The South Australian racing scene is set for a major upheaval in 2016, with a new National Road Series team on the block in the form of Van D’am Racing. Established in order to provide a sound opportunity for young South Australian riders to develop, Van D’am Racing boasts a high-calibre roster which intends to start producing results from the gun.
The team is led by Rhys Gillett and Shaun O’Callaghan, both of whom have regularly graced the podium at a high level in the past. Gillett, who started the 2015 season strongly by winning the KOM jersey at the New Zealand Cycle Classic but who has since faced set-backs due to a training accident and health issues is particularly excited to be racing with Van D’am for 2016.
“Van D’am supplies the things that are necessary to perform at your best. Physio, strength and stretching is managed, all riders have access to regular physical and medical testing to ensure that any illness can be caught before it becomes a problem.”
The holistic approach to training and health provided by Omnis Development, Form Physiotherapy, and leading dietitians and physiologists, among others, was a big drawcard for Rhys:
“These are all things that are not necessarily supplied by other teams and are therefore usually left out of a rider’s preparation. The fact that these things are supplied means that riders can work less hours to allow better training and recovery”
O’Callaghan, who can boast of top ten results in the Under 23 Road Race, Criterium and Time Trial at the National Championships, is looking forwards to taking a senior role within a team designed to support its young talent.
“I can see Van D’am Racing is committed to the development process with both Rhys and me taking on somewhat mentoring roles with the young guys on the team. A great emphasis is also placed on lives outside of cycling, whether it be cycling related; massage, physiotherapy, psychology or on and off the bike nutrition through to work, high school or tertiary studies”
Filling out the team are a number of talented young South Australian riders, including Dave Fumpson, Ethan Egglestone, Callum Pearce, Tom Allford, and Connor Butterfield, all of whom have achieved success at a local level, and are eager to step up and race in the VRS and NRS in 2016.
The team is supported behind the scenes by team founder and principal Lachlan Ambrose, with athlete coaching and development managed by Tim Clayton of Omnis Development, which according to O’Callaghan should put the riders in good stead.
“Both model their ways and ideals on cutting edge and world class thinking in order to provide us with the best possible support and coaching available. These guys really have gone the extra mile to make the job as cyclists easier.”
The team has a busy season ahead of it, starting with the CiC Cervelo Super Series (South Australia’s Elite Teams Summer Series) and incorporating major races from the Victorian Road Series and the National Road Series.
Van D’am is currently supported by Butterfields Services and Red Art by Rojomoma with further sponsors to be announced soon.
To support Van D’am Racing and follow them throughout the year you can follow their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/VanDamRacing , Instagram @vandamracing and their soon to be live website, www.vandamracing.com.au.
