2017 Australian U23 national road race champion Sam Jenner will be staying with UCI Continental team Mitchelton-SCOTT for the coming 2018 season alongside compatriot Harry Sweeny.
The two talented young Australians have formed a vital part of the team’s makeup throughout a successful 2017 season and the retention of both riders is a significant step forward in the team’s continuing development.
“It’s unreal to be joining the team again for 2018,” said Jenner. “I’ve been part of the set up for a couple of years now and although I’ll be sad to see some mates go I’m equally excited to see some new faces coming in to replace them and am looking forward to see what next year will bring.”
“It was great to wear the national stripes throughout the 2017 season and to see so many positive results achieved by the team. This year has been better than we all expected and has only been possible with the dedication from both riders and staff.”
After a challenging 2017 season that was disrupted by injuries Sweeny is looking forward to getting started with a busy Australian summer schedule before the European calendar comes into full swing.
“I am excited to be signing with Mitchelton-SCOTT for a second season,” said Sweeny. “2017 was a great experience for me, not only in learning the way U23 racing unfolds, but also adapting to a European lifestyle.”
“Unfortunately I had a few injuries along the way which made the season quite challenging in places, however I am eager to perform in my second year with the team. I’m looking forward to the Australian summer of racing as always and can’t wait to head back over to Europe with what has become a tight knit bunch of teammates.”
Sport director James Victor spoke of the importance of retaining the services of both riders as the team comes off the back of such a successful season and looks to build into 2018.
“After the team’s most successful season to date it was an important step for us to re-sign both Harry and Sam and continue along the path of developing some of Australia’s next generation of talented athletes and pursue more success for Mitchelton-SCOTT,” Victor said.
“Sam is coming into his third season with the team and without question he forms part of the backbone of the squad and was an integral member of the team that achieved 35 podiums from 41 international race days in 2017. Sam never missed a race day and when you asked for that little bit extra, Sam could always be relied upon to keep the race plan moving.
“After successfully supporting riders like Lucas Hamilton, Jai Hindley and Michael Storer (who are all moving up to WorldTour) throughout 2017, next season we will be looking for Sam to chase some of his own personal ambitions. He gained some valuable experience this year after racing with the national champion’s jersey on his shoulders and that will stand him in good stead for 2018.
“Harry suffered some niggling injuries and unfortunate circumstances cost him some race days this season, but he showed great determination to give everything to the team when he was present and that highlights the great work ethic and camaraderie we have within the group.
“It was very impressive to see Harry getting through the Baby Giro d’Italia as an 18-year-old in what was super successful week of racing for the team. Harry is already training hard for 2018 and is in good shape and motivated to gain as much experience as possible.
“The European Spring Classics suit Harry’s characteristics and he will be targeting them as early objectives before the favourable terrain and racing style of the Asian races later in the season.”
Sam Jenner
Date of Birth: 2nd April 1997 (20)
Place of Birth: Armidale, NSW
Nationality: Australian
Turned Pro: 2017
Major Results:
2017
– 1st National Championships U23 – Road Race
– 2nd AN Post Ras – Stage 8
– 6th National Championships U23 – (ITT)
– 8th Herald Sun Tour – Youth Classification
– 9th AN Post Ras – Youth Classification
Harry Sweeny
Date of Birth: 9th July 1998 (19)
Place of Birth: Brisbane, QLD
Nationality: Australian
Turned Pro: 2017
Major Results:
2017
– 14th Baby Giro d’Italia – Stage 5b (ITT)
– 18th Trophee Paris-Arras – Stage 3
– 19th Baby Giro d’Italia – Youth Classification
