The new cycling team of CSU-UVT was established in the spring of 2018, receiving support from the DHS Romania Group. Through the personal involvement of Ms. Prof. Yang Xi, the CEO of the company, it became UVT DEVRON – WEST CYCLING TEAM.

The team comprises cyclists accredited by the Romanian Cycling Federation, with an impressive track record in this sport at the national level. They are also members of the national teams, enjoying the support of FEFS (Faculty of Physical Education and Sport) leadership and the professionalism of specialized faculty members: Associate Professor Dr. Tiberiu Puta, Associate Professor Dr. Claudiu Avram, Associate Professor Dr. Cristian Negrea, Associate Professor Dr. Mirica Nicoleta, Assistant Professor Dr. Alexandra Rosu, as well as experienced cycling coaches like Alex-Drilea Apetrei and Florent Horeau, who also serves as the Sports Director of the team.

This project could not have started without the unconditional support of dedicated individuals who understood that performance cannot be achieved without sustained teamwork. Therefore, the project benefits from the involvement of important stakeholders in Timișoara, such as Dr. Dan Gaiță – President of the Cardioprevent Foundation (UVT alumnus), Cosmin Sorban – General Manager of Smartt Studio Timișoara, Daniel Drăghici – Manager of Healing Hands (UVT alumnus), and Zeno Ardelean – the team’s mechanic.

The formation of this team represents just the first step within the “Together for Performance” project, in which the West University of Timișoara, CSU-UVT, and its partners Devron (DHS – Group Romania), Smart Studio Timișoara, Cardioprevent Medical Foundation, Nutriform Expert, Healing Hands, and Papri aim to create a Center for Training, Coaching, and Performance in cycling.

Sports performance is closely linked to talent, desire, and determination, but it also depends on the existence of specialists and technical facilities that enable access to sports excellence.

The idea for such a project arose from the identification of a pressing need within Romanian performance cycling for coordinated and professional training.

Currently, Romania faces a significant drop in the number of athletes passionate about pursuing cycling. Many cyclists undergo training until the cadet and junior categories, but due to the lack of adequate training facilities and qualified personnel, they abandon the sport. Currently, there is no center at the national level that provides training conditions comparable to those in the EU and beyond.

By establishing such a center, an effort is made to revitalize Romanian cycling and promote responsible cycling, emphasizing the athlete’s responsibility and respect for achieved results. Ultimately, it aims to increase Romania’s reputation and secure a respected position for Romanian teams among European and international counterparts.

Through the establishment of the UVT-DEVRON West Cycling Team as a university team, the promotion of “Romania” as a brand through cycling is also pursued.