ORICA-SCOTT are pleased to announce the re-signing of the Santos Women’s Tour winner Amanda Spratt for the 2018 season.
The 30-year-old has been with the Australian outfit since it’s inception in 2012 and has developed a lot over the past seasons, always a selfless team player and this year establishing her role further as one of the team leaders.
The former two-time Australian champion enjoyed one of her best seasons to date in 2017 and is delighted to remain within ORICA-SCOTT, feeling settled and at home with the Australian outfit.
“I have been with the team since it first started in 2012 and it’s really become like a family to me,” Spratt said. “Of course you always wonder about change and look at options but this year there was a real sense of excitement for what the team is creating for next season.”
“I am really grateful to Gerry Ryan and Shayne Bannan in particular for keeping the team going and investing so much into us. I know we will pay them back and I am already excited about getting stuck into the 2018 season.
“This year really felt like a year where I made some big steps forward, having some big goals like the Giro-Rosa really challenged me. At first it was a case of training to be in the best position possible to support Annemiek (Van Vleuten) but during the Giro-Rosa we realised that my shape was really good and I could be there in most of the finals.
“This was really exciting and motivating for me and the whole experience of the Giro-Rosa for the whole team was really something special.”
The New South Wales rider believes the balanced environment within the team is what enables her to perform at the highest level, constantly learning and taking inspiration from her teammates as they strive forward together to achieve goals.
“The thing I really love about the team is the feeling we have amongst the riders and staff,” continued Spratt. “We have a lot of fun together off the bike but know when it’s time to be serious on the bike. Even more, I find that I am constantly inspired by my teammates and this in itself helps to lift you as both a person and a rider.”
“I’ve spent a lot of time this season with Annemiek, it’s special to have someone like her in the team and I feel lucky to have her as a teammate. I really feel this season in particular I have learnt so much from her, she is proof that set-backs only make you stronger and that you should never settle for the level you are at. There is always room for improvement.”
Sport director Gene Bates feels Spratt contributes a lot to the team’s dynamic and is pleased to see her remain within the team for another season as an important team member.
“We are very excited to have Amanda back in the team for 2018,” said Bates. “Amanda has had the best season of her career this year and provides not only a great option in the tougher races, but fulfils a vital leadership role within the team.”
“Amanda continues to develop each season and next year we will see her shaping up as one of our crucial riders in the toughest one-day and stage races. We are very proud and happy to continue our commitment and relationship with Spratty and can’t wait to see her in the team colours again next year.”
Amanda Spratt
Date of Birth: 17th September 1987 (30)
Place of birth: Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
Turned Pro: 2012
Key results
2017
– 1st Emakumeen XXX. Bira – Stage 2
– 1st Santos Women’s Tour – General Classification
– 1st Santos Women’s Tour – Stage 1
– 1st Mitchelton Bay Cycling Classic – Stage 2
2016
– 1st National Championship Australia – Road Race
– 1st Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
– 1st Internationale Thuringen Rundfahrt der Frauen – Stage 6
2015
– 1st Giro del Trentino Alto Adige – Sudtirol
2012
– 1st National Championships Australia – Road Race
