The 2016 National Road Series (NRS) kicks off this Saturday with the Santos Women’s Tour.

Twelve months on from the teams debut in this race, the squad will go in as defending NRS champions, and have added more firepower and depth in their quest to go back-to-back.

In 2016 the race is a UCI 2.2 event, meaning NRS squads have the opportunity to compete with professional teams such as Orica-AIS, Cylance and Wiggle High5 Pro Cycling.

Kimberley Wells will be looking for stage wins as she leads the High5 Dream Team, while Kendelle Hodges and Tessa Fabry will be active in breakaways.

Making their NRS debuts with the team are Ainslie Bakker and Jessica Allen.

Team Managing Director Rochelle Gilmore is relishing the chance to see her outfit perform live against the biggest names.

“I have so much confidence in the High5 Dream Team. The team for the Santos Women’s Tour will be lead out on the road by one of Australia’s most experienced team leaders and sprinters, Kimberley Wells, and then behind the scenes we have one of the best directors in the world managing the race tactics, Donna Rae Szalinski.”

“The advantage the Dream Team has over the international teams is the acclimatisation to the weather, knowledge of the circuits, the hometown crowds and pressure etc. however it’s the time that the team have spent together that will give them the biggest advantage at this time of year.”

Team Director Donna Rae-Szalinski knows her squad will be up to the challenges the Santos Women’s Tour brings.

“The 2016 High5 Dream Team is heading to Santos Women’s Tour to build on their results from 2015 and to fulfil team objectives in delivering athletes prepared for international competition. It is an amazing opportunity to be able to compete against Women’s World Tour teams in Australia and the team is very motivated for the challenge.”

2016 Santos Women’s Tour Squad:
Kimberley Wells
Tessa Fabry
Samantha De Riter
Ainslie Bakker
Kendelle Hodges
Jessica Allen

Team Launch
In conjunction with the Santos Women’s Tour, the High5 Dream Team will be hosting a team launch from 4pm on Thursday 14th January at Quest Apartments Mawson Lakes.
This will be a fantastic opportunity for media and fans to come and meet riders and management from the High5 Dream Team as well as sample products from High5 Nutrition.

Where? Quest Apartments, 33-37 Main Street, Mawson Lakes (approximately 25 minutes by car from the CBD; Google Maps Link

When? 4pm to 5.30pm, Thursday 14th January.

Riders in attendance?
Georgia Baker
Rebecca Wiasak
Kendelle Hodges
Tessa Fabry
Sam De Riter
Ainslie Bakker
Lucy Kennedy
Jessica Allen