The team finished the block with Jelajah Malaysia,with mixed results – with two members unable to finish due to a crash in Stage Two, and the remaining team members crashing later in the tour.
Racing in Asia has proved an interesting experience for the team, dealing with a unique climate, culture, and style of racing.
“It has been a life experience, that’s for sure,” said James “Jimmy” Williamson, “There is no way were could have been prepared for all the obstacles that were chucked at us.”
These obstacles included with extreme heat, uneven surfaces and even being chased by wild animals during their stay.
“Asia has been full of the most extreme ups and downs I have ever experienced in my life over such a short period,” said Louis Crosby, who was chased by a monkey on a training ride in Borneo, “But generally it has been a fascinating place to visit.”
Photo Caption: Roman van Uden, James Williamson and Michael Torckler in action at Jelajah Malaysia
PureBlack Racing has now returned to New Zealand for a couple of weeks rest before they embark on their next block in racing in North America, where they will be hoping to continue with the success they achieved in Asia.
“I think getting through this block together has made us a much stronger and tighter team,” said Jimmy, “I am looking forward to a refreshing break now, before teaming up with the boys again.”
The team also supported the opening of the new Avanti store in Malaysia, and attended a New Zealand Trade and Enterprise event in Kuala Lumpur.
PureBlack Racing is now looking forward to travelling over to North America next week to compete in three tours and three criterium.
This includes Tour de Beauce, CHIN Picnic Criterium, Tour de Delta, UBC Grand Prix, Gastown Grand Prix, Giro de Burnaby and the Tour de White Rocks.
PureBlack Racing will be racing as BikeNZ PureBlack Racing, the New Zealand National team, for the Tour de Beauce, with all other races being club races.
Rider James McCoy is joining the team after being out with injury for the first half of the year, “I am really looking forward to rejoining the team again, I can’t wait to get back into things again with the team, there is a special vibe that comes from the team that other teams don’t seem to have and I’ve missed it.”
Taylor Gunman is also joining the team after a successful stint with the BikeNZ PureBlack Racing U23 team in Europe, “It is sure to be a successful trip as the team is made up of some great riders who are also good mates with whom we get to travel, and compete, with.”
The team travelling to North America is:
Joseph Cooper
Louis Crosby
Taylor Gunman
James McCoy
Michael Torckler
Roman van Uden (Captain)
James Williamson
Director Sportif, John “Harry” Harris is looking forward to taking the team over, and says a big part of this block of racing is constructive rest and conditioning, as much as anything else.
“We cannot expect the team to race hard all year round, they have already done three months of tough racing in Asia and they team needs to take breaks whilst still riding in international races, the races in North America will be preparation for Australia.
“If we do this right, it will make us win in Australia where we will be riding big races,” said Harry.
After the six-week block in North America, PureBlack Racing will come back to New Zealand for a short break before competing in the Scody Cup in Australia.