14 January 2015
Seven of Australia’s most dynamic young cyclists are set to represent Team UniSA-Australia in the Santos Tour Down Under, starting this Sunday.
Headlining the team is Australian, Commonwealth and World Champion cyclist Jack Bobridge, who is in great form and will attempt cycling’s renowned world hour record in Melbourne on January 31.
Bobridge will be joined in Team UniSA-Australia by his Olympic and Commonwealth Games teammate Alexander Edmondson, as well as fellow SA-born young gun Miles Scotson.
Rounding out the team are 2014 STDU Young Rider winner Jack Haig, promising West Australian talent Robert Power, and Victorian all-rounders Neil Van Der Ploeg and Steele Von Hoff.
Team UniSA-Australia is the official national team in the STDU and is made up of Australia’s best unsigned cyclists.
Team UniSA-Australia Ambassador and 2004 Tour Down Under winner Patrick Jonker says the seven riders make up an exciting squad at this year’s STDU.
“Team UniSA-Australia this year is in great form and eager to show the world what they can do,” Jonker says.
Jonker says having Jack Bobridge, who is on the rebound after injury, in the team is a big coup.
“With his Pro Tour experience, coupled with being in peak form, Bobridge will be hungry for success,” he says.
“Shortly after the Tour, Bobridge is attempting the world hour record, which is the holy grail of cycling. He’s going to be a force to be reckoned with.
“Bobridge’s ‘brother’ on the cycling circuit, Alexander Edmondson, who is an Olympian, and Commonwealth and World Champion, is an exciting addition to this year’s team and he’s set to be aggressive in the breakaways.
“Rounding out the South Aussies we’ve got Miles Scotson, who added his name to an exclusive honour roll of cyclists to win both the under 23 time trial and road race at the Mars Cycling Australia Road National Championships in Buninyong last weekend.
“Scotson showed maturity beyond his years at this event and, while he’ll be one of the most inexperienced riders on Team UniSA-Australia, he’ll also be one of the strongest.”
Jonker describes Robert Power as a “physiological freak of nature”.
“Power has an enormous ability to absorb oxygen, with a VO2 max well in the 80s … he’s full of horsepower and is a dynamic addition to the team,” Jonker says.
Bobridge has ridden with Team UniSA-Australia before, as have Neil Van Der Ploeg, Steele Von Hoff and Jack Haig.
University of South Australia Vice Chancellor Professor David Lloyd says the University is proud to support this year’s group of young riders in the Santos Tour Down Under.
“The University has been supporting Team UniSA-Australia and giving young riders the chance to showcase their talent on the international stage now for 15 years,” Prof Lloyd says.
“This year’s team comprises seven exciting and aggressive young cyclists, who I’m sure, will relish the opportunity to show what they are made of and bring it up to the world’s best.
“As Australia’s University of Enterprise, we are delighted to fly the flag for young Australian cycling talent on the world stage.”
See the Team UniSA-Australia Supporters’ Club website for updates on the team throughout the Tour (January 18-25) www.unisa.edu.au/tdu, follow the #TeamUniSA hashtag on Twitter, and like University of South Australia on Facebook.
Media Contact Kelly Stone office (08) 8302 0963 mobile 0417 861 832 email Kelly.stone@unisa.edu.au
