Thanks. How about this team, sutty? a preview of all other teams will follow.
JML'S FIRST STEPS - OUR PREMIER NRS SEASON
About Us
JML Racing is about much more than competitive cycling. We combine domestic and international racing with advocacy, rider development and a commitment to encourage people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds to ride with the ultimate goal of creating a better environment for cycling.
History
JML Racing was founded in 2015 to provide the opportunity for a group of young riders from both the city and country to develop and race together. Success on and off the bike quickly followed, with wins at the Spring Cycle and at a variety of local and state races. Team growth continued in 2016, as did advocacy efforts with JML Racing working hard to build a better environment for all cyclists. The team has lofty aspirations for 2017, including a number of NRS races.
[img-r]https://i.imgur.com/4WRTiv6.png[/img-r]
The Squad for 2017
Klajnbat, Jake Mawby, Jackson Welsford, Sam Pirotta, Darcy Crawford, Jai Lane, Sam Lane, Matthew Clements, Alex MacWilliam, Shaun Mathiske, Glenn Edwards, Clinton Linfield, Bradley
Our goals for 2017
Since forming in 2015, JML Racing – more than a cycling team – has been developing a team of riders on and off the bike that would be ready to take on the National Road Series. That time is now.
Under the guidance of Henk Vogels as Director of Performance, and with the support of fantastic sponsors, JML Racing is set to light up the domestic cycling scene across Australia in 2017.
As a new team to the National Road Series, it's obvious that we won't aim to challenge for the highest primes. Still, we've got a solid bunch of guys, including some well known names like Jai Crawford (former Drapac professional) or Alex Clemens, who will support us in a few races. Jake Klajnbat and Jackson Mawby will be our permanent leaders: Klajnbat for the GC's and stage hunting, Mawby for the sprints. Our support crew is led by Darcy Pirotta (former Navitas rider).
Team Manager Henk Vogels is confident of the potential in the squad he has put together.
“Joining the JML Racing Team and becoming a part of this terrific project is a perfect opportunity to get back into the National Road Series and really nurture the young talent in Australian cycling, and to support them in their lives both on and off the bike.” said Vogels.
What's our goal? Show everyone that we are worth a permanent NRS competitor! To get a stage, a GC Top-10, maybe a leader shirt at some point. It's our chance. It's our will. Let's get it on!
Grafton to Inverell | Tour of the Great South Coast | Tour of the King Valley
Tour of Gippsland | National Capital Tour | Tour of Tasmania
Melbourne to Warrnambool
Avanti Isowhey Sports
Obviously the team to beat (again). Avanti once again lost the reigning NRS champion with Pat Bevin moving to Cannondale to ride WT this year, but the squad is packed with talent anyway. Last year's 3rd in the NRS Joe Cooper will aim to repeat the individual title for his team. Avanti also got Same Crome and Sean Lake, who finished as tied 7th in the NRS last season. A huge talent like Pat Lane or a veteran like Pat Shaw (12th in 2016 and NRS champion in 2010) should also be considered as threats for the overall victory. A few more names should be named (like 2013 NRS champion Neil Van der Ploeg or this year's Tour de Taiwan winner Rob Hucker). Try to beat them.
State of Matter / MAAP
Last year's third best team Charter Mason is gone and here comes it's follow-up with fresh colors. With other big teams like Budget Forklifts (2nd last year) and African Wildlife (4th) gone, State of Matter is maybe the biggest hope to contest Avanti's dominance. Daniel Fitter was promising last season, a gifted fast men for all terrains. Former Budget Forklifts sprinter Jesse Kerrison is back in the NRS after a difficult stint with the BMC Development team in Europe. He should become a force for bunch sprints, while Dylan Sunderland may be a favorite for the more difficult terrain.
Subaru NSWIS
Another team with some talent around. After a difficult 2016 campaign, the squad received a nice boost with the talented Ayden Toovey looking more and more like a real threat particularly for the one day classics. The additions of Jacob Kauffman (former Budget Forklifts) and Scott Law (Avanti) adds great strength on the flat terrain. The team may lack a real GC rider though.
