Up and Coming Cyclists, Powered by the Energy Transition

Amongst GPA’s staff there are many a keen cyclist, including GPA Director and Electrical Engineering Manager, Rob Lake. Rob’s passion for cycling and driving the energy transition have combined, in the creation of New Energy Racing (NER)!  

NER harnesses the energy of young up and coming cyclists with the support of sponsors from within the energy industry. GPA was a natural fit as major sponsor, encouraging other leaders in energy transition to get involved. The team aims to assist in promoting renewable, sustainable energy development – including human energy!  

New Energy Racing is a pathway for young riders to participate in SA and interstate racing as the first step on the ladder to a cycling career on the national and world tour stage. Riders are committed to a developed training program in preparation for the competitive season.  

In 2024/2025 NER competed in: 

• Cervelo Super Series 

• The Tour of Bright 

• Australian Road National Championships 

• The inaugural 2025 Pro Velo Super League the ‘PSL’ season 

• Local races in Adelaide  

The PSL saw the team travelling around the country to compete, with races broadcast on SBS. GPA was proud to see our logo front and centre on NER’s purple jerseys and congratulate the riders for some strong results.  

Highlights from the season include: 

• Jack Clark finishing 3rd in the Under 23 Australian Road national Championships Road race and in the top 10 in both the criterium race and Individual Time Trial 

• A top ten finish for Harry Blackburn in his first under-23 race at the demanding Tour of Bright raced in atrocious conditions this year 

• A round out of the overall Young Riders podium for the Cervelo Super Series with Harry Blackburn first, (a yet to be recruited) Sam Bush second, and Henry Clark third, a result that augured well for the upcoming PSL event 

At the PSL the team made sure they were noticed! 

• Robust performance from Sam Bush in Adelaide in the inaugural round of the PSL Time trial with an Under 23 top 10 finish and an audacious breakaway move in the opening stage of the Sydney round that almost landed the win! 

• Jack and Aston Freeth finishing in the top ten of the Under 23 classification in the prestigious Melbourne to Warrnambool Road race over 267Kms 

• A team finish of 15th out of 23 in the first year of the PSL, a particularly good result as NER were the youngest and least experienced team in the event and only participated in 4 rounds 

• A presence in some of the winning moves and key breakaways that saw our riders front and centre of the live TV coverage 

Throughout the summer members of the NER Development Team have been particularly active in local races where they have secured numerous podium victories at the Norwood Crit series held each Tuesday evening and races held on most Sundays by Adelaide Hills Cycling Club.  A number of these rapidly improving young guns will be snapping at the heels of the elite team riders for a spot in next year’s PSL squad as we endeavour to take on the whole series! 

As the cycling season draws to a close NER is looking forward to making next year even better.  

GPA will continue our support of the team and are coordinating with NER for riders to be part of a staff training program in preparation for the TDU community ride in 2026.  A long-standing tradition at GPA, with several staff completing the ride as a fundraiser for the GPA AUCF. In 2026 we hope NER support in a staff training program can increase participation, create some excitement, and assist in much needed cycling tips!  

Keep an eye out on SA roads for the NER team. GPA are proud to be a supporter, along with fellow businesses driving Australia’s energy transition. If your business is part of the energy transition and you would like to find out more about supporting the team, please reach out to Team Manager – Stuart Heseltine at stuart@hemispheredesign.com.au.