Australian based UCI Downhill team - Green to Gold Race Development
Green to Gold Race Development, created by Lachlan McKillop and Chris Barlin, is the first ever registered wholly Australian UCI World Cup Downhill mountain bike team.
Danielle Beecroft
Danielle Beecroft talent was spotted early on as she transition from BMX to mountainbikes and since then she has been a regular fixture on the international stage. Sporting Silver and Bronze medals from consecutive World Championships as a junior as well as numerous wins and podium, Danielle will be a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
“With this year being my first year in Elite women I’m excited to have the support of a team that want to help me achieve my goals in riding and racing. Having a solid team with a wealth of knowledge is going to help me become the best rider I can be.”
Brent Smith
Brent “Jock” Smith, has been a consistent threat in the junior category for the last two years. Winning the U19 Oceania championships in his first junior year in 2012, he then went on to represent Australia as a junior at World Championships and a few limited World Cup stops. He is yet to experience the challenges and rigours of a full World Cup season but with his strong focus and a strong routine of training behind him we cannot wait to see him racing at his full potential.
“ I’m pleased to have such a great opportunity to have support for the World Cup and IXS series for 2014. Green to Gold is a great platform for young riders to have a chance on the World Cup circuit and it is an opportunity I’m going to make the most of. I’m looking to prove myself through my riding.”
Chris Barlin
Barlin is the elder statesman of the group, providing the team with extensive racing insight from his various riding experiences both at home and abroad. Racing his first season overseas back in 2008, he’s got plenty of foreign soil beneath his tyre tread, not to mention a number of podium results in Australian based races. Having not quite got the results he was after last year, he will be well and truly on the hunt in the coming season.
“I’m really excited for the 2014 season. Getting the team going has been a long term plan of mine and I am super excited to see how far we can take it. Having a good set up and support around me are the most important things for getting results. This year with Green to Gold I will have every thing I need to get those results.”
Lachlan “Lobster” McKillop has raced overseas on the World Cup stage for the past three years, so he knows the challenges that lie ahead for his riders as they enter the 2014 season. Whilst still a very able athlete, he has selflessly taken on not only the role of team manager but that of team cook, driver and mechanic for the coming year. As they say he’s the guy who can do it all and he does it well.
“I’m very proud of the work that Chris and I have put into the team so far. I can’t wait to help Danielle, Brent and Chris to be the best riders that they can be. It’s going to be a big year for all of us. I can’t help but thank our sponsors for letting this dream become a reality, especially Trent and Tony from Jet Black, Tony from FJC clothing and Lisa from Bike Box.”
Sponsors
JetBlack Products, Pivot Cycles, FJC Clothing, Schwalbe Tires, Stan’s NoTubes, Replay XD Helmet Cameras, SixSixOne, SRAM, Rock Shox, Avid, Truvativ Promount Billet , Park Bikes and www.theroostmag.com.au
