bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup joins Road to MotoGP

Damian Cudlin becomes Official Junior Cup Coach

Motorcycling Australia has announced that the all new bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup has officially become a Road to MotoGP program with the support of Dorna Sports S.L, as well as introducing Damian Cudlin as an official coach for the series.

This announcement comes as a huge boost for the already exciting junior road race academy and comes at the perfect time to launch the program’s new name – bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.

Dorna Sports S.L, are the commercial rights holders and promoters of MotoGP, the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship, Idemitsu Asia Talent Cup and British Talent Cup. Dorna has also co-organized the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup since its inception in 2007.

Their endorsement is a significant development and adds the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup to the esteemed list of Dorna Road to MotoGP programs around the world. The Dorna commitment also provides five guaranteed positions in the 2019 Asia Talent Cup Selection Event for riders from the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, and cements MA’s objective to develop clear pathways for junior road racers in the Oceania region.

Peter Goddard – MA President

“For Dorna to endorse the Oceania Junior Cup under the Road to MotoGP program is an exciting opportunity for all involved and adds a substantial level of credibility to what we are trying to achieve. Such an important partnership cements the key criteria of the program, creating a clear progression plan between the Oceania Junior Cup and the world stage. The development of the next World Champion from our region has received a huge boost today.”

A high percentage of riders across MotoGP, Moto2 and Moto3 classes came from the various Road to MotoGP programmes, with every permanent rider in the Moto3 World Championship now having raced in a series on the Road to MotoGP.

Carmelo Ezpeleta – Dorna CEO

“We are delighted to welcome another series to our Road to MotoGP program. The Road to MotoGP is going from strength to strength and has an incredibly successful record in finding and promoting talent. The bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup will be an asset to the program and perfectly complements our aims for the Oceania region. We’re excited to begin this new collaboration.”

The response from MA and Motorcycling New Zealand (MNZ) members has been phenomenal, with the program over subscribed and applications coming in from nearly every discipline of motorcycle racing as young riders seek an opportunity to be involved.

Entries for 2019 are now closed and the finalists for the inaugural Oceania Junior Cup will be announced shortly.

Adding to today’s exciting news is also confirmation that selected riders from the Oceania Junior Cup will be provided the opportunity of entering the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup Selection Event in 2019.

Damian Cudlin to coach for 2019 Oceania Junior Cup

Experienced in the world of the MotoGP and Moto2, Damian Cudlin is a respected figure in the Australian motorcycle industry and has been announced as the Official Coach for the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup.

Managing motorcycle coaching and junior road racing along the east coast of Australia for the past few years under the MotoStars banner, and his recent appointment as the Australian Junior Road Race Championship (AJRC) promoter, Cudlin was the obvious choice. Like the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, Damian has a vision to open up the sport to a new generation, whilst additionally guiding them down the right path in relation to skills and aptitude.

Damian Cudlin

“The concept is really exciting and it’s what Australia needs! When I first heard about the bLU cRU Oceania Junior Cup, I thought it was a great idea! With what we’re building over at MotoStars with the Australian Junior Road Race Championship, I felt it was a fantastic crossover between the two initiatives. So, I put my hand up straight away to be involved.”

With hopes of developing even younger Australian road racing talent, Cudlin notes that this venture is, “Australia’s chance to have a really great feeder program. I think it’s really important, at this stage of a junior rider’s development, to get the best guidance and training possible. There’s a lot of things you need to prepare for, both on and off the motorcycle. This is our chance to give the kids a really solid grounding and put them a long way ahead of everyone else.”