Friday, October 9, 2009

Team Jelly Belly Headed Down Under

Hey, did you know that GT is the official bike of Jelly Belly, the longest running sponsorship in domestic cycling? Actually, the JB guys were instrumental in helping us design the new GTR platform.


We asked them what they were looking for in a new bike. It's no surprise that they wanted super high BB and head tube stiffness. We tool this into consideration, and when developing the GTR carbon bikes we incorporated Shimano's BB86 standard for the bottom bracket and we created a brand new GT-exclusive full carbon fork that tapers from 1 1/8" at the top to 1 1/4" at the bottom. I can tell you, and the guys agree, that this is one of the stiffest, most precise handling bikes we have ever created.

I just got this email from JB and they are headed down to Australia to take part in the Jayco Herald Sun Tour...

"Jelly Belly arrives in Australia this week to compete in one of the worlds oldest stage races, the Jayco Herald Sun Tour. As their third year participating in the event, Team Director Danny van Haute said he is looking forward to competing in this late-season race.

This is definitely one of our favorites throughout the year, he said.
Will Routley has competed in this race before, however this is his first Sun Tour with the Jelly Belly Squad.

It is always exciting to do a race with such a good history, he explained. This race is so well organized and has a lot of support in NSW, (the state in which it takes place) it is great to be a part of.

When asked what was unique to racing in Australia, Kiel Reijnen explained the difference in racing style down under.

From what Ive heard, racing in Australia is pretty aggressive, Reijnen said. They have a lot of fast guys, especially sprinters, and I imagine they wont do down at their home race without a fight.

A difference from Australia to racing in other countries is that there are kangaroos and a lot of little bugs that will kill you, Routley laughed. On the racing side, though, the Australian racing is tough and aggressive. It's the kind I like.

The Jayco Herald Sun Tours 58th year runs from October 11 through 17. Jelly Belly is bringing Will Routley, Kiel Reijnen, Bernard van Ulden, Brad Huff, Matt Rice, Matt Crane and Johnny Clarke to contest the final trophy this year. To find out how the guys do at each stage continue to check the Jelly Belly Cycling website for details."

Based on our luck in Australia so far this year (Way to go again, Mick!) we're feeling good about the guys' chances. Go get 'em boys!

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