The new Liquidworx-Fitscience team believes it can win big races in the season ahead. The full squad from left to right; Jason Prendergast, Gareth McCormack, Brian Canty, Chris Reilly, Paddy Clarke, Mike Storan, Ciaran Clarke and Edward Barry.
The newest team on the Irish domestic racing scene, Liquidworx-Fitscience held its first official training camp, which also doubled up as the team's launch, at their base in Ballina, Co Mayo last weekend.
All eight riders were present as well as sponsors, friends and family members.
The weekend began with a series of discussions from sports psychologist Denis Coen of www.elitemindsets.ie and the team's coach Simon Walsh of www.fitscience.ie.
On-the-road tests were carried out on Saturday coupled with training spins on both days, tied in with team photos and videos.
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Both Bowyer and Walsh have their businesses in the town and are hoping to increase exposure for the companies through the team, while the duo are also about to announce details of a new joint venture.
Bowyer, who hails from the UK but now lives just outside Ballina, has a strong background in mountain biking, and says he feels very positive about the season to come for the new team.
"This was the first weekend where all eight riders came together and both myself and Simon were extremely impressed with the way they got on with each other,” he said.
“Choosing riders for the squad has proved tricky because we wanted a good balance of strength and depth, with the right attitude to be able to work as a team.
“They are all different in their approach both on and off the bike but I firmly believe these lads will do very well this year as they understand the need to work as a team and have all committed on a huge level to accomplish the team's goals."
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The final line-up consists of: Paddy Clarke, formerly of Castlebar CC; Chris Reilly, formerly of Bohermeen CC; ex Planet Tri duo Mike Storan and Eddie Barry; Ciaran Clarke and Gareth McCormack, both ex-Castlebar CC; Brian Canty who rode unattached in 2013 and writes for stickybottle, and the young talented Jason Prendergast formerly of Cunga.
Bowyer said he’s confident the team can compete for results in the big races like Rás Mumhan, the Suir Valley and the Tour of Ulster.
"I believe there is super talent in the squad and each rider brings something unique. Both Paddy and Chris are capable of big results and have been logging big blocks of structured training which is showing big improvements as testing continues throughout the winter months.
“They have shown more than a glimpse of their winning pedigree and feel that with the right support in place they'll be right up there when it counts. Equally important is the experience brought by some of our older riders which is critical for both before, during and after races and the team could not exist without these guys.
“We have been blessed with minimum illness or downtime and all the lads are fit, healthy and fired up for the year ahead."
The squad are due to fly out to Lanzarote in early February for a few days to get in some more training ahead of the new season.
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The lads are looking serious and ready to go for their first season together in 2014; seen here at their training camp in Ballina last weekend.
The squad got some quality miles in in Co Mayo and are pleased with their training thus far this winter.
The new kit looks pretty good and with riders like Paddy Clarke and Chris Reilly along with six other strong men, the new team are looking to cause plenty of damage.
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