ORICA-AIS has re-signed world championship medallists Katrin Garfoot and Rachel Neylan, strengthening the squad with proven performers for 2017.
The news comes just hours after Garfoot collected a women’s time trial bronze medal at the UCI Road Cycling World Championships in Doha overnight.
In an impressive performance, Garfoot finished just eight seconds off gold medal pace with Amber Neben (USA) claiming the rainbow jersey in a time of 34minutes 37seconds for the 28.9km course.
After narrowly missing out on a medal in 2015, Garfoot remains as eager as ever in her pursuit for the top step of the podium.
“I’m happy to be on the podium this year since I failed it by a few seconds last year,” said Garfoot. “I wish it was a bit better but I’m happy to work on that for next year.”
“I was fourth with 10seconds last year,” she added. “I’m third with eight seconds this year. I want first place one time before I finish my career.”
Garfoot has had a season full of ups and downs in 2016, but the current Australian and Oceania time trial champion has continued to bounce back and is looking forward to the 2017 season.
“I am happy with my 2016 season overall,” said Garfoot. “Starting at the Santos Tour Down Under and national time trial championships.”
“It has been a great year despite being disappointed with my performance at the Rio Olympic Games.
“I found it great to see how we improved our racing as a team this season and I am excited about how we will be stepping up next year.”
Joining her in 2017 will be Rachel Neylan, who also enjoyed world championship podium success when she claimed the silver medal in the road race in 2012.
Continuing to progress at 34-years of age, Neylan has gone from strength to strength having enjoyed a successful season without the injuries that have plagued the Australian rider in the past.
With clear goals and ambitions, Neylan is looking forward to growing even further in the 2017 season.
“I’m thrilled to re-sign with ORICA-AIS,” Neylan explained. “I’ve learned and grown a lot in this team environment over the past 18months and I am looking forward to building on that positive trajectory.”
“It’s been a challenging 12months with highs and lows but feel that I am stronger by all accounts and ready for the next chapter in my career.
“I’m still furthering myself in many facets as an athlete and a bike rider and I am excited to embrace the 2017 season with fresh ideas and ambitions.”
Katrin Garfoot
Date of Birth: 8th October 1981 (35)
Nationality: Australian
Place of birth: Germany
2016 results:
– 1st National Championship Australia – Time Trial
– 1st Oceania Championship – Time Trial
– 1st Santos Women’s Tour – General Classification
– 1st Santos Women’s Tour – Stage 1
– 1st Tour of Qatar – Stage 1
– 1st Chromo Champenois – Time Trial
– 3rd UCI Road Cycling World Championships – Time Trial
Other results:
– 1st 2015 Oceania Championship – Time Trial
– 1st 2013 Oceania Championship – Road Race
– 3rd 2014 Commonwealth Games – Time Trial
Rachel Neylan
Date of Birth: 9 March 1982 (34)
Nationality: Australian
Place of birth: Sydney, Australia
2016 results:
– 2nd Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
– 3rd National Championship Australia – Road Race
Other results:
– 1st 2015 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race
– 2nd 2015 National Championship Australia – Road Race
– 2nd 2012 UCI Road Cycling World Championship – Road Race
