Michael Vink
(Photo: Enthuse; click to enlarge) |
Subway-Avanti Pro Cycling team has again provided a great platform for more of its young riders to secure contracts with other leading professional teams.
Michael Vink will ride for Lance Armstrong's US based Trek Livestrong Under 23 team next year while James Williamson moves to Pure Black Racing and Ryan Wills will race for a club team in Europe.
Subway-Avanti Pro Cycling's owner Hayden Godfrey was happy to see the riders move to other teams, and says Vink in particular is now on a pathway that he hopes will see him join other former Subway- Avanti riders in the pro tour peloton.
"We provide a professional set up just like overseas pro teams that mean our young guys get to experience what it's like to be part of an overseas pro tour team so the integration once overseas is easier."
"Michael is a fantastic young talent and I'm very happy to see him make the move after spending two years with us. I hope it's a move that will see him follow in other former Sunway-Avanti riders, Jessie Sergent and Saw Bewley, who moved onto the full Radioshack pro team after their time in the Livestrong team."
Vink strength lies in criteriums and time trials. The 19-year-old from Christchurch is the national Under 19 Time Trial Champion and current course record holder.
His speed translates well to the track where he is also the Under 19 National Individual Pursuit Champion and won a Junior World Track Championships bronze medal in the team pursuit.
The Subway – Avanti Pro Cycling team will be releasing its 2011 roster of riders early next month, and will also be announcing an exciting new sponsorship for next year as well.
