Steve Lampier moves to Ribble for 2020 as Chris Opie joins Saint Piran
Preparations for the 2020 season are well under way. Saint Piran now has 13 riders under contract, an exciting mix of experience and promising young talent from Cornwall and around the UK. Next year’s full team line-up will be announced shortly.
Steve Lampier will be joining Continental team Ribble Weldtite Pro Cycling on a one-year contract for the 2020 season. The Tour of Britain starts in Cornwall next September, and as a proud Cornishman, Steve is keen to be on the start line in Penzance. This would not be possible with Saint Piran, which will race at the Elite level again in 2020. Off the bike, Steve will continue to work as an ambassador for Saint Piran and is expected to rejoin the team on the road for the 2021 season.
Saint Piran is delighted to announce that Truro born Chris Opie has joined the team, stepping into Steve’s shoes as the senior pro. Sprint specialist Chris is a well-known figure on the road-racing scene, with a career spanning 20 years. He has raced for Team UK Youth, Rapha Condor, One Pro Cycling and Canyon Eisberg.
Opie returns after a year out of the sport, during which he worked for You Tube’s Global Cycling Network. During his career, he rode the Tour of Britain, Tour de Yorkshire, Tour of Poland, Tour of Normandie, Tour de Korea and the Dubai Tour among many others. Chris has six UCI victories to his name, the most special of which was probably the 2016 Ronde van Midden Nederland, held in the region of Holland where he lived for several years. Chris’ more than 20 years race experience will be invaluable for the team as a whole, and particularly the younger riders.
Saint Piran Team Principal Richard Pascoe said:
“We’re delighted to have another Cornishman leading the team in 2020 and we can’t wait to see Chris Opie back starting the big races. And of course, we wish Steve Lampier every success with Ribble Weldtite next season. Nobody will be more proud than me to see him on the start line of the Tour of Britain in Cornwall next year and it’s fantastic that Ribble have given him the opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Saint Piran and Ribble are exploring ways for the two organisations to cooperate in the future, with further details expected in the New Year.
