By Paul Verkuylen
FRF Couriers-NSWIS is focusing on the upcoming 2.HC Tour of Qinghai Lake, having registered a strong showing in May's RAS Tour in Ireland, which saw FRF NSWIS team captain Peter McDonald take third overall and Jason Hegert finished in 12th. The Australian continental team will lineup against the likes of ProTour squad Discovery Channel at the Chinese event, starting on July 14.
The Asia Tour is a major focus for the New South Wales team this season. Team manager Andrew Potress sees the tour as a good development ground for the young riders. "The Asian races, especially Qinghai Lake are good for the young riders to gain experience and exposure," he explained. "Before hopefully moving onto bigger things in Europe."
Andrew sees the team as a development squad for talented young Australian riders. "With Australia having so many talented rider, we wanted to create a means for these guys to progress into bigger pro team, and with the South Australia.com-AIS team being so hard to get a spot in, we wanted to help develop these rider, so they don't get lost in the system," he said.
With ties to the junior development squads, Real Aussie kids and the Illawarra Academy of Sport, the future looks bright for the team. It hopes to increase the budget for next season, with the help of new sponsors, and also wants to expand its racing calendar to include even more racing in Europe, Asia and the United States of America.
Domestically, Victoria's Sun Tour is a major goal for the team, as is gaining a spot in the January's Tour Down Under. The team, along with other domestic squads, Drapac Porsche and Saving and Loans, is currently working with Cycling Australia to achieve the goal of securing a South Australia start.
FRF Couriers-NSWIS' Tour of Qinghai Lake roster: Peter McDonald, Peter Herzig, Brendan Brooks, John Ebeling, Rob Lyte, Robert Cater and Jason Hegert.
