Pedaltech Pro Cycling Team received still more news to add to their already turbulent week during which the team was refused Professional Continental Team license status and lost some key sponsors. On Wednesday morning, team manager and the main sponsor of the team Mike Matts announced that he has secondary cancer and is therefore unable to fulfil his obligation to the team.
"We are all deeply saddened by the news and we all wish Mike Matts a speedy recovery; our thoughts lie with him and his family," said racer David Clarke in an e-mail.
"This is a very difficult situation for everybody involved we are saddened by the news and we are all out of a job with bills to pay," said Clarke. "Some riders have found new teams while the remainder of us would like to set up new team to concentrate on the premier calendar and the race scene in the UK, as well as trips overseas."
The team would comprise of David Clarke, Matt Clinton, Rob Orr and New Zealander Rico Rogers plus possibly some of the other riders from the original line-up who are unable to find other teams. "We feel the new team will be in some way a tribute to Mike's efforts to help us."
"We are confident it will be a strong and competitive team and we expect good results," said Clarke, who highlighted the team's international experience, while also calling for new sponsors and lodging assistance for their New Zealand rider. Those interested in helping the team can e-mail david2clarke@hotmail.co.uk or call 07725359677.
