New Zealand is set to receive a further boost to its cycling success with the launch of their UCI Continental Pro Cycling Academy team.

The Black Spoke Pro Cycling Academy will be packed with some of New Zealand’s top cycling talent and supported by an array of experienced ex-professionals, with a goal of seeing more Kiwi cyclists compete on the world stage.

General Manager Scott Guyton said: "We believe Black Spoke delivers a missing step in the pathway to the top of the sport."

"Providing this clear pathway helps New Zealand’s existing talent unlock their potential and hopefully inspires future generations of Kiwis to consider cycling as a realistic professional sporting career’.

Aaron Gate, who claimed the gold medal at the recent UCI track racing competitions in Cambridge and Brisbane, is among the accomplished riders to headline the team.

Hayden McCormick also returns to New Zealand after several years racing in Europe, along with James Oram - who led the Mitchelton Bike Exchange Continental team on the Asian circuit last year.

"The opportunity to develop my racing career with a New Zealand team that has big ambitions and is able to foot it on the world stage is amazing. Projects of this nature are rare and unique. With a Kiwi heart and soul, I know fans will support this around the globe," Gate said.

Under-23 riders Luke Mudgway and Ethan Batt are also included in the team, as well as five current Under-19 riders making the step up.

Former Giro d'Italia stage winner and SBS Tour de France co-host David ‘Macca’ McKenzie will also be involved, along with former professional Scott Guyton and high-performance coach Marc Prutton.

The team will kick off their ambitious programme with the New Zealand Cycle Classic in January - in the Wairarapa - before tours in Taiwan and Australia.