Focusing on rider progression and product development, YT will expand its support for RACING DUDES, which added Oisin O'Callaghan in 2022 to complement Erik Irmisch and Johann Potgieter's existing team.
Oisín O 'Callaghan
Oisín's talent was immediately evident when he first entered the MOB World Tour in 2019 and continued to grow in subsequent years on the World Cup circuit. Oisin O'Callaghan he was UCI Junior world champion Downhill is focusing on development during this transitional year, relying heavily on product development and race setup.
"I'm super excited this year to kick off the season with some new changes. Racing for YT Racing Dudes is perfect for me as I got to choose all the sponsors I wanted to use. I've already made two trips with the team and the atmosphere is great. The sick thing is that every single person on the team is talented and you can have a lot of fun".
Erik Irmsich
For those familiar with the scene of the downhill German, Erik “Irm” Irmisch needs no introduction. Previous overall winner of the IXS Downhill Cup, Erik has been a 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 this year's Worlds, using his industry experience to provide trackside support and insight.
"After a great racing season in 2019, the covid pandemic took me to a hiatus in 2020. I enjoyed traveling less for a while and focused more on my R&D work at YT, but I missed them. again the races and the atmosphere. In 2022 we started the YT Racing Dudes program together. I am thrilled to have the young talent Oisín in the team and to grow alongside him in his first elite world cup season. With Pottie beside him he has an experienced driver with a passion for teaching: 2022 will be a year of development and great vibrations.. "
-Erik Irmisch
Johann Potgieter
From Port Elizabeth SA with 20 years of racing under his belt, Johann “Pottie” Potgieter is a 7-time South African champion in downhill. Pottie's contribution goes beyond the racing world, passing on his skills and experience through the fields of the Bike School. Pottie has deep experience in UCI World Cups, IXS Cups and also in product development.
"I am so proud to be a part of this program! This will be my seventh year with YT, and seeing where we started and how far we've come is truly fantastic! 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!".
We're sure to see what young O'Callaghan can do. Space for the video trailer.
