Team Volksbank-Corratec will continue in the 2009 season under the name Vorarlberg-Corratec, the Austrian Professional Continental Team announced Wednesday. Sponsor Volksbank had previously announced that it would withdraw as title sponsor.
The new sponsor is the Austrian province of Vorarlberg, the westernmost in the country, which has been a smaller co-sponsor of the nine year-old team.
The search for a new sponsor wasn't easy, according to manager Thomas Kofler, and he was proud to have found one. "It is not easy at this time and demands a lot of work, but we did it. We will continue, we will fight on for clean cycling."
Kofler said that his search was made even more difficult because of an Austrian cyclist. "The events surrounding Bernhard Kohl hit us head-on, potential sponsors disappeared immediately. I am angry, because we are the ones who have to pay for the stupidity and arrogance of others." Kohl tested positive for EPO CERA after winning the mountains jersey and finishing third at the Tour de France this summer.
The team will continue its fight against doping, as a member of the MPCC (Movement for Credible Cycling) and as a participant in the blood passport.
Looking at the sporting aspects, Kofler said that the team would have about 20 riders next year. His goal for the team is "to take the hard work being done back stage and turn into major successes. Even in the highest classes, in the hors catégorie and ProTour races." (SW)
