TEAM GB: “Out with the old and in with the new”

Outgoing Team GB manager, Dave Murphy, welcomed Lee Aris into the role for 2016 by coining the seasonal phrase, “It’s a case of out with the old and in with the new” as Aris has taken on the job of building the British Lions towards their defence of the Ashes in November 2017.

Murphy has stood down after 8 years as GB manager and told 33/18 News, “I’m delighted to see that Lee Aris will be at the helm going forwards, as I know that he will meet the approval of all GB riders and provide the necessary leadership and motivation required to successfully defend the Ashes in South Australia”.

Lee Aris has taken over the role of Team GB manager. Picture by Paul Devine.

Lee Aris has taken over the role of Team GB manager. Picture by Paul Devine.

The outgoing GB manager departs off the back of a successful 2015 campaign, during which Team GB defeated Poland at Poole, clinched the Ashes against Australia and then crowned a great year by winning the ICSF Federations Cup.

Exeter-based Murphy had initially stepped down after an unsuccessful Australian Tour in 2013, but there was nobody prepared to take on the role at that time. He therefore decided to take up the offer of a further 2 years.

Dave Murphy (front row left) celebrates leading Team GB to the Ashes series at Coventry. Picture by Andy Whitehouse.

Dave Murphy (front row left) celebrates leading Team GB to the Ashes series at Coventry. Picture by Andy Whitehouse.

“I’d like to offer my sincere thanks to Bob Prince, Ian Brown, Geoff Gamage and Stuart Raven” said Murphy. “They contributed by convincing me that it was only right to stay at the helm to lead Team GB into the historic inaugural Ashes Test Series staged in the UK”. He added “I would also like to thank all the GB riders, along with coaches Stuart Raven and Tony Bennett, for their contribution and support in what then transpired to be a most successful period for Team GB”.

Murphy concluded by saying, “The future is bright with Lee as the manager and I wish him and all the GB riders continued development and much success, as they compete on the World stage against Australia and Poland”.