Damien Shaw will get a crack at racing the best riders in the world on a regular basis next year when he races for An Post-Chainreaction. The 30 year-old Mullingar man will link up with the team next year and race full-time on the continent in 2016. (Photo courtesy of Sean Rowe)
Elite national road race champion Damien Shaw has joined An Post Chain Reaction for the 2016 season.
The 30 year-old Mullingar man brings to five the number of Irish riders in the team, thus far.
He will link up with Connor McConvey, Jack Wilson, Daniel Stewart and David Montgomery at the team’s first official training camp in Spain next week.
The move was only ironed out in the last few days but it’s a good one for Shaw and he’ll get exposure to most of the biggest races the team rides throughout the year.
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He’ll still retain ties with the national track squad should they require his services for the upcoming UCI World Cups as well as the World Track Championships in the New Year.
While a very strong rider, Shaw is older than other riders making their first move into the Continental ranks. It will be very interesting to see how he does and the team’s signing him is a progressive move that will be welcomed by all in the Irish cycling community.
An Post Chain Reaction team and manager, Kurt Bogaerts, believes Shaw will thrive in a full time environment.
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"We had been keeping a close eye on Damien's results throughout the year and we could see huge potential in him,” he said.
“I think by giving him the freedom to be in the saddle full time he will make huge strides, I have no doubt of that.
“He's got a great mentality and a real hunger to succeed. It's an exciting time for both An Post Chain Reaction and for him."
The man himself said he was really pleased to have progressed into the Continental ranks, especially considering he did not start racing until he was well into his 20s.
"I first started out racing as a hobby and a means to stay fit and never thought it would lead to this,” he said.
“After putting in a few consistent rides and achieving some good results this year, I'm over the moon to have the opportunity to concentrate on racing full time.
“I know it will be difficult but I think under Kurt's guidance, I can step-up and improve even further."
On his way to 3rd place on stage 6 of the An Post Rás back in May. He finished on the podium on the final three stages (Photo: Paul Mohan - Sportsfile)
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