About Youth Cycling Development Trust

Cycling has grown quickly in recent years due to the great success of our elite cyclists and a general fascination with the Tour de France and its team culture. Cycling is now one of the most popular sports and pastimes, and continues to enjoy strong growth.

New Zealand is rapidly becoming a breeding ground for young talent looking to further their careers. The recently formed Youth Cycling Development Trust has seen the need to develop a support network for such young talent wanting to succeed. The trust has formed a semi professional cycling team under the umbrella and major sponsor Richard Evans from Benchmark Homes.

Benchmark Homes Cycling Team is comprised of ex Commonwealth Games and ex Professional cyclists combined with young talent who form the basis of the team. As an incentive for the young talent, management of the Youth Cycling Development Trust aim to offer scholarships to young cyclists each year to reduce the financial burden on the young talent. Other goals of the trust include mentoring our youth in many aspects of life other than cycling to achieve a balance and expose them to opportunity. The Youth Cycling Development trust continues to look for funding to run its program and welcomes any assistance.

The Team is well supported with experience. Tony Laplanche, Benchmark Homes Team manager and coach, massage therapist Paul Jesson, mentors Gordon McCauley, Brendan Hart, Jason Allen and many more. Backing sponsors Armstrong Subaru, Hub Cycles, Revolution Properties and supporting sponsors Raeward Fresh, Horleys Sports Nutrition, Armstrong Prestige Festival of Cycling, Tec Helmets. Tinelli Clothing, Lupo, Lowe & Associates and Viscom, all contributing to the success of the team.

Benchmark Homes cycling team are competing in the Benchmark Homes Tour road series raced over and around the roads of Canterbury in the next nine months. The Benchmark Homes Tour series is the super 14 series of New Zealand Cycling attracting riders from around the Country. The Benchmark cycling team will also be competing in other high profile events including Le Race, Tour of Southland, Armstrong Prestige Harbour Race and many more events on the National Cycling Calendar.