The
Nukeproof Development team was created to help the cream of young Northern Irish and Southern Irish talent the means to make a name for themselves and to showcase their talents. With being out off the UK's spotlight, it's often easy to overlook the amazing scene and talented riders that lie across the Irish Channel. Nukeproof have a history of supporting Irish stars with riders such as Enduro World Series ace and now Cube Factory Pilot, Greg Callaghan and downhill star, Jacob Dickson, all of whom came through the program. After a very successful 2015, the Nukeproof Development team is back, retaining Kelan Grant and Jack Crowley and welcoming juvenile racer, Chris Cumming, to the team.
Kelan proved his speed last year, winning in both enduro and downhill events. Despite numerous wins his stand out performance was to score 28th overall at the Enduro World Series race in Carrick. A mid season shoulder injury put pay to a overall titles, but 2016 see's Kelan's renewed focus on enduro in 2016 aboard his all-new Mega 290 Pro. From his home town of Oban, N.Ireland, he is now living in Belfast and working on a placement year from a design degree. Sharing a house with an elite road cyclist has proved beneficial for him as well as the support from Chris Kilmurray at Point 1 Athletic's sport development know how and expertise. Kelan is a personality; positive and with a friendly approach to his racing, always up for good craic and taking in the experiences of the venues with friends where his success can takes him.
In 2016 Kelan will be competing in the 4 European EWS rounds and the British Enduro Series races. He will also be going for the 2 Irish Enduro Series's, so a busy season in store. Watch out for this Jonny Bravo look alike at a race near you!
Jack Crowley comes into 2016 on a wave after winning the Junior IDMS title in 2015. Now aboard a new Pulse in Ireland he has chosen to step up to the elite category, but his main focus will be racing Junior at select World Cups and British Downhill Races. Coming from a Motorcross family his Mum, Dad and family have inspired his commitment and dedication to chase the downhill dream. Living in Waterford, Ireland, Jack has been travelling north to ride with the East Coast MTB team in Rostrevor on weekends over the winter.
Jack has been a pleasure to work with and the Nukeproof team look forward to working with him to help him achieve his potential. In his final year of full time education he will be balancing his studies and riding. Jack was not able to join us for the '16 launch photo/ video shoot due to family commitments, but we look forward to working with him (he's also has skills behind the camera) this year.
A new addition to the team is Chris Cumming, who finished 3rd overall in the Juvenile BDS (on his Mega AM) and won the IDMS and was crowned Irish National Champion as well. He is positive, polite, massively hyperactive and showing a passion for mountain biking to match his talent. With Big Wood and Rostrevor on his doorstep, Chris lives to ride his bike. For 2016 he is making the transition to a new Nukeproof Pulse and has been training alongside Jack and fellow Nukeproof athlete, Jacob Dickson.
The race set up is a family affair with Chris's parents running the East Coast MTB team, which will be supported by Nukeproof through our UK distributor, Hotlines, and featuring local rippers from the Rostrevor area.
A big thank you has to go to our team sponsors;
Schwalbe tyres,
SRAM,
Bell Helmets,
Ride 100%, Decade Distribution,
Point 1 Athletic Development and One Industries.
A special thanks this season has to go to
East Coast Adventure and
Sea Truck Ferries for the support. Without them this season would not be possible.
MENTIONS: @Nukeproofinternational /
@schwalbe /
@SramMedia /
@BellBikeHelmets / @ride100percent /
@one-industries /
@Point1Athletic