road when its title sponsor pulled out in November due to media pressure in Germany and a year of bad press. Hammond started with the formation for 2007, and will continue on with it in 2008.

In fact, Hammond was wearing an Evans Cycles kit over British national team kit. "Evans Cycles gave me a lot of support, bikes and equipment, when I was a junior, and now I can give something back. They sponsored me from the time I was 14 years old."

Hammond went on to explain the race, which he is using for training as he lives near by. "I was stuck back there for the start, and this year there are even more corners... It is good training though. ... I will be racing the British Nationals [January 6], but it is not a priority is just training [for the road season]. I am still about two months away from my top form, so I am still building up really."

For more on Hammond's 'cross racing adventures, read last year's interview from Diegem.