Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy - 2008 Recap
If there is one thing that's certain, it's that Johan loves challenges. Johan has not only seen success with Team Astana, but also with his newly formed Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy. Managed by Bernard Moerman, the JBCA has a developmental team that prepares tomorrow's professionals today. Bernard shares his thoughts on the 2008 season and what he's looking forward to in 2009.
2008 - Transition to Professionalism & Excellence
Over the entire road-racing season, an international selection of 34 riders were part of the transition from Cycling Center towards Johan Bruyneel Cycling Academy. Johan’s approach and style were already visible at the pré-season training camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico where the young riders were training together with his ProTour team, Astana.
The perfect support from companies like Fuji, SRAM, Fizik, Giro and Maxxis, brought the development programs to a professional level. In this new environment the riders attained what Johan has shown on the top-level year after year: a strong group of talented riders, working together to win.
The JBCA developmental team brought home wins and leader jersey’s from major races, such as the Tour of Pennsylvania, (USA), Tour de la Manche (France), Tour de Liege (Belgium), Vuelta a Galicia (Spain) , Tour of Antwerp (Belgium). Riders like Steven Van Vooren (Belgium), Jim Camut (Pennsylvania), Aaron Pool (Nebraska), David Nelson (Arizona), Peter Horn (Colorado), Vince Roberge (Michigan) and Santiago Rosell (Florida) stepped up and had an amazing season. In addition, Ian Holt became the 2008 US Armed Forces Champion after his training at the JBCA.
For all the riders, it was a life-time experience - for some it is the final step towards a pro-cycling-career, for most others it is a motivator to come back next year for further improvement.
The JBCA staff are looking forward to 2009, where they will continue to educate and develop young rider to the limits of their potential.
Johan spends time with the JBCA at their USA Training Camp
At the Vuelta a Galicia (Spain) Aaron Pool U23-leader and Steven Van Vooren mountain-leader spend time together after the race
The JBCA gets ready for the stage start at the Tour of Liege (Steven Van Vooren in the leader's jersey)
Steven Van Vooren was in the leader's jersey at the Tour of Pennsylvania