Bauer boosts ORICA-SCOTT's strength and depth

ORICA-SCOTT is pleased to announce the latest signing, New Zealand all-rounder Jack Bauer for the next two seasons.

The New Zealand time trial champion has proven to be a versatile and powerful rider and is a much-welcomed addition to the Australian outfit. The 32-year-old will boost the team’s classics squad and play an important role in the team’s hunt for grand tour success.

Haven ridden for multiple international teams over the years, Bauer is excited at the idea of joining the Australian squad and has high ambitions for the coming season.

“Riding for ORICA-SCOTT is a really exciting prospect for me, it was an offer impossible to turn down,” Bauer explained. “As an Australian team, for me it's the closest thing to riding for an outfit from back home. I know all the boys on the team really well, and have done for quite some years, so it seems like the perfect fit.”

“I especially look forward to linking up for the first time on a professional level with my good mate Sam Bewley, we'll bring a two-pronged Kiwi attack which should fit well in the ORICA-SCOTT line-up.”

As the team continues to grow and develop in all areas, Bauer hopes to help take the team to the next level, especially in their early season classics campaign.

“With ORICA-SCOTT, you have a very balanced team that is proven and capable of delivering in the sprint, the mountains, team time trials and general classification,” he said.

“As an all-rounder myself, I look forward to giving my best and bringing support to the team year-round. I have proven myself as a reliable and strong workhorse over the years and a big goal for the season will be to line up alongside Luke Durbridge and Matteo Trentin in the Northern Classics and ride for the win. That's something I really look forward to.

“To bring the New Zealand road champion jersey to the team will be an early season personal goal. I would of course love to return to the Tour de France as a Kiwi in an Aussie team, but there will be a few boxes to tick before that.”

Fitting in with the team’s long term plans, sport director Matt White believes Bauer will be an important asset with a lot to offer.

“Jack is a rider who we have had our eyes on for a couple of years now,” White said. “He is a really versatile rider and a really good worker. He can ride almost anywhere in the calendar.”

“He is a big strong guy and a good teammate which we have seen him when riding for other teams. We are thinking long term and he fits into our plans. With the team rosters set to be smaller in the future we need guys who can do a lot and offer a lot on different terrains.

“I think he will be a really great addition to our team and fit in really well with our work ethic and team dynamics.”

Jack Bauer

Date of Birth: April 7, 1985 (age 32)

Place of Birth: Takaka, New Zealand

Turned Pro: 2010

Key results

1st National championships TT 2017

1st Japan Cup Cycle Road Race 2013

1st stage 5 Tour of Britain 2016

1st prologue Herald Sun Tour 2014

1st stage 2 Tour of Utah 2011

1st National championships road race New Zealand 2010

2nd Commonwealth Games road race 2014

10th Olympic Games 2012

Photo courtesy of TDWsport