Pat's Veg Cycling
Maybe one of the most talented roster around, the Pat's Veg Cycling team works closely with Drapac/Cannondale and should add some excitement to the tougher courses in the NRS this year. The team already did great with Brad Evans (9th in the NRS) last year, but guys like Cyrus Monk, Drew Morey or Matt Ross definitely promise huge talent for uphill routes. Watch out for those young guns.
Mobius Future Racing
Another interesting team, that will also focus on international races across the ocean this year. Ben Dyball (joining from Avanti) certainly as one of only a few real GC riders, who may challenge with the Avanti guys this season. The climber probably won't ride too many events though. Robert Stannard is a thrilling talent, who should be capable of getting some notable results, too.
Satalyst Verve Racing
Another former Avanti climber: Matt Clark (20th in the NRS last year) didn't really lived up to the expectations he raised in his first NRS season back in 2013. Still, he's been a solid scorer for Drapac and Avanti in the past years and should take a leader's role now. Same goes for a surprising addition: Lachlan Norris (Drapac and United Healthcare alumni). Will he be the force he used to be? Or will he go the Wes Sulzberger way (only 4 points scored with Navitas/Satalyst last year)?
Swiss Wellness Cycling Team
Chris Harper is already rumoured to join Avanti, but the climber first will be Swiss Wellness' leader in the 2017 campaign. Maybe a dark horse for the fight against Avanti's big guns? He's surely a talent to watch out for. Jesse Featonby is anything but a talent. The veteran BMX rider will make his first steps in road cycling now.
Jayco/John West VIS
The team had only a few notable results in the past NRS years, but always comes up with some young prospects anyway. Angus Lyons may be one of the better climbers in the field and will aim to bring home some notable results on his favorite terrain.
St. George Merida
A team with less NRS race days, as they mostly focus on racing in Asia. Anyway, with a Budget Forklifts alumni like Brodie Talbot confirming to at least ride the season opener, St George definitely deserves a mention here.
TIS Racing Team
Same goes for the Tasmanian development program TIS Racing. A few talents will aim to show themselves, while we will witness the other Sulzberger (Bernd) to make a comeback in the NRS. Will he do better than Wes last year?
Kenyan Riders Downunder
A late but important mention. The team probably won't ride too many events, but Nathan Elliott confirmed to particapte at many events as an individual rider. The former African Wildlife rider (who had only a short stint with Navitas/Satalyst last season) may be a force for challenging routes.
JML Racing
The team, we will follow closely this season. JML Racing makes it's first steps in the NRS. Jake Klajnbat is a new name in the scene, but promises enough talent to make an impact in the team's debut season. The management is also trying to get some guest appearances from more notable names like Alex Clements or Jai Crawford, while a few talents like Jackson Mawby will be permanent members across the season.
The Grafton to Inverell Cycle Classic is a 228km cycling road race conducted on a point to point course between the towns of Grafton and Inverell in northern New South Wales. The race predominantly follows the Gwydir Highway over some challenging terrain that includes the climb of the Gibraltar Range, an 18km ascent from the Clarence Valley to the New England Highlands.
The race has become an iconic event on the National cycling calendar and has the reputation as the toughest one day cycling race in Australia. The previous race winners were:
The Grafton to Inverell classic has moved from October to March, kicking off a shortened 2017 NRS season. Definitely worth an opener, the tough course will be a first indicator of which teams may contest the big favorites Avanti.
Speaking of Avanti, there's no doubt: it's their race to lose. Several threats for the victory, including 2014 Grafton winner Robbie Hucker. With last year's double winners Team Budget not there anymore, there's the big aim to repeat the team's last victory from 2015 (Ben Dyball).
State of Matter, Subaru NSWIS and Kenyan Riders Downunder look like the best bets against an Avanti victory. A few strong classic riders amongst those teams. Kauffman, Sunderland or Elliott? They need to play it smart for sure.
As for JML Racing's first ever NRS race, it's all about gaining expierence and surviving the challenge. Klajnbat maybe as the team's most promising shot at a result somewhere in between the Top-20. But looking at those top teams, it won't be easy.
