AGF pedal bike rider safety with new women’s Dream Team
Exciting affiliation with women’s NRS cycling team, the HIGH5 Dream Team
The Amy Gillett Foundation’s core safety messages will reach millions of Australians through its exciting affiliation with new women’s National Road Series (NRS) cycling team, the High5 Dream Team.
The High5 Dream Team was born at the end of 2014 when former team-mate of Amy Gillett and long-term friend of the Foundation, Rochelle Gilmore identified there are many talented Australian female cyclists in need of professional support, guidance and direction.
Bike rider safety is one of the biggest factors women consider before jumping on a bike, whether that be professionally or recreationally.
As an affiliate of the HIGH5 Dream Team, the Foundation will have eight inspirational female athletes across the country championing its safety messages and raising awareness for safer bike riding for women, men and children.
“We know safety and confidence in their own skills and abilities is important for women wanting to cycle for health, recreation or active transport,” said Amy Gillett Foundation CEO Tracey Gaudry.
“As a charity whose sole focus is on improving bike rider safety we are extremely proud to be involved in the HIGH5 Dream Team and have these wonderful ambassadors spread our safety messages.”
Eight athletes have been selected through Cycling Australia’s State Institute network programs to form the HIGH5 Dream Team after being identified as having potential to represent their nation at Commonwealth, World or Olympic level during the next few years.
Click here to meet the HIGH5 Dream Team
The Team will compete in ten televised NRS races throughout Australia during 2015, raising awareness for the Foundation’s leading safety message a metre matters to millions of viewers via the back of the Team’s cycling kit.
Gilmore said she had a burning desire to provide guidance and support to more Australian athletes.
“Running this professional NRS team is like a dream come true, I’ll be working in a very professional environment with a group of seriously talented individuals,” Gilmore said.
“I’m thriving on the challenge of delivering these athletes to European based pro teams, ready and prepared.”
2015 will mark ten years since Amy Gillett’s passing and Gaudry said the Foundation’s association with the HIGH5 Dream Team is a wonderful way to honour Amy’s life and ambitions.
“We are supporting young women who aspire to the same pursuit of sporting excellence the way Amy did, all while raising awareness for safer bike riding for the millions of people who enjoy riding a bike across Australia,” Gaudry said.
Gilmore also announced she will provide up to six Australian-based athletes the opportunity to be selected and sent to Europe for six weeks of international UCI racing experience in a professional team environment during August 2015.
High5 Dream Team athletes:
KIMBERLEY WELLS | ACTAS Australian Criterium Champion
GEORGIA BAKER | TIS 3 x Junior World Champion
JESS MUNDY | SASI Australian Madison Champion
TESSA FABRY | VIS NRS Battle of the Boarder Winner
KENDELLE HODGES | VIS NRS Tour of the Murray Winner
ELLEN SKERRITT | QAS NRS Amy’s Race Winner
SAM DE RITER | VIS Australian Development Team
REBECCA WIASAK | ACTAS World Cup IP Series Winner
LAUREN PERRY | TIS Junior World Champion (Associate Athlete)
High5 Dream Team program:
Tour Down Under | 17-20 January
Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race | 31 January
Adelaide Tour | 9-12 April
Mersey Valley Tour | 1-3 May
Battle on the Border | 22-24 May
Tour of the Murray River | 31 July-2 August
King Valley Tour | 21-23 August
Amy’s Otway Classic | 13 September
National Capital Tour | 18-20 September
Tour of the Goldfields | 16-18 October
The Amy Gillett Foundation urges Prime Minister Tony Abbott to continue riding his bike to help maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and be a positive role model for Australians of all ages.
The Prime Minister’s retired physician Doctor Graeme Killer recently raised concerns that Mr Abbott may be at risk while riding his bike on the road.
As an avid rider, Mr Abbott has extensive experience riding on different roads and in varying conditions across the country during his daily exercise routine. He also enjoys the numerous benefits of riding a bike, such as maintaining health and fitness, and the enjoyment of interacting with people of all walks of life in the bike riding community.
People in positions of influence, such as health professionals, politicians and transport leaders, can all contribute to safer bike riding in Australia by taking positive steps to improve bike education and skills, infrastructure and vehicle design, and raise greater awareness of how drivers and bike riders can share the road safely.
