The BMC Racing Team bolstered its roster for 2012 with the signing of all-rounder Steve Cummings, two time runner-up at the Tour of Britain.
BMC Racing Team President/General Manager Jim Ochowicz said the British rider’s versatility will contribute to the team in a number of ways. “Steve is an accomplished time trialist both in the individual and the team version in addition to being a good climber. We expect him to be a great help to the team in the grand tours and other stage races throughout the season.”
‘Do As Best I Can’
Cummings, 30, was second at the Tour of Britain this month and in 2008. He won a stage at the Volta ao Algarve in February and was runner-up at the British national time trial. On the track, he was a part of Great Britain’s world championship winning pursuit team in 2005 and earned a silver medal in the same event at the 2004 Olympics. He said the opportunity to work again with BMC Racing Team Assistant Director Max Sciandri was one he couldn’t pass up. “They’ve just won the Tour de France, and the riders they’ve signed have the chance to win almost any race,” Cummings said. “Their entire program really has the whole package.” And expectations for 2012? “I want to work as hard as possible for the team and make the most of any opportunities that come my way. If I can do that, then I’m happy.”
In addition, Adam Blythe and Klaas Lodewyck, teammates of world-ranked No. 1 Philippe Gilbert, will join the BMC Racing Team for 2012. The squad also announced it is extending the contract of Swiss rider Danilo Wyss.
“We are pleased to welcome both Klaas and Adam to the BMC Racing Team family,” Jim Ochowicz said. “They are both young talents that are fast, strong and ready to lend their skills to the team. We will especially be looking to them to support our team leaders during the classics season and throughout the rest of the season.” Ochowicz said the re-signing of Wyss, who has been with the BMC Racing Team since 2008, keeps the squad’s classics roster solid. “Danilo has spend the last several years improving his skills as a teammate for the classics riders on the team and he will maintain this role again next season,” Ochowicz said.
Blythe: Looking To Improve
Blythe, 21, had podium finishes this year that included third at GP Stad Zottegem, third on Stage 2 of the Ster ZLM Tour and third on the opening stage of Ronde van Drenthe. Last year, the British rider won two stages and the overall at Circuit Franco-Belge. “The BMC Racing Team wants to make me a better bike rider, which is what I really need at the moment,” Blythe said. “I would like to go for some stages in races like the Eneco Tour next year, but my main goal is to get onto the classics team. I think it will very hard, though.”
Lodewyck: ‘A Big Challenge’
Lodewyck, 23, won two races in Belgium this year (Kortemark, Borsbeek) and was runner-up in a third (Wanzele) while finishing his first Giro d’Italia (147th). The Belgian said the level of professionalism of the organization attracted him to the BMC Racing Team. “If I want to make the next step in my career, it’s important to go to a team that can bring me to a higher level,” Lodewyck said. “I want to try and perform well the whole year and maybe try to win a nice race. It’s also important for me to help the other big riders on the team. That will be a big challenge for me.”
