Cycling New Zealand's taken what it hopes is the next big step on its track to global success with the launch of its new mountain bike performance hub in Rotorua.
Among the redwoods of Rotorua, the next crop of Kiwi mountain bikers are growing.
Cycling NZ is opening the first of two national hubs for mountain biking and BMX - this one taking a yearly intake of juniors, to undergo coaching and training.
The Glasgow Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallists Sam Gaze and Anton Cooper are already among the elite in their sport, and they're in no doubt the centralised hub will make it easier for others to follow in their tracks
"Sam and I have been able to do it on our own, that's thanks to support we've had from sponsors but not everyone is so fortunate and I think some riders react a lot differently to support than others, you'll see a lot of people come out of the woodwork that you never knew existed," Cooper says.
Cooper's had a 2016 to forget. Persistent illness ruined his shot at the Olympics, but he hopes surgery has cleared up the problems.
"They trimmed up my turbinates and took my adenoids out, so yeah they've done a bit of work in there, gave me a wee chimney sweep and it's all running hot at the moment," Cooper says.
Gaze, 20, did make it to Rio, but mechanical trouble ruined his campaign.
His focus has already shifted to 2020.
"With the potential I see here we could even have three riders at Tokyo," he says.
And if the hub works as its intended, these dirt trails could have a truly golden glow.
Newshub.
