New Zealand cycling team Bolton Equities Black Spoke is pulling out permanently

Scott Guyton, general manager of Bolton Equities Black Spokes, had some bad news. The New Zealand formation disappears entirely from cycling. The team had previously dropped Bolton Equities as title/main sponsor but wanted to continue at continental level with the help of alternative backers. However, this turned out to be a vain hope.

Investment firm Bolton Equities has been the team’s main financial backer as title sponsor for the last four seasons, but will step down as main sponsor at the end of this cycle. The cycling establishment began looking for additional sponsors to fill the resulting funding gap. The team hoped to continue at the continental level the following year, but this was only possible with the help of alternative supporters.

In October, the team was still optimistic about a further future at continental level, but the search for a new financier was ultimately fruitless. “All good things come to an end, and unfortunately Black Spoke is no exception,” manager Scott Guyton begins his story in a press release. “It pains me to announce that we are unable to secure the sponsors we need for 2024.”

Bittersweet ending
“Black Spoke will be gone before the end of the year. It’s a bittersweet decision as we’ve built something important and unique. Black Spoke has undeniably left its mark on New Zealand cycling history. The team’s performance has exceeded our wildest dreams. But given the logistical demands and the unpredictability of cycling, Running the team was the biggest challenge.

“This is the end of the Black Spoke team, but I hope the legacy we have left will continue to inspire and motivate New Zealand riders and riders outside of New Zealand. New Zealand riders have had the opportunity to shine on the world stage through our team. I would like to thank everyone who has been a part of this unforgettable journey.

Bolton Equities Black Spoke Last season there were 23 riders under contract, Aaron Gate, Rory Townsend, the most famous names. Logan Currie, Mark Stewart, James Fuchs and Jacob Scott. The team won fifteen races, including Teehu Lake, Tour de Langkawi and La Rue Tourangelle.