MTN-Qhubeka Reacts to Historic Wild Card Tour Selection
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Jan 14, 2015 – The Amaury Sports Organization (ASO) announced the 22 teams that will participate in the 2015 Tour de France. Along with the 17 World Tour teams, 5 wild card teams were announced with MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung receiving an invitation, the first for an African based team.
peloton/Yuzuru Sunada
Douglas Ryder – Team Principal
“When I received a text message from Christian Prudhomme saying welcome to the Tour de France asking me to call him back, I simply could not contain myself, I shouted to my wife and then things started going crazy. I have been waiting my whole life for this news. The pressure over the years of getting partners and riders to believe in this dream is finally a reality. We have so many people to thank that have been a part of this journey and I know our riders and staff will be the most motivated team in the world right now ahead of our 2nd training camp starting this weekend. We will not only ride in the Tour, we will compete and we will have the support of the whole continent behind us.
Brian Smith – General Manager
“I feel extremely proud to be part of a bit of African Cycling History. Its been a lot of hard work from many people and today has been very emotional when it was confirmed we would ride the Tour de France. This is a new chapter for MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung and we hope there will be many more chapters to come. This team is about making a difference and we are looking forward going to the Tour and making sure we make all our partners and supporters happy.”
Larry Annetts – MTN South Africa Chief Marketing Officer
“MTN congratulates the team for being invited to ride the 2015 Tour De France – it is a historic moment indeed for MTN South Africa and the entire continent. We wish everyone at Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung well at the upcoming Tour de France.”
Sarah Phaweni – Qhubeka Executive Director
“Qhubeka would like to congratulate Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung on their Tour de France Wildcard entry. This is proof that any dream is possible if you keep moving forward. The team has supported and raised awareness for the work we do as a non-profit for many years. It is great to have the chance to return the favor as we cheer for an African Team in the Tour de France.”