Elite racers saddened by team's demise

COMING TO AN END: The Rotorua-based NZXC Racing team has decided to shut down. Pictured is the team back in 2013. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

An elite mountain biking team based in Rotorua has announced it will shut down.

The NZXC Racing team, which has featured some of New Zealand's best cross-country mountain bike riders over the past few years, announced yesterday they were shutting down.

Owner and manager Sam Thompson established the team three years ago and said it was not an easy call to end the team.

He said the two main reasons behind pulling the pin were the amount of time it took to organise and run the team, and the possibility of a new mountain biking development centre being opened in Rotorua next year, which would be supported by Cycling New Zealand.

He said if the development centre went ahead it would take on many of the same responsibilities NZXC Racing currently filled.

"The decision to close down NZXC Racing was extremely hard, as it has personally been something I have been extremely focused on for the past four years as owner, manager, and coach," Thompson said.

"It was something that I had always seen as important for mountain biking in New Zealand, and the vision from the start was to create a team that supported our talented riders to keep them in the sport, while creating a clear pathway for up-and-coming riders, which without a doubt I can say we achieved."

The NZXC Racing team included six riders in the elite squad, which competed both nationally and internationally, and 10 riders in the development squad which was primarily a junior team.

National cross country women's champion, and Commonwealth Games representative, Kate Fluker (Queenstown) was an elite rider and said it was sad to see the team come to an end.

"I am very sad to see all the hard work Sam has put into the team come to an end and selfishly it has made me realise how much more work I am going to have to do for myself this season!

"It has been an absolute pleasure to be a part of."

The NZXC Racing team offered riders support, coaching, mentorship and training camps.

Thompson thanked all those who helped the team.

"This wouldn't have been possible without all the people and companies that supported NZXC Racing over the years. Thank you, and I look forward to the future of the sport of mountain biking in New Zealand."