2012 Update

The big GP news for 2012 was Joe's signing to Pure Black Racing. We were all really happy for the young fella, but when the grim news came through that the team wasn't going to continue... that was gutting. An eleventh hour rescue package arrived with Bike NZ stepping up which was fantastic. The team now known as BikeNZ/PBR will race as a national team in a range of international races beginning their campaign in Asia and later onto Europe.

Joe, fresh off his win at Tour de Ranges and King of the Mountains classification at the NZ Cycle Classic racing for Team Ricoh is now preparing for the Tour of Langkawi. You will see Joe training with arm and leg warmers around Wellington and Christchurch preparing for the warmer climes of Malaysia over the next couple of weeks.

We haven't been present at many races this season as a team, but that's set to change with plans to race regularly at national events. This wouldn't be possible without our sponsors and we're very pleased to announce the addition of four new sponsors to the line up who will join our longtime sponsors Ricoh NZ, J Tomlinson & Co Ltd and Rocket Espresso Milano.

- Armstrong Sport – Pinarello, Mavic

- Champion System NZ – performance cycle clothing

- Torq Performance Nutrition NZ – race nutrition

- Em's Cookies – sports bars

Keep your eyes peeled on the roads for our smart new racing strip thanks to Champion System NZ!

The weather this summer has been a bit of a mixed bag, but the healthy banter on the road means there's never a dull moment to be had on a GP training ride. Here's a short video clip of Joe discussing riding with 'the stragglers' on this mornings ride with Lovers. Lovers had the last laugh mind you, taking the Placemakers sprint at the end of the ride...

A few photos from the roads around Wellington over the past few months...