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Team Bäckstedt HotChillee Development Rider Programme
- Jul 2017
Team Bäckstedt Hotchillee was launched in 2017 as a merger of the Hotchillee Development Rider Programme in SA and the Bäckstedt Cycling Academy in the UK. The aim is to foster young cycling talent in Europe and South Africa and creating a pathway into the pro peloton.
The Hotchillee Development Rider Programme started in 2011 and focused on providing a platform and ecosystem for young talented riders in the Western Cape to make the difficult transition to the pro peloton in Europe. Working in partnership with Wattbike, ORYX Stainless, The Western Cape Government and cycling organisations including Cycling South Africa, the Pedal Power Association, Velokhaya and the Cape Town Giants we enjoyed enormous success with two riders progressing to the Team Dimension Data Continental Team based out of Lucca in Italy.
Many other young riders have also been exposed to what it takes to make the transition with support from of Ben Swift, UAE Abu Dhabi (formerly Team Sky) and guidance from Team Dimension Data riders, Tour de France legend Stephen Roche and Cervelo Bigla rider Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio.
The Bäckstedt Cycling Academy was set up by Paris-Roubaix winner Magnus Bäckstedt in 2015 to provide an avenue for young cyclists in Europe to reach their full potential on the track and road. In year one the programme has already seen impressive results with three British national titles, medals on the track and races being won on the road in Belgium and Sweden.
“Since signing my first professional contract here in SA and the Western Cape, it feels like my career has now come full circle. Being able to guide the new generation of SA riders towards their dreams and putting something back in to the sport that has given me so much, gives me great pleasure. Youth development has been a big focus for me during the past few years in the UK.”
“We’re in a sweet spot for African cycling and I have big expectations for our African riders. I’m looking forward to seeing what new talent Team HotChillee Bäckstedt bring to the table.”
