Management

BMC RACING TEAM (BMC) - USA

The BMC Racing Team had a successful 2012 season thanks to its roster of experienced veterans and hugely talented young riders. When one rider struggled with illness or injury, another stepped up to ensure the red and black team colours were always in the thick of the action.

In 2011, Cadel Evans became the first Australian ever to win the Tour de France. He was unable to repeat that feat last year but fought hard, racing with pride and finished an admirable seventh, despite fighting a virus. He was supported and eventually outperformed by his young understudy Tejay Van Garderen of the USA, who confirmed his grand tour credentials by finishing fifth overall and winning the best young rider's white jersey.

Thor Hushovd's 2012 season was hindered by illness but Taylor Phinney stepped up and confirmed his huge talent. The young American will surely get better and better in the cobbled Classics and showed he is one of the best time trialists in the world by winning the opening time trial in the Giro d'Italia and by finishing fourth in both the Olympic and World Championship time trial.

Philippe Gilbert joined BMC in 2012 but stuttered in the first part of the season. He found his form in the Vuelta a España in September and was unbeatable in the road race World Championships. Gilbert will wear the World Champion's rainbow jersey with pride in 2013 as he leads the BMC Racing Team in the cobbled and hilly classics.

Sadly Alessandro Ballan's high-speed crash will affect his season but the lanky Italian is expected to be back on form for the UCI World Championships in Florence.

The rest of the BMC Racing Team remains largely unchanged for 2013. George Hincapie has retired, while Mauro Santambrogio has joined Vini Fantini-Sella Italia. New arrivals include Daniel Oss and Dominik Nerz, plus young American neo-pro Larry Warbasse.