What does 'neo-pro' mean?

[Steve H]

I've seen this term a couple of times now and I'm not sure what it means. Any ideas?

Here is an extract from a Team Sky article today to provide context:-

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As well as world champion Mark Cavendish, Team Sky has welcomed former HTC-Highroad team-mates Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate and Kanstantsin Siutsou, neo-pros Salvatore Puccio and Luke Rowe, Sergio Henao, and former Giro d’Italia pink jersey holder Richie Porte.

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[ColinJ]

Neo = new or young. A neo-pro is early in his/her career, maybe his/her first pro season.

 

[Steve H]

Makes sense. Thanks Colin.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Neo-pro's will also be on a short-term contract, which means they have a sort of probationary status in the team. Perform well or improve a lot during the year and there is the likelihood of a longer contract. Don't meet expectations and you'll be off to a lower level team.

 

[Crankarm]

Sportive riders?

IGMC.

 

[andrew_s]

Neo-pro's will also be on a short-term contract, which means they have a sort of probationary status in the team. Perform well or improve a lot during the year and there is the likelihood of a longer contract. Don't meet expectations and you'll be off to a lower level team.

Are you thinking of stagiaires?

A neo-pro is on his first pro contract, which must be for a minimum of 2 years.
It's of interest because the UCI limit on the size of a team is 28 riders, plus up to two neo-pros

 

[ColinJ]

A neo-pro is on his first pro contract, which must be for a minimum of 2 years.
It's of interest because the UCI limit on the size of a team is 28 riders, plus up to two neo-pros

That has the ring of a definitive answer!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Are you thinking of stagiaires?

Oh, yes, probably! Thanks for the correct definition.