Avanti Isowhey kicked off the NRS season just the way they had hoped for: veteran Pat Shaw sprinted for line honours, holding off Nathan Elliott (Kenyan Riders Downunder) and Dylan Sunderland (State of Matter), who went to complete the podium. With Neil Van der Ploeg (4th), Sam Crome (7th) and Joe Cooper (10th) also scoring Top-10 results for Avanti, the top team delivered big time.
The race came down to a sprint between 10 riders eventually. After the break of the day was caught on a final short climb, Van der Ploeg was the first favorite to launch an attack. He was soon followed by nine riders, that would build the leading group at the top of the ascent. No more serious attacks, as Avanti's riders would control the race from the front and eventually deliver a great leadout for Pat Shaw.
JML Racing tried to show it's colors earlier in the race, when setting the pace on the infamous 17km climb up Gibraltar Range. The move wouldn't make any damage though. Jake Klajnbat struggled to hang on with the best of the day, eventually finishing as the team's best at 37th.
Kris Johnston (AMR) crashed out of the 3-men breakaway group..
JML's Darcy Pirotta trying to make a selection on Gibraltar Range..
Neil Van der Ploeg and Dylan Sunderland with the first big moves..
..soon joined by more favorites to build a 10-men group..
Pat Shaw with a great position on the final kilometre..
..for the win ahead of Elliott and Sunderland!
JML's Klajnbat crosses the line in one of the chasing groups..
Opening the season in style: Avanti and Pat Shaw..
Indeed, Tamijo. Not the easiest race to start a season
Tour of the Great South Coast Preview
The Tour of the Great South Coast (Victoria) is the longest stage race in the NRS with 7 stages to be held. A few short criteriums and some road races - all rather flat, but with some tricky profiles and of course the crosswinds, that can turn this race into a battle between the strongmen.
In the past years, the race used to produce rather surprising winners - including two breakaway victories for the "home team" Jayco - Victorian Institute of Sports. Last year though, the sprinters dominated the course:
The first stage race in the season kicks off the long winter of cycling in Australia. The Great South Coast Tour features 7 stages, mostly flat. The tricky stage two may favor the puncheurs, but as every year, the question remains, whether we will see gaps big enough to distance the top sprinters.
Speaking of sprinters: defending race champion Scott "Sundo" Sunderland is back, even without racing for a NRS team this year. Avanti should give him a good fight with Grafton to Inverell winner Pat Shaw as maybe their best option for the GC. And of course there's NRS comeback sprinter Jesse Kerrison: just like Sundo, he used to sprint well for Team Budget Forklifts. He's surely one of the fastest here.
JML Racing will hope for Jackson Mawby in the sprints. Jake Klajnbat is a strong roleur though and he may take an eye on the GC if strong crosswinds become a factor here.
Scott Sunderland came back to the tour just like he left in 2016: adding another Great South Coast stage-win to his palmares, the sprinter delivered in the opening criterium (riding as an individual without a team here). Thanks to a small group of five riders gapping the pack in the rather hilly race around the Blue Lake on stage two, the GC-lead is held by Matthew Ross (Pat's Veg) though.
After Sunderland sprinted for line honours against NRS-leader Pat Shaw (Avanti) in the opening crit, the second stage would see five riders managing to establish a 17-seconds gap on the peloton. Ross took the stage ahead of Pat Lane (Avanti) and a strong Jake Klajnbat (JML) from our focus-team. The group attacked the bunch in the bell lap and held on to a maybe crucial gap. With only flat stages to come, the sprinters are still in striking distance though.
For JML Racing it's been an awesome start into their first stage race in the NRS. Klajnbat initiated the crucial attacks about 9km before stage two's finish and hang on to a podium finish as well. The first ranking points gained and a great chance to achieve a notable GC result here.
Sundo, Kerrison and Shaw in the final sprint decision..
..and Sunderland takes the opener comfortably!
Klajnbat with his crucial move with 9km left on stage two..
..accompanied by a few big guns a few moments later..
..entering the finishing stretch behind Stannard/Ross..
..with the latter taking the stage ahead of Lane and Klajnbat!
Matt Ross leading the GC with still five stages to come..
