Young Cyclist Assistance Announced!

With the Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards 2016 done & dusted, we are proud to say we raised just under $6,000. All the money has been donated to help cure oesophageal cancer via Tour de Cure, to an education fund for Lucas (Mark and Leeanne’s son), and to help two Young Cyclists by providing AUD$1,000 financial assistance.

There were many incredible stories of passion, determination, sacrifice, and commitment from cyclists across multiple continents, representing Young Cyclists globally. It was a difficult decision, with all the nominees, each in their own way, deserving of the AUD$1,000.

Wade Wallace from CyclingTips.com, Rob Arnold from Ride Media, and I (Leeanne Gatien, Mark’s wife) were honoured to select the two Young Cyclists.

And this year Ruby Livingstone (New Zealand) and Louis Stibbard (Australia) were selected to each receive AUD$1,000 to help them in their pursuit of their cycling career.

Congratulations to all our nominees and in particular Ruby & Louis; we hope this help will really make a difference to you. The Awards will be part of the 2017 Mark Gunter Photographer of the Year Awards, so there will be more chances next year.

https://rubylivingstone.wordpress.com

Ruby Livingstone is a 23 year old Kiwi road cyclist who’s number one passion is cycling.

Ruby first started cycling on skinny tyres at age 12 on the outdoor concrete velodrome in Auckland. She spent the past 11 years riding out what has been a tough journey; including illness whilst racing in New Zealand and during a Europe season with UCI Pro Team BePink LaClassica.

Now racing with Team Roxsolt Attaquer, Ruby has the opportunity to race UCI events in the US.  Ruby will use the $1,000 to pay for flights to the US. Good luck Ruby.

 https://www.gofundme.com/25rfsjwk

Louis Stibbard is a 14 year old cyclist from Newcastle, who’s beating the odds and competing with Type 1 Diabetes, Coeliac Disease, and Juvenile Arthritis.

At the age of 10, Louis started on a bike, and hasn’t looked back.  He has tried the full range of disciplines, including the Track, Mountain Bike, and most recently in Cyclocross, where his passion lies.

And Louis has done all of this either on borrowed bikes, or 3rd or 4th hand bikes.

Louis will use the $1,000 to get to Cyclocross National Series events and for Continuous Glucose Monitors to help manage his Diabetes during training and racing. Good luck Louis.