Iconic Kiwi Brands Join Forces For Future Of Road Cycling
Two great New Zealand brands are joining forces to foster young road cycling talent in New Zealand in the hope that one day those on the team go on to represent professional teams in the big tours and New Zealand on the world stage.
The AvantiPlus store network, is banding together with former Commonwealth Games medallist Gordon McCauley in the creation of a sustainable road cycling team with the emphasis on developing young talent, providing an additional pathway for aspiring road riders in New Zealand.
The aim of the GMC Development Team is to help young GMC Coached riders realize their potential, by not only providing them with equipment and financial support but also mentors in the form of the teams elite riders and the vast array of contacts they have at their disposal including business leaders and high achiever’s.
McCauley is motivated by what the sport has given him over many successful and enjoyable years of hard graft and dedication.
"When I was coming up through the grades I wasn't a super talent but I was a hard worker and I relied on the generosity of friends for coaching advice, equipment and for getting to races.
“Cycling has been good to me and with the success of GMC Coaching and the support of our sponsors like AvantiPlus it's my chance to give back a little to the sport and help provide a pathway for aspiring young GMC road riders to chase their dreams of turning pro and most importantly riding for New Zealand."
Riders in the GMC Development Team will be decked out with bikes from the New Zealand developed and engineered AvantiPlus range. This year the team will be proudly riding the Avanti Corsa DR and the new Avanti Corsa SL.
AvantiPlus has huge respect for McCauley and what he has achieved in his cycling and coaching career and is keen for the AvantiPlus network to be involved in a team that provides opportunities for young Kiwis who might have dreams of riding the world’s Grand Tours or Olympic Games one day.
“AvantiPlus has always been involved in developing cycling and cyclists across the country. We see there is a real opportunity to develop young talent and this association and support with Gordon McCauley Coaching allows another pathway,” says Scott Fairbairn, spokesperson for AvantiPlus NZ.
McCauley sees an opening in the market, an opportunity to work with young talent who might otherwise be left out in an environment that has limited funding available in a model dominated by the need to win Olympic medals.
“Our goal is not to be riding the Tour de France, our role is as a development team and if we do our job well, ideally our riders will go on to bigger and better teams, with the view of riders turning professional and hopefully representing New Zealand at Olympic, World and Commonwealth level.
“Again using our vast array of contacts we can help facilitate conversations between riders and teams for that all-important first step into an overseas team environment.”
McCauley is renowned for his ‘hard-nosed’ attitude to the sport and is often referred to as ‘the people’s champion’, he is not one to suffer fools and expects high standards of his riders, just as he has often placed high demands on those around him throughout his own riding career.
Not surprisingly then, it is words such as commitment, learning, attitude and passion that play a huge part in what is expected of those on the GMC Development Team, whose motto is to ‘chase the dream, not the competition.’
The GMC Development Team is already in training and is confirmed to ride in the following tours and events this New Zealand summer, with others still to be confirmed.
Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge
New Zealand Cycle Classic (Tour of Manawatu)
Cycle 4 Life
Hub Tour
Tour de Ranges
Rotorua to Taupo
Rev
Tour of Taranaki