Scott Sunderland re-takes the GC-lead with five of seven stages done. The defending race champion was impressive in three bunch sprint decisions, adding two more stage-wins (for three in total now) and a runner-up, claiming the race lead by now 7 seconds on former race leader Matt Ross (Pat's Veg).
Three quite flat stages and three mass sprints, but the wind had an impact on stage four, leading the peloton from Penola to Casterton: while Sunderland sprinted to his third stage-win here, Jake Klajnbat (JML) and his teammate Darcy Pirotta (both inside the Top-15 in the GC) suffered from their efforts and got dropped by the pack to lose almost two minutes and all GC-hopes. Also Jackson Mawby, who sprinted to a 5th place in the Penola Criterium just a few hours before, lost big minutes here.
With two stages to come, the GC decision definitely ain't done. Another flat criterium and a brand new course (Cape Bridgewater Road Race) will be thrilling to follow. The latter stage may favor the puncheurs over pure sprinters, as it features a tricky climb and maybe crosswinds again.
Sunderland and Satchell head-to-head in stage three..
..and Satchell takes a stunning victory for his small team!
JML's Mawby in the mix for stage four's podium..
..missing it clearly with Sunderland dominating!
Klajnbat losing his GC's 3rd in a windy stage five..
..where Sundo sprints for his third stage in style..
..to claim the GC-lead with now just two stages left!
Indeed, guys. Those losses were tough, but we will learn from it!
Tour of the Great South Coast Stages 6-7
SUNDERLAND REPEATS GC-WIN FROM LAST SEASON
Scott Sunderland impressively repeated his Great South Coast title from last year, adding his fourth stage-win in the final stage through Portland. A huge race for the veteran sprinter, who did not find a NRS team to pick him up after Team Budget Forklifts folded prior to the season. The final GC podium is concluded by Matt Ross (Pat's Veg) and Pat Lane (Avanti), who narrowly held off his teammate and NRS leader Pat Shaw.
The new course at Cape Bridgewater (stage six) was quite entertaining, but did not split the pack into pieces. A breakaway group of 4 riders featured Jake Klajnbat (JML Racing), who lost all GC-hopes the day before. Klajnbat took the opportunity to grab the KoM-shirt for his team. He tried to hold off the chasing pack until the end, but got caught just inside the final 2kms, when Nicholas Kergozou (Mobius Future) would outsprint Pat Shaw to take the stage.
The final criterium in Portland was dominated by GC-leader Scott Sunderland, who easily beat an again strong Kergozou and Pat Shaw. The latter jumped in the GC thanks to his strong sprints, but might have lost the NRS lead with Sunderland performing like that.
JML's Klajnbat as the strongest in the break: KoM secured!
Klajnbat and a breakaway companion fighting to stay clear..
..but he got swallowed close the final kilometre..
Kergozou grabbing his first NRS-victory ahead of Shaw..
..and finishing 2nd behind a bossing GC-leader the next day..
Well deserved overall victory for Sunderland (4 stage-wins)!
A nice KoM-shirt for JML Racing after all GC-hopes went down..
Yes, sutty. It's something and a first few points thanks to a stage podium..
With two events raced, Scott Sunderland is leading the NRS rankings ahead of Pat Shaw, who had won the opening event Grafton to Inverell. Sunderland, who participated as an individual rider at the Great South Coast Tour, probably won't ride many more NRS tours this year, so Shaw looks like the most promising NRS contender right now. Still a way to go, of course.
As to be expected, Avanti kicked off the season with already quite a gap on the second best team State of Matter. Obviously, there's still enough points on the menu, but Avanti delivered two heavy point scoring races and should continue on a similar level in the next race: Tour of the King Valley.
Tamijo wrote:
Funny that the overall leader is without contract.
He did the best promotion for himself, I guess
Tour of the King Valley Preview
The opening ITT is obviously a key stage with the following three stages being partly hilly, but not too challenging overall. The 'Strade Nero' stage on day three should still lead to plenty of action in the pack and of course there's always a chance to attack the opponents on those climbs here.
