PureBlack Racing were launched in July 2010, aiming to become New Zealand’s first international UCI ProTour road cycling team. Olympians, professional athletes, business figures, politicians and government agencies from around the country showed strong support for the venture by attending the launch in Auckland.
Lead by America’s Cup yachtsman, Star Class World Champion and Olympian, Carl Williams, PureBlack Racing competed in UCI’s US Continental Tour in 2011 with the ultimate aim of becoming a ProTour Team with entry to the Tour de France by 2015. In December 2011, PureBlack Racing announced the team's proposed race program was in jeopardy due to lack of funding, and they were seeking further sponsorship.[1]
Team PureBlack Racing grew out of Team Bici Vida, a domestic high performance cycling team, which Williams launched on his return from Valencia. From day one Williams’ vision was to build a world-class international cycle team in New Zealand, establishing it as a fully professional sports organisation.
| Name | Date of Birth | Nationality | 2010 Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Barry | 29.01.1988 | New Zealand | Néo-pro |
| Glen Chadwick | 17.10.1976 | New Zealand | Budget Forklifts |
| Louis Crosby | 31.12.1989 | New Zealand | Ex-pro (Subway-Avanti 2009) |
| Timothy Gudsell | 17.02.1984 | New Zealand | Française des Jeux |
| Taylor Gunman | 14.03.1991 | New Zealand | Néo-pro |
| Mark Langlands | 09.06.1987 | New Zealand | Néo-pro |
| Scott Lyttle | 08.02.1984 | New Zealand | Ex-pro (Ride Sport Racing 2009) |
| James McCoy | 16.06.1990 | New Zealand | Néo-pro |
| Michael Northley | 24.03.1987 | New Zealand | Ex-pro (Land Rover-Orbea 2009) |
| Shem Rodger | 04.12.1988 | New Zealand | Néo-pro |
| Michael Torckler | 12.04.1987 | New Zealand | Néo-pro |
| Roman Van Uden | 29.10.1988 | New Zealand | Ex-pro (Land Rover-Orbea 2009) |
| James Williamson | 27.03.1989 | New Zealand | Subway-Avanti |