Garmin-Slipstream announces Australia partnership

ProTour squad Garmin-Slipstream has announced a partnership with Cycling Australia that will see the US-based outfit help to develop young Australian road and track riders.

Coinciding with the announcement, 19-year-old Jack Bobridge has signed on the line for Garmin-Slipstream. Bobridge (pictured) is the current under-23 Australian national road race and time trial champion, as well as being a talented endurance track rider.

"Jack is a phenomenal talent - possibly the most talented rider of his generation," said Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports and Director Sportif of Team Garmin-Slipstream.

"He excels on the road and on the track and makes an outstanding addition to our roster. We are thrilled that he decided to join Team Garmin-Slipstream."

The squad already has points race world champion Cameron Meyer on its roster. Meyer and Bobridge were also part of Australia's silver-medal winning team pursuit squad in the track cycling world championships.

Garmin-Slipstream director Matt White - a former professional rider - will act as mentor to Bobridge as he finds his feet in the professional peloton.

"It?s an exciting partnership because we are working with the best talent coming out of Australia," said White. "And we are able to give these riders the tools they need to excel on the road and on the track."

Garmin-Slipstream is home to British riders Bradley Wiggins and David Millar, both of whom take part in the 2009 Giro d'Italia, which starts on Saturday.

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