New Zealand Post Group is backing rising road cycling talent Paddy Bevin to help him reach his goal of competing at the London 2012 Olympics and in the Tour de France.
New Zealand Post has announced its partnership with the 19-year-old Taupo rider through the SportConnect and SKY Sport programme. The support package is worth $40,000 over two years.
CEO Brian Roche says New Zealand Post Group's support of Paddy Bevin is part of its wider investment into sport and fitness ranging from communities to high performance athletes.
"Paddy is a tremendous talent who is going places. He's been doing it tough with a punishing training schedule on a limited budget.
"Hopefully with this funding and the support of the 11,500 people who work across New Zealand Post, we can help Paddy get over the line to meet his goals," Brian Roche said.
Bevin, who only turned pro this year, has secured a ride with the US-based Bissell team for 2011 following good performances this season. He's delighted to have the backing of New Zealand Post and SportConnect heading into next year.
"The next 24 months are a huge step up for me. The funding means I can concentrate solely on my training and not have to worry about how to pay for my campaign.
"This support is more than financial. To have an iconic New Zealand business behind you gives you that added drive to succeed. I'm clocking up 1000 kilometres a week with 30 hours in the saddle in training, and having New Zealand Post's backing will help me work even harder," Bevin said.
Olympic gold medallist Hamish Carter of SportConnect says this will provide Paddy with crucial support in the next phase of his career.
"Paddy's a talented young rider, who has had national success, but he needs international experience and that costs money.
"New Zealand Post's support through SportConnect means a young athlete such as Paddy who has undoubted talent but would otherwise struggle for financial backing, now has a real shot at making it at the highest level," said Carter.
