Irish cyclist, Damien Shaw has been selected as part of a six man An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly team for the eight day Tour of Britain (2.HC) which begins on Sunday 4th September in Glasgow’s George Square.
The Tour of Britain is the UK’s highest ranked cycle race, selective to only 21 teams from around the world and will feature some of cycling’s top talent including 2016 Olympians; Mark Cavendish (GBR) and Dan Martin (IRL). The An Post Chain Reaction team has been invited back, as their constant, attacking style of racing fits well within the competition on the eight day race.
The Tour of Britain is a key fixture in the season for the An Post team. Since their involvement, they have taken an impressive two stage wins and two second place finishes. Team manager Kurt Bogaerts is confident that the riders will embrace the challenge and believes the team have the talent to surpass their previous successes;
“Our last stage victories weren’t expected – or even mathematically possible – but with the right tactics and courage, we really believe our guys are ready to put the peloton to the test,” said Bogaerts.
“They have a huge level of training banked and the motivation and desire is there. They’ll go above what even they think they are capable of doing. We know these guys, and they can do some big things in cycling.”
“Racing brings something out in riders that makes them perform. That’s what racing is about. There is no reason they can’t take some (stage) wins.”
Irish rider Damien Shaw will be lining up for his biggest race to date, after making the decision to leave his full time job as a fire fighter and train as a professional cyclist only last year. Bogaerts is looking forward to seeing how Shaw responds to the competitive level of the tour;
“Damien is going really well. He’s improving in every race and physically he’s well prepared for this race. He hasn’t done many of these top level tours, but he’s keen and a very strong rider. We expect some big things, especially in the second half once he settles into the race. He’s one to watch – trust me.”
The Tour begins on Sunday 4th September and will finish on the following Monday, 11th September with a 16 lap loop through the centre of London.
An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly Team for Tour of Britain (2.HC) 4th – 11th September 2016
Damien Shaw (IRL)
Jasper Bovenhuis (NED)
Emiel Wastyn (BEL)
Oliver Kent-Spark (AUS)
Jake Scott (GBR)
Nicholas Vereecken (BEL)
