Stuart Gudsell Honored with Life Membership at Te Awamutu Rugby Sports & Recreation Club

Te Awamutu cycling stalwart Stuart Gudsell has been honored with a life membership at the Te Awamutu Rugby Sports & Recreation Club for his outstanding contributions to the sport over the past three decades.

Gudsell’s involvement in the Te Awamutu Sports Cycling Club has been extensive, serving as a rider, committee member, and former club president. His dedication to the club became even more pronounced when his son Tim began cycling as a junior and achieved national success, eventually riding professionally in Europe.

One of Gudsell’s most notable achievements was organizing the Te Awamutu Junior Tour in 2001, which became a premier event in New Zealand, attracting top junior cyclists from around the country. Many of the winners from the tour went on to have successful careers in professional cycling, thanks to Gudsell’s hard work and determination.

During his tenure as club president in the late 1990s and early 2000s, Gudsell played a crucial role in rebuilding the club and increasing its membership. His leadership and dedication helped shape the club into the successful organization it is today.

Despite his busy schedule, Gudsell still finds time to race weekly in the E-grade during the Tuesday night Spoken Cycles Summer series, showcasing his continued passion for cycling.

The Te Awamutu Rugby Sports & Recreation Club also recognizes Gudsell’s wife, Diane, for her unwavering support of Stuart at both a code and club level.

Gudsell’s induction as a life member is a well-deserved honor, making him the club’s third recipient of this prestigious title. His legacy and impact on the cycling community in Te Awamutu will be felt for years to come.