Team Garmin-Slipstream the current top American professional cycling team announced today that it has added Australian Jack Bobridge to its roster and formed a partnership with Cycling Australia to develop young riders into professional road and track champions.
The team already boasts Australia’s reigning points race World Champion, Cameron Meyer and today has confirmed 19 year-old Jack Bobridge as part of the team’s line-up The Adelaide rider is the Australian U-23 road race and time trial champion and will join the professional team as a stagiaire later this year.
"Jack is a phenomenal talent, possibly the most talented rider of his generation" said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports and Director Sportif of Team Garmin-Slipstream. "He excels on the road and on the track and makes an outstanding addition to our roster. We are thrilled that he decided to join Team Garmin-Slipstream."
Among the best U-23 riders in the world, Bobridge claimed two silver medals at the Track World Championships in March for individual pursuit and team pursuit, the latter won alongside new teammate, Meyer. Bobridge is also the Oceania and Australian Individual Pursuit Champion.
"I chose Team Garmin-Slipstream because I believe in its mission of helping young riders reach their full potential" said Bobridge. "I know that I will continue to grow as a part of this team, on the track and on the road."
Earlier this season Garmin-Slipstream hired 21-year-old Meyer, who recently took home one gold and two silver medals at the Track World Championships and on the road claimed the bronze medal in the U-23 time trial at the 2008 Road World Championships.
Australian Matt White, a director of Team Garmin-Slipstream and former pro cyclist, serves as Meyer’s coach and will become Bobridge’s mentor.
"It’s an exciting partnership because we are working with the best talent coming out of Australia" said White. "And we are able to give these riders the tools they need to excel on the road and on the track."
"This partnership provides an ideal opportunity for Australia’s emerging talent to forge professional careers but to also to pursue their ambition to represent Australia in major international events" said Graham Fredericks, CEO of Cycling Australia. "We are very pleased to formalise a relationship with a team that shares our philosophy and look forward to working with Team Garmin-Slipstream."
Cycling Australia National Performance Director, Shayne Bannan, says the partnership is a "win-win situation" for all involved.
"This is a fabulous opportunity for our riders and for our program" said Mr Bannan. "The team is well respected and they understand how important it is for us to have access to riders such as Cameron and Jack at critical periods to prepare for Commonwealth Games, World Championships and Olympic Games."
Team Garmin-Slipstream is in the final days of preparation for the year’s first Grand Tour, and is ready to go after the Maglia Rosa again with even more gusto than last year.
website: Cycling Australia
website: Team Garmin-Slipstream
