Carl Williams of Pure Black Racing
Carl Williams by Tom Roberton
Sailing is in Carl Williams’ blood. In fact, his grandfather even named his first boat after his favourite rum.
“I used to come home from school or sailing to my mother’s boat in Westhaven. She ran a sailing school (Carl’s mother is Debbie Whiting) and kept a stash of treats for her clients. I have to admit, I robbed the boat on a few occasions.”
Williams, who wanted to be an athlete from a young age, became an America’s Cup sailor, and an Olympic one.
“Sailing is such an open sport – there are so many contributing factors – the team aspect, the technical skills, the physical requirements. There are a whole set of skills and it’s been a vehicle for me to experience the world. I lived for five years in Spain, I’ve lived in Sweden, North America.”
Recently though, after being bitten by the cycling bug during a stint of cross-training in the leadup to the Beijing Olympics, Williams has launched a cycling team. They’re called Pure Black Racing, and have the admirable ambition of being New Zealand’s first professional team to reach the illustrious Tour De France. New Zealand is a strong cycling nation. We have, Williams explains, lots of roads and a bent for the physical. Per capita we have far fewer cyclists than say, America. Despite that, we still have a lot of talent to draw upon.
“There are 20 riders now, ten professional and ten amateur. The professional ones are based for 6 months here and 6 months in North America, the amateur riders split their time between New Zealand and Australia. The end goal is Europe.”
“It’s a new idea. Pure Black is in our own style, it’s a little bit edgy. Black uniforms, the logo is designed by a tattoo artist. There’s a modern feel to it, explains Williams.
“We’re working on a partnership, a major partnership with Avanti, the New Zealand cycle manufacturers. Their goal is to be at the Tour De France within five years. That’s ours too. We have the same ambition.”
Favourite STOLEN Rum Cocktail: The STOLEN Ginger.
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