How does Axel Merckx find the next great racers?

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RICHFIELD, Utah (VN) — Neilson Powless. Adrian Costa. Greg Daniel. The 2016 Axeon Hagens Berman squad is a murderer’s row of cycling’s next great riders. The roster is also a testament to Axel Merckx’s ability to identify talent.

Every year, Merckx, 42, scours the junior ranks and U.S. national team for the next Axeon riders. His process for evaluating talent is equal parts science and art. He weighs each rider’s physical talent, personality, and attitude toward fellow racers, before making a choice.

“At the end of the day, when I narrow it down, I need to have a good feeling about the rider,” Merckx says. “More than anything it’s about whether [the rider] is going to fit with the teammates.”

Merckx has been on the hunt for young talent since 2009. His squad was originally called Trek – Livestrong, and it was launched as a development squad for Lance Armstrong’s Radioshack pro team. It’s star rider was Taylor Phinney, and its roster included Ben King and Sam Bewley, both of whom now compete in the WorldTour.

In 2011 Radioshack folded and Phinney left to join Team BMC. Merckx decided to continue his program.

Over the years, Merckx has adjusted his process for identifying talent. In the early days, he attended lots of junior races. He approached riders directly, asking them if they were interested in his team.

“I had to go to the …

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