Volksbank heading to training camp and first races

By Susan Westemeyer

Team Volksbank is preparing for its training camp, to run from February 1 to 14 in Follonica, Tuscany, Italy. All 16 riders will be there to prepare for the season, which actually starts during the camp.

"I can't wait to see the new team all together out on its bikes," said Team Manager Thomas Kofler. "The team has conscientiously trained over the last two months. In Italy we will put the final touch on things, the new riders will be integrated into the group, the internal matters coordinated and the racing calendars planned."

The team will boast a third Directeur Sportif this year, as former Volksbank rider Gregor Gut returns to the team, joining Patrick Vetsch and Mario Beccia.

The Austrian Professional Continental will have its first races during the training camp, with the GP Costa degli Etrusci on February 9, the Giro Reggio Calabria on February 11-13 and the Giro di Grosseto, starting February 15.