Vink Rising Through Cycling's Ranks
Michael Vink
by Maree Mahony
Christchurch teenager Michael Vink has started his sporting year in top gear and has no intention of going into cruise mode any time soon.
The 18-year-old stole the headlines at the New Zealand road cycling champs in the city last month by leading a classy field for about two-thirds of the 186km road race. This was despite using a borrowed bike and then being hit with a puncture and losing a minute while it was mended. His brilliant performance came just two days after he won the under-23 time trial title.
Michael took all the attention in his stride and days later was competing in Southland where he won a criterium title and was second in the Gore to Invercargill Classic.
"Riding is what I love to do," Michael says. "I've always been into bikes since I was a kid and from day one when I started on the road at about 15 I knew it was what I wanted to do."
Training alone means he rides about 500 kilometres a week under the guidance of former top cyclist Terry Gyde. "We just clicked and we understand each other. It works well," Michael says.
The racing's going to be hard as it'll be all over Europe but it's a great opportunity.
The relationship is set to continue even though Michael will move to Belgium next month to race for a top Belgian team, Isorex. Along with his friend Ruaraidh McLeod, he will be racing at a level just below the top professional riders who contest events such as the Tour de France.
"The racing's going to be hard as it'll be all over Europe but it's a great opportunity. I'll be able to get a really good benchmark by my placings as to where I stand."
Michael Vink
Michael left Christchurch Boys' High School two months ago having passed NCEA. But while friends' thoughts turn to university or jobs, he is happy to postpone study while he chases the dream of being a top professional cyclist.
"The sport has taken off especially since the Beijing Olympics with our track team going so well. It's just snowballed.
"Even at the nationals it was huge with all the people out on the streets and some of them yelling out for me. It was overwhelming."
Michael will join New Zealand's other top cycling talent at the national track champs in Invercargill this week.
PHOTOS: PETE BRUGGEMAN
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