Jesse Sergent took his Trek to many wins this season ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Dec 14th, 11. From former cycling greats, current Olympians, World Tour riders and up and coming Kiwi internationals, one NZ company can take some credit for the careers of NZ's best.

Since 1986, Cycle Sport NZ has been helping promising Kiwi cyclists on their journey to the top of the sport through sponsorship, management and/or coaching support.

In many cases their support has helped launch the riders on the pathway to International success and to Pro Team signings.

As the exclusive NZ distributors for leading brand Trek they have managed to create openings for a number of NZ riders over the years.

Managing Director Ron Cheatley who coached NZ teams for more than 20 years told RoadCycling.co.nz, "I always get a lot of satisfaction from supporting promising young riders whether it be via sponsorship, coaching or just mentoring and seeing them progress to bigger things.

"We have been proud to be their launching pad if you like," he said.

"I was just thinking the other day of how many riders we have sponsored in one way or another and when you start writing them down on paper the list is huge."

"Right back to the days of Brian Fowler up to the current group including Hayden Roulston, Jesse Sergent, Sam Bewley etc - along the way names such as Gary Anderson, Scott Guyton, Julian Dean, Greg Henderson, Gordon McCauley, Michael Torckler, Paul Odlin, Terenzo Bozzone, Heath Blackgrove and of course Cath Cheatley are just a few that come to mind that we have supported."

Mr Cheatley doesn't do so much coaching himself now, his role is more mentoring and guidance, but his sons Dayle and Bevan have picked up the coaching role.

Jesse Sergent and Sam Bewley the day after Sergent won his first World Tour event -  the Eneco Tour TT ©Graham Watson

It was through Mr Cheatley's discussions with Axel Merckx that Sergent and Bewley found their way to the U23 Trek Livestrong team in 2009.

"They both performed with distinction both on and off the bike which led on to further signings last year with Josh Atkins, George Bennett and Michael Vink. Josh returns to the team in 2012 and we are hopeful of him being joined by another Kiwi," he shared.

"Of course Jesse, George and Roly have now gone on to huge things being signed for RadioShack Nissan Trek.

"What an opportunity to ride alongside some of the world's biggest stars such as the Schleck brothers, Cancellara, Kloden etc - that makes me very proud."

Cycle Sport NZ with help from Trek International also supported the NZ U23 team based in Europe this season and will again do so in 2012 where they will ride the new Madone 5.2 bike. In other codes,  Anton Cooper has just been signed to join the Trek World Racing MTB Team alongside fellow Kiwi Justin Leov.

Mr Cheatley and Cycle Sport NZ have certainly paved the way for a number of NZ riders and have played a big part in NZ cycling success stories - and their support will continue in 2012 and beyond.

The company's support of RoadCycling.co.nz has also meant these Kiwi cyclists' success stories have been able to be shared with the wider cycling community - thanks!

2012 Trek Kiwis

--Radioshack Nissan Trek--

• Hayden Roulston, Jesse Sergent, George Bennett

NZ Road champion and pro tour rider Hayden Roulston, joins 2011 Radioshack riders Jesse Sergent and George Bennett at the new Radioshack Nissan Trek team for 2012. Roly will play an integral role riding with Fabian Cancellara at the one-day classics. 

Jesse will have a wealth of Time Trialling experience around with team mates Fabian Cancellara and Andreas Kloden close at hand. George Bennett is now a full time member of the team after his efforts riding for Trek Livestrong U23 and as a stagiaire for Shack in 2011.

--Bontrager Livestrong U23--

• Josh Atkins, plus one other perhaps

Josh Atkins will be back riding for the newly renamed Bontrager Livestrong U23 team coming off his historic win at the Tour of Southland. The final line-up for the team hasn't been 100% confirmed as yet, hopefully we can place another young kiwi in there!

--NZ U19--

• Vladmir Stewart (Wanganui), Corby Price (Taupo), Cassie Cameron (Wanganui)

--New Zealand U23 development team (European based)--
Cycle Sport NZ and Trek Bikes will be sponsoring the U23 development team again for 2012, the team includes some of New Zealand's medal hopes for the London 2012 Olympics. The team will be riding the brand new Trek Madone 5.2

TRIATHLON

• Sam Warriner

Triathlon and ironman veteran Samantha Warriner will continue riding Trek for the 2012 Tri season. Sam rides a custom ProjectOne Speed Concept 9.9

MTB

 
--Trek World Racing--

• Justin Leov, Anton Cooper

Justin will be back again for the 2012 Downhill season alongside 2011 World Cup Winner Aaron Gwin and teammate Neko Mullaly. The boys will all be riding the Session 9.9 Carbon.

Trek World Racing has just signed Christchurch Cross-Country prodigy Anton Cooper, Cooper recently won the silver medal at the Cross Country world U19 champs.

--NZ--

• Katie O'Neill, Carl Jones, Ash Hough

Cycle Sport NZ is proud to have Rotorua based Cross-Country riders Katie O'Neill and Carl Jones on board for 2012.
Katie is the current U23 NZ women's champ and Carl is the Elite NZ men's champ, they'll both be riding the Trek Elite 9.9 SSL.
We also have Ash Hough back and racing this year on his Trek Top Fuel.