Australian Cycling Team Podium Potential Academy links up with InForm TM Insight MAKE

Cycling Australia’s Podium Potential Track Academy athletes will join InForm TM Insight MAKE for their road racing endeavours for the 2019 season.

Luke Plapp, Jarrad Drizners, Conor Leahy and Godfrey Slattery are the four riders joining the squad. Track commitments will remain the priority for the talented youngsters but linking up with a National Road Series squad will allow the riders to gain greater exposure to all types of racing and will aid their progression towards lofty track goals.

The riders will remain under the control of Podium Potential Academy coach Rohan Wight throughout their time on the road, while Senior Men’s Track Endurance coach Tim Decker will be keeping a watchful eye over their progress throughout the season.

“InForm TM Insight MAKE were accommodating to work in with what the boys need. Having a priority on their athlete development and providing them with the racing that I believe they need. Cam and Pat are also providing our athletes the flexibility to work around their track needs as well,” Decker said.

“Rohan will work closely with the athletes, and what we really want to do is in trust Pat with the race knowledge, the race day skills and the directing side of it all. We will work on athlete preparation regarding fitness, awareness under pressure and how to handle the loads in different races.”

Decker added that with the quality in the group, they could potentially push for a spot in Tokyo.

“The aim of the academy is it’s a pathway to the 2024 Olympics, but I wouldn’t be surprised, given the history, that there is potential of one of the academy athletes maybe making the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo,” Decker said.

Luke Plapp, who won two gold medals at the Junior Track World Championships and was second behind Remco Evenepoel at the Junior Road World Championships Time Trial this year shared his excitement about joining InForm TM Insight MAKE.

“I’d love to add the culture the track boys have developed and the sense of team work to the road, really try to incorporate it with the other boys and really have an awesome team out there on the road who can work together and get results. It’s also going to amazing to get experience overseas racing together,” Plapp said.

“I believe the team roster InForm TM Insight MAKE have put together can contest and win any race on the calendar, we have such a diverse range of people that can mix it with some of the larger continental teams during the European season.”

With the bar set high from his dazzling junior performance in 2018, Plapp has already shifted his focus for a big 2019.

“For me personally, the major road goal is the TT at Worlds, while from a team view point, it would be great to really push to be the top team on the NRS standings with InForm TM Insight MAKE in 2019.”

18-year-old, Jarrad Drizners is looking to attack the road season hard. The South Australian was oozing eagerness when talking about embarking on a new chapter with InForm TM Insight MAKE.

“I’m excited to get stuck into the road next year, it’s a young and enthusiastic team with a few experienced riders to learn from as well. I’m also really excited to be racing with my fellow track teammates,” Drizners said.

“My personal goals for 2019 on the road are to be consistent in the NRS again, and aim for a stage win. Also, I hope to be competitive in Europe, and build on from what I learnt this year.”

Welcome gents!