Former NZ pro cyclist, Nathan Dahlberg, who died in China was a ‘humble guy’ who ‘loved adventures’

Former teammates and friends of Kiwi former professional cyclist Nathan Dahlberg are paying tribute to the ”determined” and “likeable” guy after his death.

The 59-year-old was born in Whanganui in 1965 and rode in the Tour de France in 1988 and 1989 and in the Giro d’Italia in 1990. He has reportedly died mountain climbing in China.

Former New Zealand track cycling coach Ron Cheatley said he knew Dahlberg when he was starting out.

“When he started bike riding, it was obvious he was going to be pretty good because he was one of those guys who was a really hard trainer,” he said.

Nathan Dahlberg, who twice rode in the Tour de France, has reportedly died in China. A former teammate called him a "true adventurer".

“When he was living in Palmerston North, he would ride over to Whanganui, which is 80km, to ride the weekly track meetings.

“He would race on the track for a couple of hours and then ride the 80km back to Palmerston North in the dark.”

Cheatley said Dahlberg moved to Belgium when he was younger and cycled in smaller races, hoping to improve.

“He lived in cold-water flats,” he said.

“He raced criteriums and earned small money. He started off really hard. But then he got noticed.”

Cheatley said Dahlberg was a determined “hard bugger” but “a really likeable guy”.

“Everyone loved Nathan. He had one of those natures where he was friendly to everybody.”

He added the 59-year-old was never one to complain if something went wrong.

“If he punctured in a race or crashed in a race, he would get up again and come back next week.

“He loved challenging adventures. It was not surprising he was climbing mountains in China.”

Former New Zealand track cycling coach Ron Cheatley said Nathan Dahlberg would cycle 80km from Palmerston North, spend a few hours on the track and then cycle back in the dark.

Fellow cyclist Stephen Swart said Dahlberg was a “humble guy” but also very determined.

“He knew what he wanted and would sacrifice anything to try and get there,” he said.

Swart remembered cycling with the 59-year-old when they were both juniors.

New Zealand cyclist Nathan Dahlberg has died in China.

“We went to the New Zealand junior championships in Wellington. The following year, they had the junior world championships in Whanganui where we were both on the same team in the junior road team time trial.

“I had heard early stories about this guy who did crazy training and did an unbelievable amount of miles. More than what the seniors do. He would go all day.”

Dahlberg’s career began with the 7-Eleven-Hoonved team, later becoming the Motorola Cycling Team, in 1988. He raced in the Tour of the Basque Country, the Amstel Gold Race, Bordeaux-Paris and GP Betekom for his team.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the ministry is providing consular assistance.

“For privacy reasons, no further details will be provided.”

David Williams is an Auckland-based multimedia journalist who joined the Herald in 2023. He covers breaking news and general topics.