YT is going to expand its support of RACING DUDES
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After many years of success on the World Cup Downhill circuit, YT still refuses to hang up the number boards and they probably never will. Focusing on rider progression and product development, YT is going to expand its support of RACING DUDES, which has added Oisin O’Callaghan in 2022 to complement the existing team of Erik Irmisch and Johann Potgieter.
“It’s been great to see the kid we found on our MOB World Tour in 2019, making his step into Elite Racing! With YT Racing Dudes, we have an already established platform for Oisin which will help him grow and prepare for the next steps in his career. Excited to see the boys racing again!”
– Jan-Philipp Becker, Head of Sports Marketing & Partnerships YT Industries
Oisín O’ Callaghan Instagram: @oisinocallaghandh
Oisín’s raw pace was immediately noticeable when first attending the MOB World tour in 2019, and continued to build throughout the following years on the World Cup circuit. The former UCI Junior Downhill World Champion is focusing on development during this transitional year, specifically building on product development and race setup.
“I’m super excited this year to get the season kicked off with some new changes. I think it should be good racing almost as an underdog again, and just focus on myself and my progress for the first year. To be riding for YT Racing Dudes is perfect for me, as I got to pick all the sponsors I wanted to use. I’ve already done two trips with the team and the atmosphere is great. What’s sick is every single person on the team can tail turns and send big jumps, so I’m also excited for some Good Times in between races.”
– Oisin O´Callaghan
Oisin will be racing with the following sponsors:
YT Industries, Crankbrothers, Fox Factory Racing, Maxxis Tires, SDG Components, Cush Core, Peaty’s. Troy Lee Designs, O-Chain, Works Components, Oakley, Fit4Racing
Erik Irmsich profile Instagram: @irm_70
For those familiar with the German Downhill scene, Erik “Irm” Irmisch needs no introduction. Previous IXS Downhill Cup overall winner, Erik has been part of the YT Family since 2009 and is an integral member in the development of YT Industries products. Erik will be alongside Oisín at the World Cups this year, utilizing his industry experience to providing trackside support and insight.
“After a great season of racing in 2019, the covid pandemic brought me to a break in 2020. I enjoyed less travelling for a while and set my focus more towards my R&D job at YT, but I still missed the racing and the atmosphere. It was no question as we put our heads together in 2021 for new goals in 2022 and starting YT Racing Dudes program together. I am excited to have young talent Oisín in the team, and grow together with him in his first elite world cup season. With Pottie next to him he has an experienced rider with a passion for teaching- 2022 is set to be year of development and great vibes.“
– Erik Irmisch
Erik will be racing with the following sponsors:
YT Industries, SRAM, Rockshox, DT Swiss, Maxxis, Troy Lee Designs, Cosmic Sports, SDG Components, DMR, 100%, Sensus, O-Chain, Cush Core, Peaty’s, Trailpark Klinovec, Works Components
Johann Potgieter Instagram: @johannpotgieter_downhill
From Port Elizabeth SA with 20 years of racing under his belt, Johann “Pottie“ Potgieter is a 7 x South African Downhill Champion. Pottie’s contribution to mountain biking goes deeper than just racing, passing on his skills & experiences to up and coming South African riders through Bike School camps. Not only that, Pottie has depth of experience at UCI World Cups, IXS Cups and product development too.
“I am so proud to be part of this program! This will be my 7th year with YT, and to see where we have started and how far we have come is just so cool! This year I will aim to create a super good environment in the team to make it a pleasure to race and ride our bikes, and of course do my best at the races along with all the other guys on the team!
– Johann Potgieter
