* Detec: - "The precontract that cyclists signed with GD Detec Competición, SL is a swindle and is worthless". Those are the words of the representative of one of the riders involved in this team 'project', aware that it is unlikely that the team will materialize. But yet, when looking at the precontract, there is no way that there can be any mention of swindle. It is true that it is worthless, but when reading the clauses, one can see that there was no deceit, at least legally. The contract clearly states that the management company can't be held liable in the case that no sponsor comes through. So there probably won't be a team managed by Grape Detec next year.
A few weeks ago, Felipe González, announced the existence of this new Elite team, sponsored by the Valencian firm Construcciones Brepac (Brepac Construction). Last week, Pepe Grande gave more information and promised that the paper work will be taken care of this week. But yet, on Friday, none of the paper work or legal requirements had been submitted to the Professional Cycling Council. Based on this, META 2MIL found Juan Carlos González and asked about the status of the Brepac project.
Q. Will there be a Pro team with the name Brepac for 1999?
A. Yes, the team will come out. It will be called Brepac, although we will have the help of a second sponsor...
Q. Are there conversations already?
A. Yes... we already have had these. What happens is that until it is signed, I think that will be this Tuesday or Wednesday, we don't want to say the name.
Q. Will it be a testimonial co-sponsor or one with an important contribution?
A. We could be talking about some 70 million pesetas (US$448,840). Plus there are negotiations with a third company to incorporate them as third sponsors, but only negotiations. In addition to this, we will have quite a bit of collaborating companies.
Q. But always taking into account that Brepac will make the most important contribution.
A. Yes. If the news came out, it is because Brepac is ready to contribute 100 million pesetas (US$641,200) We thought that with 100 million and some small help from some suppliers that work with us and some friends, the team would come out, no problem. This week, the name of the second sponsor will come out, it will be more than a little help.
Q. About the requirements that haven't been met. Is Brepac a company with the financial statements to overcome an audit and to contribute 100 million pesetas?
A. Brepac has had profits of some 150 million pesetas for 1997. This year, as you well know, we've had a small setback, because we weren't able to collect on some accounts, but with time, we've been able to get over it. Brepac is a company at the national level, specially after taking care of this problems. That's why we're building in Madrid, Tetuán...
Q. And what will be your function inside the team?
A. I rather not go into the sporting subjects, but what I can tell you is that I will be the manager of the Sport Group.
The last I heard he was loving the frame, I think its great that our local experts and technicians get behind our riders, given all the nonsense that is happening at the official level of Australian cycling.
What I cannot believe is that all this money is pumped into the Cycling program and they can't even come up with a bike that rides well.
I come from a rowing background, and have seen how the money that goes to rowing (slightly more than the cycling is given) buys the best boat in the world (a coxless four is worth A$30,000) and fund a full teams overseas trip, up to two months in Europe. A rowing team could consist of forty rowers and fifteen support staff, plus the fact that a junior team is also funded.
So I wonder, if the Australian rowing team can get it right with this many people, why can't the Australian cycling team and program get it right for once."
Too many officials I reckon.