2013 has seen the launch of a new team on the Australian Mountain Bike scene. The Swell-Specilized Team has combined much of the leading Olympic Cross Country (XCO) and Cross Country Marathon (XCM) talent with leading gravity riders from around Australia. Swell have been involved in Mountain Bike Team sponsorship for quite some time, as a long time backer of Andy Blair (current XCM National Champion) and the teams he has either organised or been involved with.
The full rider list is as follows:
Andy Blair (Elite XCO/XCM)
Shaun Lewis (Elite XCO/XCM)
Jenny Fay (Elite XCM)
Rhys Atkinson (Elite DH)
David McMillan (Elite DH)
Jackson Davis (U/19 DH)
Although there is no fixed captaincy of the team, the endurance side of the Swell-Specilized Team started with the mateship between Andy Blair and Shaun Lewis. These two racers have long been at the fore of Australian mountain biking, with both representing Australia at a world level. Although the two train with each other, they raced against each other on different teams for years.
“Shaun and I had the idea of riding together, and we contacted Swell about supporting it. They were on board straight away.” This was the start of the team structure, and they needed to build further sponsors around it. Specialized were very interested, but wanted to incorporate the riders they already had on board. Specifically, the three gravity riders, and Marathon specialist Jenny Fay – who Specialized already had under contract. And then there were six.
This crew get along pretty easily – which makes racing for each other an easy progression.
Out of the three endurance racers, it is just Fay who is making Marathon racing her speciality. And so she should. After convincingly winning the 2012 Real Insurance XCM Series in an undefeated run of six victories – clearly her determination and abilities are proven. Blair and Lewis split the majority of Australia’s big Marathon wins amongst themselves in 2012, save for a few notable exceptions like the Kona Odyssey, Flight Centre Classic and Highland Fling. This takes nothing away from the riders, as being able to win one big marathon in the current Elite mens field is a remarkable achievement.
“Cross Country is still a big focus” says Blair. “The XCO and XCM champs are my biggest goals for 2013.” Over the past two years, Blair has become a leading rider across all endurance disciplines in Australia. This is not so much athlete development as a changed schedule. “Not going overseas has allowed me to be in the country for the bigger marathon races. All good XC races can do a good marathon,” cites Blair, explaining that the training required to race elite XCO allows a rider to race a good marathon – especially with the speed now seen in the Elite field.
“The marathon races are also quite motivating, and the Real Insurance Series ties the events together to create a better experience, including increased exposure and prize money. They are very professional in their delivery. These races are harder to win, so it’s quite fulfilling to win one.”
The team structure differs to many, with no clear leader for when Blair and Lewis are racing together. Although there are numerous teams in Australian mountain biking, none have ever raced like one with much consistency. And with good reason too – these athlete’s are rarely racing at a professional level. They aren’t on a salary like in a road team, where prize money is split if you’re working towards the teams goal. Blair explains this further.
“In XC or MTB in general, you’re of no use to the team leader if you’re not in the front group. With Shaun and I, we can use that strength to our advantage. We are 100% motivated to achieve results as a team. Our Key Performance Indicators are team results, not individual ones.” This relies on the mateship the two share. They have both experience a lot of success, and are just as happy to help the other win as they are to win themselves.
“Our team targets for this year include the Real Insurance XCM Series and the National XC Series” states Blair.
Everyone loves a laugh about the shape of the Stromlo crit track
A recent injury has forced Blair to reset his goals – and he is off the mountain bike until mid to early March. But at the Rocky Trail 100 his presence highlighted what ties the team together – mateship. With Jenny Fay and Shaun Lewis racing, Blair was there to do feeds and provide vocal and moral support. Many injured team mates just choose to stay at home. With both Lewis and Fay winning their races – perhaps the Swell-Specialized Team will have the magic touch for 2013?