Ancillotti have just announced their 2010 WC squad, Rhys Willemse and George Brannigar.
Rhys Willemse is a talent rider who will compete in Elite World Downhill Cup and some 4X races. As junior he scored 13th overall place (first in his category) in 2009 Maribor World Cup race (Slovenia), he won 2009 junior aussie downhill championship, 2008 junior aussie 4X Champ, 4th in 2009 junior worlds in canberra, plus a couple of wins in 2009 NPS races (UK series).
He will be based in Doganaccia Ski Resort along with his Kiwi team mate George Brannigan who will be competing for junior world championship and world cup series.
George started in racing 3 years ago and has taken good results in his categories. He won U19 New Zealand series on 2008, 7th at 2009 junior worlds in Canberra, he also scored a very impressive win in Bromont 2009 taking the 41st overall place in Elite as major highlights for him this year.
Together they will represent Ancillotti Team in World Downhill Cup Series, some 4X World Cup stages, Italian DH series, IXS series and some other promotional events.
George Brannigan during a training session @ home.
Tomaso Ancillotti, Ancillotti factory owner, team manager and mechanic will support them at races as usual. He stated that he is really happy to work with either George and Rhys:
“They are fast and have plenty of style. My father Alberto at the factory and myself at races will provide them all the support they’re in need for competing at such high level. After the sensational 2009 where we took the junior world downhill championship with Brook MacDonald and a 22th place in Schladming and oceania silver medal with Wyn Masters, I do think we will have some other good times.”
George and Rhys use the 2010 evolution junior World Downhill Champion bike “Ancillotti Tomaso DHP” in their national championships and Oceania championship.
A few words from Rhys
“I would like to comment on my selection in the Ancillotti team:
I would like to thank Tomaso Ancillotti for giving me the chance to ride for the team. I’m looking forward to riding my new Ancillotti bike and producing some great results again next season. It will also be good to be riding for a team again, and not having to worry about anything, other than concentrating on my riding. I’m also looking forward to meeting my new team mates. Ancillotti have given me the chance to show the world what I can do, and I hope to produce some good results. I come from Australia, so it’s going to be great to be based in Italy and learning a new language and culture.
My goals for the 2010 season is to produce some top 10 results and finish the season in the top 20. I had a good season last year with a 13th at Maribor and finishing 4th at the World Championships in Canberra, Australia. I believe that I can finally get a top 10 result in my first year as a pro rider. My future goals are to one day be world champion. ”
Rhys is personally sponsored by Unit clothing.
Rhys in action in Canberra. Damian Breach Photograpy
“George’s comment on his chose to race with Ancillotti bikes
I am really excited to ride for Ancillotti next year and I look forward to a good season together. I have wanted to ride professionally ever since I started riding downhill. With Ancillotti Doganaccia I think I will have a good chance to achieve my goals for 2010.”
Team sponsors:
Doganaccia 2000
Formula
Ufo Plast
Renthal
Maxxis
San Marco
Team blog: http://ancillotti-team.blogspot.com
