OPQS Team owner Zdenek Bakala found an hour in his busy schedule to meet with the riders and team staff. The team has been working hard at training camp in Valencia (Oliva). The moment was important for both Mr. Bakala and the team as the new season approaches.
"Mr. Bakala couldn't stay more than an hour, but it was a pleasure to have him with us," OPQS CEO Patrick Lefevere said. "For everybody it was really important to have him there, to feel the fact that he is close to the team and fully supportive of them."
During the meeting Mr. Bakala gave a speech to the team and staff. He also provided Tom Boonen, considered a "road captain" of the team, a watch as a gift. The gift symbolizes moving on from the bad luck Boonen suffered in 2013, and emphasizes the encouragement of a fully focused and motivated Boonen and team for the 2014 season.
"I am really happy about the result of the team last year," Bakala said. "I hope we will find that with the comeback of Tom, and the arrival of new riders that will complete our team, that we can do even better and stabilize our position among the best teams in the world."
Mr. Bakala also wished a Merry Christmas to the team and all of their families. Of course, OPQS wishes the same for Mr. Bakala and his family!