In last year's inaugaral edition, we've seen a winning attack in the final stage, where Sam Horgan went to gap the peloton for a crucial stage-win for the overall victory. He won't be back to defend the title though:
With a key timetrial on the first day, there's one big favorite for the GC: Avanti's Joe Cooper. He won the ITT last year, though much closer than expected - eventually finishing 5th overall at the end of the race. The Kiwi is aiming for the NRS crown and needs to deliver in a race like that.
Subaru NSWIS can be a real threat though. Kauffman and Toovey are both strong TT-specialists, who are strong on the flat and hills. Strong sprinters like Jesse Kerrison may hope to gain bonificiations for a GC result, too. And of course a few puncheurs may hope to make the race selective. The "Strade Nero" sectors on day three may become a factor as well.
JML Racing will once again aim to show themselves at some point. While it will be interesting to see, whether they can contest the best in the timetrial, Klajnbat's breakaway appearance and KoM-win in the Great South Coast Tour made for some positive energy.
Joe Cooper and Pat Shaw made a great start for Avanti, taking the first two stages quite easily. The former leading the GC with two more stages to come, while Shaw already rode a good timetrial to sit high in the GC, aiming to reclaim the NRS lead in Scott Sunderland's abscence.
Subaru NSWIS had a good race as well, with Jacob Kauffman and Ayden Toovey on the timetrial's podium and inside the GC's Top-4. Kauffman gave Cooper a good fight in the opening Del Zotto ITT, finishing the course 10 seconds slower eventually. Toovey was already 30 seconds behind as 3rd on the day, with Alex Porter (SASI Callidus) a strong 4th. JML Racing had a disastrous day, losing all GC hopes on first day.
The Wangaratta criterium would then see a bunch sprint decision. Sprinter teams like State of Matter (Jesse Kerrison), Subaru NSWIS (Scott Law) and Avanti (Shaw) caught the breakaway easily and Shaw would then destroy the competition to finish with quite a gap on Russell Gill (SASI) and Jesse Kerrison. JML had a good finish with Jackson Mawby as 6th on the day.
Kauffman set a notable best time, but the big favorite was yet to race..
..winning the opening ITT in style: Joe Cooper!
State of Matter and Subaru NSWIS setting up the sprint in the crit..
..where Pat Lane rode a perfect leadout for Pat Shaw then..
Shaw with a huge gap, JML's Mawby in the mix..
Shaw wins easily, Mawby suffered on the final metres for 6th place..
Will anyone steal the purple leader shirt from Cooper?
Joe Cooper succesfully defended his GC lead to claim the overall victory in the Sam Miranda Tour of the King Valley. Avanti had another big show with Pat Shaw also making the podium as 3rd behind Jacob Kauffman (Subaru NSWIS), who rode a strong timetrial on first day. The last two stages though were dominated by State of Matter: Michael Cuming and Harry Sweeny sprinted for the team's first NRS victories.
The Strade Nero stage on third day did not see a selection in the pack, even though a few teams tried to cut the bunch on the day's toughest climb halfway through the stage. JML Racing tried to escape with Jake Klajnbat later on, but no chance. A kinda messy bunch sprint was won by Cuming ahead of GC-leader Cooper and Matt Ross (Pat's Veg).
The final stage was rode hard and fast, the peloton would be reduced to 70 riders eventually. The best sprinters still made the cut, but leadout Sweeny appeared to be stronger as his captain Jesse Kerrison, who had to settle for 3rd behind a strong runner-up Pat Shaw. JML Racing once again showed it's colors: Bradley Linfield joined the early break, but lost contact halfway the stage. Jake Klajnbat attacked empty-handed, but the team's sprinter Jackson Mawby had a great day to finish 4th on the day! No GC result though and therefore no NRS ranking points gained.
Swiss Wellness Cycling tried to make a selection on the "Strade Nero"..
Klajnbat (JML) tried to escape from the pack with 20km left..
..empty-handed, as Michael Cuming took the stage from a bunch sprint!
JML's Linfield in the early break on last day.. short-lived attempt..
State of Matter denying Avanti's Cooper to ride away from the pack..
..setting up a fast train to go 1-3 on the stage!
Avanti still celebrating, as Cooper wins the GC ahead of Kauffman/Shaw!
a preview of all other teams will follow. 
Klajnbat, Jake
