After announcing a number of new additions to Africa’s Team this week, it is with great pride that Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung, who are set to race as Team Dimension Data from 2016, are now able to confirm 6 more African rider renewals.
Youcef Reguigui, our Algerian fast man who took a stand out overall victory at this year’s Tour de Langkawi will remain with Africa’s team next year. Johann van Zyl, who in emphatic fashion won a stage of the Tour of Austria in July, will also continue his professional career with Team Dimension Data. Jaco Venter, our 2015 Vuelta a Espana road captain is another South African rider who will be racing for his home team next year.
Jay Thomson, now considered an experienced overseas professional, will add further horsepower to our line-up next year and remains a valuable asset in preparing the sprint lead outs. Songezo Jim, after completing his first Grand Tour this year as the first black South African in the history of cycling will look to continue his growth with us as well. Finally, Nic Dougall who has shown tremendous strength and promise this year, particularly in the time trialling discipline, continues with Africa’s Team into 2016.
With Daniel Teklehaimanot, Merhawi Kudus, Natnael Berhane, Jacques Janse van Rensburg and Reinardt Janse van Rensburg all confirmed for 2016 already, the continued development of professional African cycling remains as the main driving force behind our team heading into the 2016 season.
In addition to the 11 African riders mentioned above, and the riders announced earlier this week, Theo Bos and Matthew Brammeier also remain with their original contracts continuing into 2016.
Additional rider signings can still be expected in the coming weeks.
Douglas Ryder – Team Principal
Sorry about the spelling its "Girdlestone"