Mitchelton-Scott have overhauled their team management structure in light of the recent Manuela Fundacion takeover saga.
Team manager Shayne Bannan and Alvaro Crespi will depart the team and be replaced by the experienced Brent Copeland, who leaves Bahrain-McLaren, and Darach McQuaid, brother of former UCI President Pat McQuaid.
Copeland will assume Bannan’s general manager role from 1st July, leaving his post at Bahrain-McLaren with immediate effect.
Bannan had been team manager since the Australian WorldTour team’s inception in 2012, forming an effective partnership with team owner Gerry Ryan and lead sports director Matt White that earned four Monument victories and a Grand Tour.
However, he is also said to have been a key component on the ill-fated purchase of the team by Spanish non-profit organisation Manuela Fundacion, helping broker the deal with former Giro d’Italia champion Stefano Garzelli.
In early June, it was announced that the Manuela Fundacion would take over as primary sponsor of the team. A new kit was revealed and approved by the UCI while team cars were also rebranded.
This was until team owner Ryan announced that no such deal had been finalised and that the Spanish company was still just a prospective buyer. After a public dispute over team ownership, the agreement quickly dissipated despite Manuela Fundacion offering €10 million to purchase the team’s WorldTour licence.
Ryan then released a press statement confirming he would continue to back the team financially through to the end of 2021 and reinstate both the men’s and women’s teams to full pay after a temporary 70% reduction due to the postponement of racing.
While no specific reason was given for the departure of Bannan and Crespi, it seems that their part in this botched deal could have spurred the management restructure.
Owner Ryan thanked Bannan for his service in a short press statement and announced the appointment of Copeland and McQuaid.
‘We are looking forward to having the experience of Brent, who we believe will fit immediately into our proud culture, coming into the team as the new General Manager, as well as Darach into the role as Chairman and are even more excited to see the action back out on the road in just a few short weeks,’ Ryan said.
‘Shayne’s contribution to this team is immeasurable and will have a lasting impact on our legacy, and I am incredibly grateful for his involvement and influence over so many years.’
As for Copeland, he will help fill the experience void being left by Bannan, with the South African having been part of the Bahrain-McLaren management structure since 2014.
‘Mitchelton-Scott has always been a team which I have recognised as being leaders in the world of cycling, not only for the great organisation and competitiveness they always show but also the image as a team which they have created over the many years,’ said Copeland.
‘I am extremely excited to get started and I will honour this role in every respect.’