An Post Chain Reaction announced today that Albert Muela Galvez will be joining the team with immediate effect. The twenty-one-year-old is a native of Girona, Spain where, up to recently, he was cycling at club level. He is the first Spanish rider the team has ever had.
Galvez will face a challenging start to his professional career as he joins his new teammates in the Alps this Thursday 15th June – Sunday 18th June for the Tour de Savoie Mont-Blanc (2.2), famed for its gruelling heights at extremely high altitude.
Joining Galvez for the tour will be stage winner of An Post Rás Matthew Teggart, An Post Rás King of the Mountains Przemysław Kasperkiewicz, Adam Jamieson, Massimo Vanderaerden and Dan Gardner .
Commenting on Galvez joining the team, An Post Chain Reaction Team Manager Kurt Bogaerts said: “Albert is a brilliant addition to the team. He is young and will learn in every race he competes in. His specialty is climbing which will benefit to the team. Galvez is of light build so the Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc should really suit his style.”
Over the course of the four day Tour, the An Post Chain Reaction team will face some of Europe’s most challenging climbs including the highest mountain pass in the Alps, the Col d’Iseran, which will see the peloton rise to 2770 metres. On day two, the peloton will race for 188km, the longest distance in the race history.
Seen as a springboard for many young, developing riders, the Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc has nurtured some of the sports best talents including the 2016 winner Enric Mas who has since signed to UCI World Tour team, Quick-Step Floors.
Emphasising the tough task at hand, Bogaerts said: “This tour will be a way of recognising the skills of each individual. You must be able to climb to a top standard to do well in this type of race but you also must be a true all-rounder. The standard will be very high and I hope our riders can give a good account of themselves.”
Similar to An Post Rás, the Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc will see a mix of professionals and amateurs competing and will, like in many years gone by, highlight the best upcoming climbers.
For the An Post Chain Reaction team it will act as perfect preparation for the Irish Senior National Championships which will take place in Wexford next week from 22nd – 25th June.
An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly Racing Team in action at Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc (UCI 2.2):
Matthew Teggart (IRE)
Adam Jamieson (CAN)
Albert Muela Galvez (ESP)
Massimo Vanderaerden (BEL)
Przemysław Kasperkiewicz (POL)
Dan Gardner (GBR)
