Jet Racing is a new team for 2012, and was born out of the coming together of Anthony Shippard and Mark Newton. Mark – who owns Jet Cycles – has a background in high-performance coaching – up to Olympic level. Anthony is an elite rider himself, but with a high level of coaching success as well. Their minds met and Jet Racing was born. MarathonMTB attended the team launch at the Jet Grand opening at 80 Clarence St, Sydney, to meet the riders.
“The most important thing about Jet is that its not just about Elite riders. Of course, the Elite riders get a lot of photos and magazine inches, but our aim is to bring some elite practice and knowledge to the broader participation base of MTB” explains Team Captain Anthony Shippard. “There are a few ‘Elite’ teams out there, but not really any that allow people to join like a club, but with a view to racing, performance and like minded approaches to events. There are lots of excellent clubs out there, but not many have real coaching expertise – with a focus on performance – be that moving from C to B grade, or winning the National XC Champs. Jet Racing can be joined by anyone, and they can immediately benefit from training advice, product selection, and a friendly face at races. We want to see people in the kit, we want people around at races – new faces, new ideas.”
The Jet Team – Photo: Dave Hyde
Shippard has spent a few years racing mountain bikes in Australia, and see how riders progress, and how easily some could improve if they chose to.
“It’s only when you speak to a relative novice in the sport that you realise how quickly and easily they can be helped. All of the Elite team are there because they are happy to speak to anyone and everyone – whether its about products, riding techniques, or even nutrition strategy. We want people to come and say ‘hi – I saw you ride with only one bottle / wide handlebars / slick tyres / clear glasses – why is that?”.”
Far from being a selection of riders attracted to a generous sponsorship package, Jet Racing is a cohesive unit, explains Shippard.
“All of us on the team have raced on teams before, and we also all could get individual deals or sponsors, so we know how things could and should work. The point really isn’t “What are you getting from Jet?” – which is a question often posed by other elite riders who are interested in the team. For us, it’s not about free product, or race entries. We wanted to start a team that gave us a group to travel with, to train with, to support each other. We wanted to build an inclusive, positive environment which would make the hard work of racing, and the harder work of training more enjoyable. The idea of a team that just wins races being enough for sponsors to invest money in is outdated. The things sponsors want to see these days are more sophisticated. They want their brand represented, and presented. Its about being accessible.”
“For 2012, we really have only been supported by Jet Cycles, and Specialized. We are really thankful to them for the faith they have shown in our plans. Already, the team has a bit of a following, and the ‘brand’ that is Jet Racing is growing. The bright red kit is easily visible, so you won’t miss us!”
For the rest of 2012, the Elite team will be at the Real Insurance XCM series races, at all the Singletrack Mind races, all of the NSW XC Series, the Scott 24hr and also the Whaka100 in Rotorua.
The Jet Racing Team
Shippard – the captain of the ship. Photo: Dave Hyde
Rider name: Anthony Shippard
Rider Age: 35
Years Racing: 20 years
Previous Racing Experience/Highlights: I have fond memories of the 1991 National MTB Champs in the UK – old school MTB at its best. After that, I went and raced Triathlon professionally for close to 8yrs. Since coming back to the sport, I have loved the ABSA Cape Epic. I have to say that the new Real Insurance XCM Series, and the work of Theo and Aryna has been a huge recent highlight for me. I’m lucky to coach and advise some very motivated and talented (way more so than me) riders, so seeing them succeed is also an immense source of personal pride.
Bike choice: MTB: Specialized S-works Epic 29er. Roadie: Specialized S-works Venge
Goals for the next 12 months: My personal goals are around the XCM series, and also some specific races. For the team, I want to build a brand that people associate with fun, participation, honest effort, and an approachable nature. Add a few riders too…..
Favourite riding location: In Australia – I love Wisemans Ferry, it’s a special place for me. Globally, Stellenbosch, South Africa. In the UK – Afan Forest is incredible.
Favourite piece of kit: I’m currently rekindling my love for SRAM Gripshift, but I have an ongoing love with the ‘Brain’ suspension technology on my bike.
What wouldn’t you travel to a race without: The team. We are good for each other – low stress, good sledging.
Favourite motivational music: Massive Attack & Mos Def “I against I”. The best warm-up tune.
Motivational saying: Winter miles make summer smiles
Rob Booker, the team mechanic. He’s pretty handy on the bike too. Photo: Dave Hyde
Rider name: Robert Booker
Rider Age: 29
Years Racing: 14 years
Previous Racing Experience/Highlights: I have raced both road and mountain bikes over the years. A highlight would definitely have to be finishing 1-2 at the Convict 50km with team mate Kyle Ward.
Bike choice: Specialized S-works Stumpjumper 29er Hardtail but hope to be on an Epic very soon.
Goals for the next 12 months: To finish near the top in the Real Insurance XCM 50km series and have a good crack at the NSW XCO series.
Favourite riding location: Coffs Harbour
Favourite piece of kit: My Specialized Prevail helmet
What wouldn’t you travel to a race without: A can of Tom Piper vanilla creamed rice. Oh, and a spoon.
Favourite motivational music: Something fast and fun like Pennywise or riseagainst.
Kyle Ward – the elder skinny jeans wearer. Photo: Dave Hyde
Rider name: Kyle Ward
Rider Age: 20
Years Racing: 5
Previous Racing Experience/Highlights:
– World Champs 2010 – Mt St Anne Canada
– World Cup Series 2011 – Round #1 #2 #3
– LIMBC (Langkawi Challenge)
– Alpen Tour – Austria
Bike choice:
– Specialized Epic Sworks (XX)
– Specialized Tarmac SL4 (RED)
Goals for the next 12 months:
– Train Smart 🙂
– Enjoy My Riding
Favourite riding location:
Australia – NSW Alpine Region
O.S – Whistler
Favourite piece of kit:
– S-works Cycling Shoes
What wouldn’t you travel to a race without:
– Bike …
– The Crew !!!
Favourite motivational music:
– House Beats
Motivational saying:
– The most effective way to do it, is to do it !!!
Jayden Ward – is he already outgunning his older brother Kyle? Photo: Dave Hyde
Rider name: Jayden Ward
Rider Age: 16
Years Racing: 5 years
Previous Racing Experience/Highlights: Placing 2nd at the Canberra National All Mountain Cup.
Bike choice: S-Works StumpJumper 29er full Sram XX
Goals for the next 12 months: To represent Australia and be the best that I can be at cycling.
Favourite riding location: Mt Stromlo.
Favourite piece of kit: S-Works StumpJumper 29er
What wouldn’t you travel to a race without: Pillow and Teddy.
Favourite motivational music: DVNO by Justice.
Motivational saying: Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.
Garry Millburn. Doing something silly at a bike race near you – Photo by Dave Hyde
Rider name: Garry Millburn
Rider Age: 25
Years Racing: 10
Previous Racing Experience/Highlights: 2005 World Championships (Livigno, Italy), Many Oceania, National and State Champs, a NORBA round in the USA
Bike choice: Specialized Epic 29er
Goals for the next 12 months: Return to full strength after my head on accident in France, and that means 5.5watts/kg for 20mins….
Favourite riding location: Anywhere tight and technical
Favourite piece of kit: What would I do without my SRM!
What wouldn’t you travel to a race without: I should probably say my girlfriend, Fiona… But sweet beats on the ipod!
Favourite motivational music: I have such a diverse range of choices, depends on the day really, or what the other tight jeans wearing teams members are playing!
Motivational saying: Win or Lose, you will never regret working hard, making sacrifices, being disciplined or focusing too much