New Dailys travel across Europe with the GB Rowing Team

Tuesday 19th May 2015

The Reading-based GB Rowing Team has taken delivery of two New Daily (35C17/P) crew cabs with dropside bodies to replace existing Dailys in the all Iveco fleet. The new vehicles will be used to transport the team’s equipment and boats to big events throughout Europe.

Both New Dailys, supplied by Iveco dealer Grays Truck & Van, join a fleet of eight light commercial vehicles which support the Team who have won multiple World and Olympic medals.

John Tetley, Boatman for the GB Rowing Team, says: “We need vehicles that can handle long journeys in their stride; it’s not uncommon for us to exceed 1,700 miles getting to a destination and the Iveco Dailys have always delivered for us. The team attends European competitions throughout the year and it’s our job to ensure that their equipment gets there safely and on time.”

Each New Daily has been fitted with a tow bar and specified with heavy-duty front and rear suspension, 100 litre fuel tank, engine sump shield, rear differential lock, 180 amp alternator and long mirror arms.

Tetley continues: “We are towing boats which are up to 18 metres long; whilst they are incredibly light, they add considerable length to our load. The Daily is a reliable towing platform that has both the power and the weight needed to provide stability on all types of road.”

The Iveco driveline technology guarantees power and flexibility, which combined with the rear differential lock, offers supreme capability, especially in low-grip conditions such as boat slipways. This helps the GB Rowing Team drivers tackle the off-road surfaces found at the majority of the venues with ease.

Tetley concludes: “With two drivers in every vehicle and destinations as far afield as Lisbon and Athens, comfort is also paramount. We specified the vehicles with cruise control and automatic climate control – plus both the driver and passenger seats are heated, air-suspended and feature lumber supports and integrated arm rests. It’s the perfect combination and ideally suited to our needs.”

As the first New Dailys to enter the fleet, the drivers also benefit from a cab interior which has also been completely redesigned to make it an even more pleasant environment, thanks to increased visibility, ergonomics and sound insulation. The cab also includes multiple closed compartments as well as tailor-made compartments for everyday items, such as mobile phones and tablets – plus the GB Rowing Team specified additional factory-fitted storage shelves above the windscreen.

Both New Dailys are powered by a 3.0 litre engine which delivers 170 hp between 3,000 and 3,500 rev/min, and up to 400 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 2,600 rev/min – ideal for motorway cruising.

The GB Rowing Team won nine medals at the London 2012 Olympic Games, including four Golds. The team is supported by the National Lottery UK Sport programme which supports the UK’s top athletes.