American John Murphy and Canadian Pier-André Coté join team
Rally Cycling announces two new signings in American John Murphy and Canadian Pier-André Coté. The sprinting duo will further reinforce the team’s leadout train, one that produced top 10 finishes in the Amgen Tour of California, Vuelta Castilla y Leon, Dubai Tour, and the Arctic Race of Norway.
Murphy brings proven track record
Going into the 15th season of his professional career, Murphy brings WorldTour experience to Rally Cycling after spending the last two seasons with Holowesko – Citadel. The Horse Shoe, NC native has captured some serious palmares over the years, including stage wins at the Tour de Langkawi, USA Pro Challenge, Herald Sun Tour, and the Tour of Utah.
A self-described sprinter, Murphy has the power and experience required to compete in the world’s biggest races. With the team expanding and Murphy’s eyes set on Europe, the timing was perfect.
“Rally Cycling has always run a top-notch program,” said Murphy. “Solid management, a really strong roster and a program that is always growing. For 2019, I’m looking forward to testing myself even more in Europe. I want to help Rally Cycling be the best team they can be at every race they go to.”
The majority of his top results have come in field sprints, but Murphy brings tactical savvy and a depth of fitness that is only attained through years of hard work and sacrifice. As one of the teams most experienced members, Murphy will be a vital resource during crunch time.
“My role within Rally Cycling will be to boost the sprinting department,” said Murphy. “I can also use my experience to make important race decisions on the road. It’s really important to ride as a team, especially as the team steps into bigger and bigger races.”
Cote’s a star on the rise
Born and raised in Quebec, Canada, Coté is a relative newcomer to racing, signing his first professional contract with Silber Pro Cycling in 2017. The 21-year-old former hockey player quickly made a name for himself by winning the 2017 Canadian Criterium Championships in his first attempt.
“It only took one conversation with Jonas Carney to convince me that the program was the best fit for me,” said Coté. “I was looking for a smooth transition to Europe while still racing with a well established North American team with a focus on performance. I come to the team open minded and ready to learn from some of the best cyclists in North America.”
Coté bookended this year’s Tour de Beauce with stage wins, arguably Canada’s toughest stage race. He is considered one of Canada’s most promising sprinters.
“The final stage of Beauce is truly the highlight of my career,” said Coté. “Winning a UCI race for the first time earlier that week was awesome, but proving that I could win outside of a bunch sprint at the end of the week was a key moment for me.”
As the team enters their second professional continental season, an already extensive European race schedule will expand. This makes young, talented riders like Coté attractive for a program that is looking to not only develop North American talent but to perform on the world’s stage.
“Racing in Europe is for sure one of the things I look forward to the most next year,” said Coté. “I raced there only once when I was a junior and I am excited to go back being a completely different cyclist. Having a lot more confidence and experience, but still carrying that desire to learn and progress.”
