Canadian cycling icon Curt Harnett, a three-time Olympic medalist, has joined the SpiderTech racing club to pursue sponsorships as the team strives to become the first Canadian-based World Tour team and compete at the Tour de France.
Harnett, 45, assistant chef de mission at the past Pan American Games, does not pedal competitively any more, but his reputation makes him an asset for SpiderTech director Steve Bauer
"The Canadian market is ready for a scenario where the famed yellow jersey (the garb of the Tour de France leader) has a Canadian name in it and on it," said Harnett, a member of both the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame and Canadian Sports Hall of Fame.
"A number of Canadian cyclists are real medal contenders heading into London this summer, and the 2015 Pan Am Games will be bringing an indoor velodrome to Milton, Ont."
Bauer initiated the talks with Harnett.
"Curt has been at the top as world-class athlete and continues to have the best interest of the sport in his heart," Bauer said.
Harnett captured Olympic silver in the 1,000-metre time trial in 1984, and bronze in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic match sprints at Barcelona and Atlanta respectively.
"Since winning Olympic medals, Curt has built a wealth of experience in the business world. Our vision to become Canada's first professional cycling team to ride the Tour De France is still very vibrant," Bauer said.
Harnett retired from cycling after the 1996 Games. He attended the Sydney and Athens Olympic Games as a colour commentator in cycling. He is involved in charities, including Special Olympics Canada and Right to Play.
Harnett was the assistant chef de mission for the Canadian Team at the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico and will be a part of the Olympic consortium's broadcast team for track cycling in London.
Team SpiderTech -- backed by the 10-company consortium known as C10 -- is Canada's only continental professional team in cycling. The 17-rider cycling team is composed of 11 Canadians, and six international riders.