Kiwi News

Bevin becomes NZ's newest pro cyclist

May 14th, 10. 19 year old Patrick Bevin has just become New Zealand's newest pro-cyclist. As of today he rides for American team, Bissell Pro Cycling.

Patrick Bevin was 1st noticed at the Tour of Southland - now he's a pro cyclist ©RoadCyclist.co.nz

Bevin joins fellow Kiwi riders Peter Latham, Jeremy Latham and Kiwi manager Glen Mitchell. He'll move to Santa Rosa, an hour and a half north of San Francisco, California, where the Kiwi trio each live.

"Bissell is one of the top [US] domestic teams, so to step up mid season and be part of a truly professional outfit is a huge opportunity - far bigger than any opportunity I envisioned for my 2010 season," Bevin told RoadCycling.co.nz

It's an incredible opportunity for a young rider, but one which Bevin has worked hard to deserve.

After a great NZ summer season which started impressively when he won the Sprint Ace classification in the Powernet Tour of Southland and followed on with numerous top domestic race wins, Bevin headed to the US in March. He was offered a place in the Rubicon Orbea amateur team.

In just eight weeks he's powered to five 1st places and shown great tactics to defend and keep a tour yellow jersey. He was also aggressive in the NRC events; Tour of the Gila and Joe Martin Stage Race.

As much as Bevin's progress has been incredibly steep, the Taupo rider knows it's only the beginning.

"It has been a crazy last six months, with rapid progression the trend. It is more a giant leap than a small step this time though. It doesn't change my approach on the bike, I will be doing my best to keep making forward progress. It is going to be an exciting few months," he said.

In late January when Bevin told RoadCyling.co.nz he was heading over to the States for the US international season, he had no idea just how quick his progression would be.

"The cool thing about going to the USA is that we get to line up with the pros," Bevin said at the time. "For someone aspiring to be professional bike rider, it's an excellent place to start, to get racing that is not possible if you stay in New Zealand."

Eight weeks later and he is now a professsional bike rider himself!

"Patrick has shown outstanding results as a junior rider, and his transition to the elite level has been very promising," said Bissell Pro Cycling team manager, Glen Mitchell.

"We first took note of his abilities while racing against him in the Tour of Southland last year, and we have been watching him closely since then. The opportunity to bring him to Bissell presented itself and we are very excited to have signed him to the team."

"His strength in the sprint finish is a welcomed skill and one that we will target for improvement as he integrates into the team and the pro level of the sport. "

Patrick Bevin's timeline to a pro-contract

2009 success

2010 success

1st Oceania Road Race U19
3rd Oceania Time Trial U19
1st Australian Road Championships U19
1st New Zealand Road Championships U19
2nd New Zealand Time Trial Championships U19
1st Stage 4 Tour of Southland
1st Stage 7 Tour of Southland
Overall Sprint Ace Tour of Southland
1st Taupo Avanti Cycle Classic
U19 New Zealand Cyclist of the Year

Two stage wins at Tour de Vineyards
Two wins at the BioSPORT City Criterium
1st Hamilton's The Rev

1st Stage 1 Tour de Dung
1st Mason Lakes Road Race # 3
1st Piece of Cake
1st Stage 1 Cherry Blossom Classic
1st Stage 4 Cherry Blossom Classic
1st Overall Cherry Blossom Classic
5th place Stage 4 Tour of Gila

Named on the shortlist for the Commonwealth Games.

Thanks to Rubicon Orbea and others

Bevin might be aggressive and sure of himself when on the bike, off the bike he's an incredibly polite guy. It's not surprising to hear him thanking those around him, he always thanks RoadCycling.co.nz for any coverage we have of him.

"I am very lucky to be in the position I am in and have had a huge amount of people support me; both back home and in the USA, to get here and I am very appreciative of all the support I do get. (really that list is massive....)" Bevin said.

"I would also like to extend a huge thank you to everyone in/behind the Rubicon organization. I have stepped off the plane and added more to the development of my cycling career in the last eight weeks than I could have dreamed of. Dave and Norrene do a fantastic job (with just the two of them) running a team with ambitions like they do."

"I have been taken into a roster, taken into a home and despite my short stay it was an enjoyable time with the team."

RoadCycling.co.nz has enjoyed following Bevin's career this last year and looks forward to continuing to report on his success. Congratulations Patrick!

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