NSN locks in its “Kiwi” core: Corbin Strong through 2029, extensions for Dion Smith and George Bennett
Cycling
The NSN Cycling Team has secured the continuity of three of its leading New Zealanders with the renewals of Corbin Strong, Dion Smith, and George Bennett. The team doubles down on an experienced, well-balanced core for the coming seasons.
Strong, 26, has signed a new deal through the end of 2029, while Smith will stay for two more seasons and Bennett has extended by one year, according to cycling transfer specialist Daniel Benson. The trio fulfills different roles within the setup.
The renewals arrive at a time of growth for the team, which is preparing a more ambitious project targeting stage races and the general classification from 2027.
The arrivals of Santiago Buitrago and Lennert Van Eetvelt will strengthen that direction, while the experience of the three New Zealanders will allow NSN to field a block ready to take responsibility in both Grand Tours and classics.
🚨 Corbin Strong, Dion Smith, and George Bennett have all signed contract extensions with NSN Cycling Team. 🇳🇿 🇨🇭
— Dnlbenson (@dnlbenson) October 1, 2026
Strong, team leader through 2029
Corbin Strong will remain one of NSN Cycling Team’s key figures over the next three seasons. The New Zealander has spent his entire pro career within the structure and, at 26, has established himself as a pillar of the project.
Strong is a versatile rider, competitive in fast finishes and one-day races, but also ready to take on support duties when team strategy demands it. His consistency and ability to adapt to different race scenarios have made him a valuable asset.
His extension through 2029 is a long-term bet on his development. The team expects him to keep progressing and increase his win tally, while Strong targets individual improvement and a bigger role in NSN’s push at major races.
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Smith, experience and work for the leaders
Dion Smith, 33, joined NSN this season and quickly became a mainstay in support roles. His contract now runs for two more years, cementing his place within the structure.
The New Zealander stands out for his versatility and capacity to perform different tasks during a race. His experience allows him to work for the leaders, control race situations, and adapt to varied terrain.
His role will be especially relevant in a team aiming higher. Smith has found at NSN a clear remit and will continue to bring experience and collective work over the next two seasons.

Bennett leads the Kiwi contingent at the 2026 Tour
Bennett, veteran at the service of the GC
George Bennett will enter his 16th season as a professional in 2027 after signing a one-year extension. At 36, the climber remains one of the team’s on-road references.
A specialist in the mountains and stage races, Bennett will add experience as road captain and support rider for the men targeting the general classification. His knowledge of the biggest races will be crucial to NSN’s new project.
The presence of Buitrago and Van Eetvelt will bolster the team’s GC ambitions and give Bennett a prominent role within that block. His continuity also preserves a strong New Zealand thread in a roster that values experience and collective development.
| Rider | Nationality | Renewed through |
| Corbin Strong | New Zealand | 2029 |
| Dion Smith | New Zealand | 2028 |
| George Bennett | New Zealand | 2027 |

Javier RampeCycling Journalist
Javier Rampe is a sports analyst with more than 15 years of experience. He holds a degree in Economics from the University of Rome and a Diploma in Business Studies from the University of Cádiz. Despite coming from an academic background not particularly associated with cycling, his passion for both cycling and journalism was instilled in him from an early age. He grew up following Miguel Indurain and José María “El Chava” Jiménez. An admirer of Michael Robinson’s communication style and journalistic approach, he was inspired to pursue a degree in Journalism at the University of Buenos Aires, which he is currently completing.
He has always maintained close ties with the worlds of sport and culture, contributing from a young age to sports blogs and film and music review websites. His work has appeared in media outlets such as Cope, RAI, and Radio Con Vos. He is also the founder of the cycling-focused podcast El Contraanálisis and the football interview channel Días De Fútbol, dedicated to conversations with professional footballers.
In addition to his work at Ciclismoaldia, Javier has interviewed some of the most influential figures in modern cycling, including Alejandro Valverde and Tadej Pogačar, as well as key voices in anti-doping policy such as Alberto Yelmo, David Varillas, and Marcelo Milano. Marcos Maynar, in relation to the ‘Operación Ílex’ case, is also among the personalities he has interviewed. He enjoys conducting in-depth analysis of the cycling ecosystem and has attended major events such as Strade Bianche, the Vuelta a Andalucía, and Itzulia, as well as numerous national cyclo-cross races.
His background in economics, combined with extensive experience in marketing and corporate communications, drives his continuous study of positioning strategies and ensures that he always keeps his focus on crafting compelling and evocative headlines.
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