Ben Johnstone
A few years ago, Dad had an old Avanti Kona sitting in the garage and told me I should give it a go on the road and see if I like the world of cycling. So one day I went out with him. My first ride was with Dad though 5 o’clock traffic around town trying to clip in and out of pedals and trying to keep up with him! I got back and hated it, but I kept riding here and there just for something to do. Then one weekend I went out to one of the Marsden Wheelers junior club races and won my age group. I liked winning! So after that I did more training and won a Northland Secondary School event. I trained more and more and aimed for a few races. I have now raced in big New Zealand junior races (e.g.) Te Awamutu Tour which I placed 3rd 2010. the club Road Nationals I placed 3rd in 2010 from a 3 man breakaway and I’m the current 2011 Auckland Road Champ for under 17. I have also raced a few races with the “big boys”. The Rev 1000 I finished 14th and most most recently I competed in the last 2 stages of the BDO Tour of Northland where I placed 4th on stage 3 beating some pros. Luckily my Dad is a top cyclist and helps me out a lot with training and tactics.
My plans for 2011 and 2012 is to do all those big events and get seen by bike NZ selectors and hopefully make it into the New Zealand under 17 development squad and go to Cambera. I want to take AvantiPlus to the top.
A big thanks to Paul and Tracey for giving me loads of support !!!!
