Damien Shaw joins An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly team

Mullingar cycling star, Damien Shaw, is to don the green of An Post Chain Reaction team next year after signing a one-year deal following an impressive 2015 campaign.

Damien had an outstanding year with Team ASEA, during which he took the 2015 National Road Cycling Championships and claimed three second place finishes in this year’s An Post Rás.

The sport recognised his performance during 2015 as Damien won the title of ‘Best Domestic Based Irish Rider’ at the Cycling Ireland national awards.

The Mullingar fireman has spoken of his delight at securing a professional contract with the Irish outfit.

“I first started out racing as a hobby and to lose weight and never thought it would lead to this,” said Damien.

“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 at a higher level.

“I know it will be difficult but I think under Kurt’s (Bogaerts) guidance, I can step up and improve further.”

It is an exciting move for the An Post Chain Reaction team and manager, Kurt Bogaerts, believes Shaw will thrive in his new environment.

“We had been keeping a close eye on Damien’s results and we could see huge potential in him. I think 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.”

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this morning, Damien said he is recovering from surgery on a broken collar bone and is hoping to get back into the training in the next couple of weeks.

He will join the An Post team at a training camp in Calpe, Spain next week, where he will find out more about his team-mates, his training schedule and pick up his equipment.

He expects to start his 2016 racing season around March, and will find out more about that during the training camp.

The signing takes the count of the An Post contingent up to a total of 14 so far, 11 of whom are new recruits.

Bogaerts is the aware of the challenges that this period of transition can bring but is optimistic about the road ahead.

“Obviously, we have seen a quite a lot of changes in the camp this year and it won’t be without its challenges.

"But what we have in the new crop is a group who are highly motivated and hungry for success.

“They’ll be ready to put the shoulder to the wheel and put in some hard work and that’s all I can ask.

"I’m sure that this group will continue to be competitive and achieve some great results next year. We’re looking forward to next season already.”

An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly Racing Team for 2016 Season

Damien Shaw (IRL); Jack Wilson (IRL); David Montgomery (IRL); Connor McConvey (IRL); Daniel Stewart (IRL); Aaron Gate (NZ); Jordan Stannus (AUS); Oliver Kent-Spark (AUS); Calvin Watson (AUS); Jasper Bovenhuis (BEL); Emiel Wastyn (BEL); Nicholas Vereeken (BEL); Sean Bennett (USA); Jacob Scott (GB).