Robertson now a ladies' man
With the same man at the helm, few would argue against the fact Team bizhub might do for women's cycling what Team Barloworld did for its male counterparts.
Cycling aficionado John Robertson, conceptualised, established,
owned and managed Barloworld - the first team with South African
connections to compete at the Tour de France - racking up almost 30
international victories in 2005.
He also managed riders to multiple national elite and Giro del
Capo titles and, under him, the South African team won the Tour of
Egypt for the first time.
Looking for a fresh challenge this year, Robertson, who has
enjoyed 12 fruitful years with sponsors Konica Minolta, literally
jumped fence to take on the considerable challenge of women's
cycling through the formation of Team bizhub.
"Companies are continually looking for new ways to market
themselves and women's cycling offers exciting opportunities," says
Robertson, who believes this aspect of the sport is still largely
unexplored.
Robertson, with the support of Konica Minolta, took great care
in assembling some of the finest local and overseas road and
mountain bike talent under the bizhub umbrella - however, the
season had its challenges to begin with.
"We first had to establish credibility as a women's road team
and, secondly, mountain biking is something entirely new to me.
Managing women also has its own set of challenges.
"But, importantly, we have built a solid foundation for the
future and since July we've had very consistent results."
Robertson says the team is predominantly composed of younger
riders as they have always focused on shaping future talent.
"However, it is important to have a nucleus of experience."
At 38, Dr Ischen Stopforth, the current MTN Series champion, is
the grand dame of the team. She is one of the country's top
endurance riders as recent victories in the Trans Baviaans and MTN
Series show.
"On the other hand, in a rider like Yolandi du Toit we have
experience and versatility," says Robertson.
Du Toit is one of a select few South Africans who have competed
in the Tour de Femme (the women's Tour de France).
The former African and Pick n Pay 94.7 champion has in recent
years shifted her focus to mountain biking. She lies second in the
MTN Series and won the inaugural Fairbairn Capital-Old Mutual
joBerg2c this year.
Among the team's international members is the Brit Catherine
Williamson. Third place at the Pick n Pay Cape Argus Cycle Tour
made her the leading overseas finisher.
Williamson rides for her national outfit during our winter and
has been selected for the UCI Road World Championships in Australia
next month, after which she will be returning to these shores.
"We also target riders who are new to the sport if we believe
they have the talent," says Robertson.
Former athlete Lise Olivier, track rider turned roadie Victoria
Myburgh and rookie Chantell Swanepoel (who recorded the fastest
time in last year's Pick n Pay 94.7 from the open section) are
examples.
Robertson has a proven ability to develop and manage athletes
from junior level to the pinnacle of the sport.
Spain's former world champion, Igor Astarloa, rode for his team
and two years ago 12 riders moulded by him competed at the Tour de
France - among them Britain's Chris Froome, South Africa's John-Lee
Augustyn and Slovakia's u/23 world champion Peter Velits.
National women's champion Cherise Taylor, who finished
runner-up at the junior worlds, was also nurtured by Robertson. As
a manager, he won the SA junior title three years running and the
time-trial four years in-a-row with three different riders.
"I believe Konica Minolta have become somewhat of an
institution in South African cycling. The majority of our top
riders have ridden on the team at some point."
Robertson says their association with the office automation
company has been a win-win scenario.
"Konica Minolta have proved that having a long-term
relationship with cycling is successful and the return which we
have derived has been equally so.
"I believe focusing on women's cycling has extended the life of
the sponsorship and it has given a great opportunity to our female
athletes." Robertson says he will now be focusing on building the
depth of the team and next year he would like to see a European
programme with a proper supporting structure implemented during our
winter months.
"We will also be focusing more on mountain biking. Its growth
has opened up a whole new avenue in the sport."
Robertson's vision for SA cycling is to have its own European
training centre - similar to the Australian Institute of Sport in
Varese, Italy.
"It has been a dream of mine for several years now. I have put
forward proposals to Sascoc for this in the past, but so far no one
has bought into it."