Rory Townsend has lauded the impact Andrew Tennant has had since signing for Canyon Eisberg.
And he has backed the former world track champion to have a successful maiden campaign with Tim Elverson’s squad.
Tennant, 31, is currently engaged in Tour Series action – placing 11th and sixth in the opening two rounds, either side of a superb second place in the Lincoln Grand Prix last weekend.
Meanwhile, Townsend is preparing for his Rás Tailteann debut on Sunday after recovering from a broken collarbone.
However, the 22-year-old has already seen enough of his team-mate to know the quality he brings to the team.
The pair have raced side-by-side at the Grand Prix de la Ville de Lillers in France, Dorpenomloop Rucphen in Holland and Chorley Grand Prix. Townsend said:
“Andy is mega. I remember in France he had so many problems at the start of the race, I was panicking a bit.
“I felt a little like it was falling on Louis (Rose-Davies) and I to do a lot of work and I was almost waiting for the inevitable.
“Louis had thrown himself into it full bore, so I was expecting him to start struggling a little bit and paying for that effort.
“Then there was a move at the front which I was struggling to close and all of a sudden Andy just came storming through.
“He had been chasing back on through the cars and just came storming through, straight up the front. It was perfect timing.
“It was a really, really good example of the way he races. The first thing he said was sorry he hadn’t been there but I was just glad he appeared then!
“He is a great guy, a real team player and he has got gas. I think he could have a really good season with us. I certainly hope so.”
Tennant ultimately finished 15th in Lillers – his maiden UCI outing for the team. He then placed 25th in Rucphen before crashes and mechanicals slowed his progress when going well in races such as the Rutland-Melton International CiCLE Classic.
The Wolverhampton-born rider returned to provide sterling service to his team at the Tour de Yorkshire before the launch of the Tour Series last week.
Second place in Lincoln last Sunday underlined his versatility but now his focus is firmly on the 10-round crit championship.
A three-time winner of the overall crown, Tennant will provide sports director Elverson with crucial experience over the next fortnight.
The action continues with round three in Aberdeen on Thursday (7.30pm). Canyon Eisberg are currently third in the standings behind Madison Genesis and JLT Condor.
