Barloworld's professional cycling team has been making waves in the 2007 Tour De France as it shocked pundits with a series of top five finishes and two stage wins.

Materials handling equipment specialists, Barloworld first launched the team in February 2003 with the goal of competing in the Tour De France by 2007. Through grit, determination and the continued support of Barloworld, the team has steadily moved up the rankings until this year they were rewarded with a wild card entry to the biggest and most prestigious road cycling event in the world.

The Tour de France is a three week road cycling race made up of 20 timed stages on a variety of terrains. The race ventures into neighbouring EU countries including the UK, testing the rider's strength, endurance, skill, stamina, sheer determination and the ability to work as a team.

The Barloworld team got off to a blazing start in the Tour with South African sprint sensation Robert Hunter, finishing fourth, fifth and then second. Then in stage 9, team mate Maurico Soler achieved the team's very first stage win. The Columbian climber, nick named ‘ice-man' unleashed a huge attack on the leading pack of riders building up an unassailable lead his competitors simply could not contain.

Newly elected President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy, who followed the leader to the finish in the Tour Director's car presented Soler with the stage win trophy.

In stage 11, Hunter then sprinted to victory delivering yet another stage win for Team Barloworld, proving the team's continued ability in their 1st tour de France.

Barloworld is delighted with the success of the team and resulting publicity. A spokesperson for Barloworld commented "The result is a combination of team work and individual excellence. From every one of our riders to the members of staff who have worked tirelessly this season, we knew we had the passion and determination to win a few stages of the tour".

To find out more about the team and the results visit www.teambarloworld.com