Riders chosen for MTB hub

A rider in action at the recent training camp. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Cycling New Zealand has announced an initial 13 riders to be selected for the newly formed Mountain Bike National Performance Hub in Rotorua.

It includes local rider Taylor Johnston.

The Hub, that was announced last month, is one of a potential eight hubs that underpin Cycling New Zealand's strategy to foster and grow young cycling talent, and increase the quantity and quality of riders feeding into the National High Performance Programme.

The initial intake has been selected following a training camp at the campus of major hub sponsor, Toi Ohomai (formerly Waiariki/BOP Polytechnic) last month.

Hub coach Sam Thompson said the initial group would come into Rotorua on a regular basis for training camps and also receive training programmes for both on and off the bike, sports science and nutrition.

The initial squad:

Cross-Country, Under 23: Gareth Cannon (Woodville), Ben Oliver (Rangiora), Craig Oliver (Rangiora).

Under 19: Eden Cruise (Wellington), Taylor Johnston (Rotorua), Jessica Manchester (Auckand), Phoebe Young (Wanaka), Jack Wilson (Tauranga).

Downhill, Under 19: Charlie Makea (Napier), Billy Meaclem (Christchurch), Josh Oxenham (Auckland), Shania Rawson (Tauranga), Sam Robbie (Queenstown).

Further riders will be added to the Hub at a later date.