Fouche, McLeod join team Bonitas
Team owner Malcolm Lange believes the addition of Herman Fouche and Ian McLeod will bolster the depth of the Bonitas professional road cycling team this year.
Lange said on Monday, after naming the 11-man team, that Fouche would form a formidable combination with fellow sprinter Tyler Day, who won last year's Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour.
"Having Herman on the team gives us more options in sprints," Lange said.
"We only really had Tyler for the sprints in 2011, but when he was out injured for some time, we had no back-up.
"And since most South African races are short and finish in sprints, it made sense to sign another fast man."
Lange hoped McLeod, a former national and continental road race champion, would bring valuable experience to the team.
"Ian is a good tactician and is highly respected by the younger riders," he said.
"His experience and strength as a rider will definitely be a big advantage and add some depth.
"He also has the old-school professional rider discipline, which will hopefully rub off on the younger riders."
Rising under-23 star HB Kruger was the third addition to the outfit.
"HB has a mountain biking background which means he's physically and mentally tough, the kind of guy that can close gaps and ride a strong sprint lead-out," Lange said.
"He's going to fit in really well, I think."
Team Bonitas 2012: Darren Lill, Johann Rabie, Hanco Kachelhoffer, Neil MacDonald, Luthando Kaka, Jason Bakke, Waylon Woolcock, Ian McLeod, HB Kruger, Herman Fouche, Tyler Day.