Cycle Team Signing Coup

Takaka native Jack Bauer, 24, represents a “signing coup” for CEO Jonathan Vaughters of Boulder-based cycling unit the 2012 Team Garmin-Cervelo. Vaughters went deep into cycling’s hinterland to find a possible star for Europe’s spring classics. “He’s won quite a few races,” Vaughters said. “He’s a little bit like a guy who’s batting .500 on a Double-A team. Nobody notices him because he’s playing for the Pueblo Padres.” Bauer was an accomplished mountain biker who represented New Zealand in the 2006 world championships and did road racing to stay fit for mountain biking. Signing with British team Endura, Bauer won numerous small races in Belgium and won the New Zealand road race championship last year. “He’s a top, top talent,” Vaughters said. Bauer attended Otago University where he completed a Physical Education degree. He also played bass in Dunedin alternative-rock band Dream Farm.