Ace developers shift Canterbury Track Cycling into top gear

Ace developers shift Canterbury Track Cycling into top gear with new website

1974 saw Christchurch placed on the world stage as the Commonwealth Games came to town. It was for that reason QEII and the Christchurch Velodrome were built. Sadly QEII was irrevocably damaged in the earthquakes but the Denton Park Velodrome after nearly 40 years, is still being put to good use.

Some of the organisers that were responsible for Christchurch’s time in the sporting spotlight are still manning their posts to this day. Whilst current committee member Bruce Dawe reminisces fondly about those Commonwealth Games where he acted as Assistant Race Controller, he is just as enthusiastic about the talent he sees on the track today.

Canterbury Track Cycling has produced some outstanding performers, National title holders, New Zealand Representatives at Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and the Oceania Track Cycling Champs. Andrew Vink, Natasha Hansen, Hayden Godfrey and Joanne Kesonowski all started their cycling careers here in Christchurch. And these riders are why cycling now features as one of our most anticipated and successful Olympic sports for New Zealand.

Syd Martin chairs the committee of Canterbury Track Cycling and is the inspiration behind the hugely successful “Development Program” He takes enormous pride in the encouraging atmosphere Denton Park racing offers. “We welcome everyone, from experienced track and road riders to kids that are barely off their training wheels” says Martin.

They must be doing something right, because numbers are rising and retention of riders through the grades is at an all-time high. “We started the development program well over 10 years ago to help kids get into track cycling and it’s paying off – a large number of the riders that started in the program are now competing at an Elite level” says Martin “but it’s not just the kids, there’s a fair few adults joining in the development program as well” he laughs. “The club now owns about 60 top quality track bikes that we loan to development riders for a small fee”.

Christchurch has been through a fair bit as it’s been shaken, rattled and rolled over the past couple of years – but that’s never stopped the committed team and their loyal sponsors that keep racing going at the Denton Park Velodrome.

One such sponsor has decided to help CTC make their digital presence felt by building them a bespoke website. Local web development company, Digital Fusion have been in the business for the past 15 years. Owner, Craig Saunders could see real potential to make a big impact for this popular sport as CTC had no website whatsoever.

“We’ve often considered an undertaking like this, so when we were presented with this opportunity... it was too good to pass up”. “CTC is run by a passionate bunch that work tirelessly, but were lacking a way to communicate effectively with their members, sponsors and other Track Cycling groups around New Zealand.”
Up until now, CTC have used Facebook to promote events and communicate with anyone interested. CTC use their Facebook page prolifically – but it has its limits. Digital Fusion are well under way with the shiny new website that will provide the latest news, event information, online results, photos, rider profiles, as well as Facebook and Twitter integration. “Facebook is used by CTC members so extensively that we have to provide a feed to the new website to ensure we don’t split their audience” says Saunders.

The website will be built iteratively, with the first version having just been launched. Meanwhile the Digital Fusion developers are busy behind the scenes building the rest of it.

“We were blown away when Digital Fusion offered to design, build, host and maintain the website for us completely free of charge.” says Martin “I’ve met the team there and they seem just as excited about the project as we are”.

Canterbury Track Cycling are on a deadline with this website project, the Mid-Season Champs and annual CTC Carnival are just round the corner and there’ll be several current New Zealand Olympians competing at the event. The website will be their primary communication tool as people look to find information about event programs, tickets and results.
www.canterburytrack.co.nz

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