John Herety, manager of the Rapha-Condor-JLT team, is already preparing his team for the 2014 season, planning to end their competitive season at the end of the Tour of Britain on September 22.
"I've spoken to the sponsors - particularly JLT - and they are keen that we perform well in Australia in the first week of January. Last year we flew the team out on Boxing Day, but it wasn't enough time. It's hard to go from winter training to full-on racing, so we're going to rejig our season and take a ‘winter' break straight after the Tour of Britain, then build and go out to Australia earlier."
"Our goals will be the same as ever, to go there and be part of the racing, to get in breaks and participate," added Herety. "I am a bit worried about the cut-off point for riders in the time trial. If Wiggins and the rest ride flat-out then the cut-off could see some riders outside the time limit. It'll be a tough call for the organisers if that's the case."
Returning to his aims for 2014, Herety was confident that the team would be back and probably bigger. "I'm still speaking to sponsors but early signs are that everyone is happy and will be back - maybe even a bit bigger," teased Herety.
"Getting sponsors to commit early is so important when you are planning ahead, in terms of logistics, race programmes and a rider roster. It's looking good though."
Sounds like he's got some insurance from somewhere!
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