Team Bahrain McLaren celebrates its UCI WorldTour debut by bringing cycling fans closer to the team's vision and riders

Saturday, January 18th – On the eve of Team Bahrain McLaren's debut the team hosted an exclusive event at McLaren Adelaide at Zagame's in Frewville. Cycling fans were given the opportunity to hear first-hand about the team's unique vision from John Allert, Joint Managing Director, Team Bahrain McLaren, and join the team on a training ride down to Henley Beach…with an obligatory stop for an Adelaide flat white.

Local cycling fans were wowed by the team’s two gleaming McLaren supercars as well as the vibrant new Bahrain McLaren Le Col jersey and Merida bikes. 

Allert, an Adelaide native until the age of 21 took the guests on a journey through McLaren's 50 years of racing heritage, culminating with its headline-grabbing foray into the most elite level of pro cycling. 

McLaren’s joint venture with Bahrain World Tour Cycling signals an exciting new era for the sport and fans. Also attending was high-profile Team Principal, Rod Ellingworth, having just arrived from the team’s training camp in Spain.

John Allert, Joint Managing Director: 

"Thirty-five years ago I watched McLaren's iconic F1 cars race around the streets of Adelaide. To now be returning to my home-town for the debut of Team Bahrain McLaren at the 2020 Santos Tour Down Under – racing on two wheels instead of four – is a particularly special moment for me. Team Bahrain McLaren is the product of the efforts of many people, united by a vision to combine passion and technology to perform at the top level of elite pro cycling. Our journey as a new team starts in a city that is passionate about cycling – and particularly following the tragic fires of the last month we hope we can bring Australian sports fans something to celebrate."

Rod Ellingworth, Team Principal:

"Cycling has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, so arriving in Adelaide for the 2020 Santos Tour Down Under as the Team Principal of Team Bahrain McLaren, on the UCI WorldTour is an absolute privilege. But this is a team sport, that's ultimately about the guys out there on the road.  I and the rest of the support team are here to help the riders achieve the highest standard possible. This year will also be about learning the strengths of our riders and working to bring technology and new techniques to the sport I love. The whole team can't wait to get stuck in – in Adelaide and beyond."

Rafael Valls Ferri:

"I'm really excited to start the new season with the new team in Australia. It's a race that I know very well because this will be the 6th time I race it. My motivation is high; I've been training hard through the autumn and winter and I expect a good race. The welcome we have received from Adelaide’s passionate cycling fans is as good as any in the world.”

Team Bahrain McLaren line-up for Santos Tour Down Under 2020:

Marco Haller / Yukiya Arashiro / Santiago Buitrago / Domen Novak / Hermann Pernsteiner / Luka Pibernik / Rafael Valls Ferri

(All pictures can be used for editorial and non commercial usages only and are copyright @Bettiniphoto @Team Bahrain Merida)