PureBlack Racing end year of racing at Southland Tour

PureBlack Racing end successful year of racing with team win at PowerNet Tour of Southland

Auckland 7 November 2011 – PureBlack Racing have ended their racing season with an overall Teams Classification win at the PowerNet Tour of Southland with an 18 minute lead over their nearest rivals. Josh Atkins beat out the competition in the last stage to become the youngest Tour of Southland winner ever. PureBlack Racing’s top riders were Tim Gudsell in 3rd place on GC, Shem Rodger in 5th and Scott Lyttle in 6th.

Extreme Southland weather had a big hand in the shape of the final days racing of this year’s Tour of Southland. The highly anticipated Individual Time Trial or “race of truth” was cancelled when the riders arose to three inches of snow on the ground.

Going into the final day Tim Gudsell, who had secured a stage win the day prior, was PureBlack Racing’s top rider and raced aggressively for the yellow jersey.

“Ultimately we didn't achieve what we came here to do which was to have a PureBlack Racing rider on the top of the podium in as individual GC winner for the tour,” said Carl Williams as he reflected on a full on week of racing in trying and demanding conditions.

“It's a tough tour to win and with the growing strength of New Zealand’s international road cycling talent it’s not going to get any easier. There are always so many twists and turns and the team put themselves on the line every day and gave their all. I’m very proud of the guys, they set a high professional standard and hopefully we demonstrated the contribution we are endeavouring to make to cycling in New Zealand,” said Williams.

The PowerNet Tour of Southland was the last tour for the year.

“It’s been a huge 2011 with racing in New Zealand, USA, Canada, Singapore and Australia. The guys can look forward to a bit of a break before we start building up for 2012. To all of our sponsors, fans, friends and families thanks for all your support – we appreciate it very, very much,” said Williams.

For more information on the see www.pureblackracing.com

About PureBlack Racing

PureBlack Racing is New Zealand’s first international professional road cycling team, launched in 2010, with the aim becoming New Zealand’s leading international UCI ProTour road cycling team. Lead by America’s Cup yachtsman, Star Class World Champion and Olympian, Carl Williams and investor and entrepreneur Greg Cross, PureBlack Racing will compete in the UCI’s US Continental Tour in 2011 with the ultimate aim of becoming a ProTour Team with entry to the Tour de France.

ENDS