Support Just Got Bigger For Cycling

Racing bikes at the top level in New Zealand is hard work, and trying to fit training around work or study is the ultimate time management skill. A lucky few have the opportunity to be paid to ride their bike and turn it into a job that pays the bills. In New Zealand with such a limited number of races and support, most riders with just a couple of wins in New Zealand have to make the jump to a USA or European team to progress their careers further.

Steve Elden from Protrain knows firsthand the struggle this is, and the fine line of balancing it all after the lack of funds forced him to stop racing a few years back. "Sponsorship and funding is hard to source and when you start looking for the help you can quickly eat your precious training time and get sidetracked into proposals and selling yourself just to pay for the next entry fee to the weekend club race" said Steve.

From this scenario Steve meet Richard Aitken of All About Plumbing Limited, when he lived in Christchurch a few years back. Then over a few cups of coffee the Revolution Race Management concept was drafted, focussed on providing support to the riders at races and partnering with sponsors to gain advertising opportunities in a new market in the rapidly growing participation sport of cycling in New Zealand.

When you get talking to Steve and Richard, their passion for the sport just fizzes. The whole concept is about supporting each of the riders we have on the team. This allows each rider to reach their full potential and develop opportunities in the future for themselves. This is supported with a strong team ethic, from which everyone on the team benefits - from the sponsors to the support riders, to the guy on the podium. “We don't just let anyone on this team” they say. "The guys we have must band together to support each other and inspire each other no matter who the winner is”. We are a family of sponsors, management and riders, and that is why last year we were a success in a large number of the races we started in.

For the 2011/2012 summer season Revolution Race Management Limited team will be named: “The Mico-Protrain Cycling Team” and we are pleased to announce the re-signing of major sponsor Mico Plumbing Supplies and Bathrooms (Crane Distribution Limited). Mico has been an integral part of our progress as a key sponsor for the last two seasons and their continued involvement for 2011/12 ensures that this season will be another to remember, with the Mico brand being marketed throughout the country by the team. Also stepping up to the co-sponsor role this season is Steve's own company Protrain. Steve Elden, who operates Protrain from Wellington, has increased his sponsorship by becoming a co-sponsor for the upcoming season, clearly identifying Protrain as a major brand in the sports coaching, testing and specialized area of bike setups. Steve comments that "last year we didn't quite have the funds to include big races like Southland, so I increased  my own level of funds to the team to ensure we do not miss the big races and can support the riders more at the races that matter to them". 

The family of sponsors continues to grow and impress, and this season they welcome aboard: Armstrong Sport as the team’s principal provider of riding equipment and accessories, including Pinarello Bikes. Richard Aitken of All About Plumbing Limited has resigned as an associate sponsor, but continues to promote its brand through cycling events for the third season with the team. Tineli continues to be the team’s exclusive provider of rider clothing. Now in its third year of support, Tineli has been alongside the team from its inception and they look forward to another stunning team kit to wear this season. Parry Field Lawyers are the provider of legal services to the team management, and we welcome their assistance for a third season.  

Team Roster

Joe Cooper (Wellington) heads up the riding roster after completing a very successful season in France, and returns to New Zealand to lead the team in its campaign for success in “The Tour of Southland” and “The New Zealand Cycle Classic”. Joe’s ability to lead the team and ride with increasing maturity provide a perfect platform for team success this season.

Brad Carter (Cambridge) returns for his second season with the team. Brad has the ability to not only step up and perform consistently well in the results table, but can also support the team in all disciplines.

Louis Wright (Matamata) will also soon return from France, where he spent his first year riding overseas with great success. A rising talent in the U23 category in New Zealand cycling, he adds great ‘on the road’ support for the team and is developing into a future champion.

Matt Wheatcroft (Auckland) (New Zealand U23 club Champion) will shortly return from competing in the Australian season, and saddles up for another strong season in the Mico-Protrain team colours. His experience in international racing is benefiting himself and the team greatly.

Dan Waluszewski (Wellington) adds punch to the team on the flat and in race finishes. Dan is a strong worker with a super fast finish and is hungry to impress this season.

Last but not least is the New Zealand Senior club champion, Matt Sillars, (Auckland) who is welcomed to the roster this season. Matt is another example of a rider who can support the team well but shine when given the opportunity. 

Management will again be Richard Aitken and  Steve Elden as directors.