Team Argos-Shimano’s “1t4i guidelines”
Team Argos-Shimano has a well-known vision and mission and clearly phrased and recognisable core values: an international focus (Pan-European oriented and with links to China, Japan and the United States); improvement of riders and staff; encouraging team spirit; practice of sports according to strict ethical values; promotion of a healthy lifestyle; much attention to innovation; and a nature-friendly policy and approach.
This vision, mission and core values have resulted in a number of guidelines to which we refer as ‘1t4i’ (1 x t and 4 x i). 1t4i stands for Team spirit, Inspiration, Improvement, Integrity and Innovation. We expect our riders and staff to operate in compliance with these guidelines, and also the organisation and the team as a whole are expected to act in line with 1t4i.
Next to an important sports-related component, improvement, throughout the year special attention is paid to working (together) optimally – fully aimed at achieving sporting progress and further strengthening the team – and to the way of working and collaborating, including the intention and attitude that are displayed. We believe that in doing so we will create a perfect top-sports environment with intensive and innovative support in many areas and with internal processes that are entirely aimed at translating far-reaching and innovative expertise into optimal functionality for our athletes, using the technologically most advanced materials and outfit, so that our athletes and staff are supported, motivated and challenged to grow and to play a leading role at the highest level as a team.
It is the team’s goal that in two years’ time the most talented male and female riders and staff members will regard this team as the top-sport organisation where everyone can achieve the biggest credible sporting progress, as an individual and as part of the collective advanced materials and outfit, so that our athletes and staff are supported, motivated and challenged to grow and to play a leading role at the highest level as a team.
MPCC
Ethics is one of the core values of Team Argos-Shimano. The team is one of the early members of the MPCC (Mouvement pour un Cyclisme Crédible – Movement for Credible Cycling), which was established by a number of French and German ProTour teams during the 2007 Tour de France. Team Argos-Shimano joined in 2008. The MPCC consists of 11 teams, with 6 additional teams on probation: Katusha, Lampre, Androni, Astana, Blanco and Vacansoleil-DCM.
The members dedicate themselves to strict compliance with the ethical code of the MPCC, whose rules are more rigorous than the UCI rules. “The MPCC’s member teams apply stringent internal rules and guidelines to strengthen the credibility of the team and thus also of cycling in general. In doing so we take responsibility ourselves, thus contributing to a clean sport,” says Iwan Spekenbrink, general manager of Team Argos-Shimano and MPCC’s vice president.
Trees for All
Trees for All foundation, started in 1999, supports sustainable projects in developing countries, leading to a better future for the local population and the environment. Governments, businesses, NGOs and individuals support those projects through donations or by offsetting their CO2 emissions.
“Cycling is an outdoor sport, and we feel strongly about the natural environment. In cooperation with Trees for All, our cycling team’s operations are CO2 neutral,” said general manager Iwan Spekenbrink. “As a professional cycling team, we are constantly out in nature. During training and races we ride through extraordinary areas and the most beautiful nature. Team Argos-Shimano believes that we need to take care of nature and environment and treat our surroundings in a responsible way. In addition to ensuring CO2-neutral operations, we are also focused on the way our riders and staff take care of the environment. We always want to emphasize this, which we do through the partnership with Trees for All.”
