What lies behind a rider, when you see him claiming a win, or struggling at the back of the peloton? All you see in front of you is the rider himself, but behind him lies so much more. More than most could comprehend...

Leading up to an event, several things must be considered before you even make the start line. I'll use myself as an example, since I'm currently piecing together my first year of racing full time since 2009. Here's a list of what/who is behind me, and what they do.

Soto Engineering has been my Major Sponsor since my first road race! Frank Soto assisted me in my European Campaign, as well as throughout my time with Praties Australia in 2009. Without a sponsor such as Soto Engineering, a lot of the races throughout the year would be unreachable, due to financial limitations. Soto Engineering has been, and still is the backbone of my support network, far beyond what I've said here...

Lakes Oil has also recently offered to play a part in getting me to races. This company will be paying a percentage of my accumulated costs throughout the Tour of Gippsland, and possibly future events too. Working closely alongside Caribou Publications with Madeleine Brialey, Lakes Oil has offered its' support to a full team of riders, allowing these cyclists to participate in an event that would normally be out of reach...

Bustamove Personal Training has kindly joined forces, to offer me discounted personal training as well as advise and support off the bike. Having just recently linked with them, it's exciting to imagine where this could lead to in the future.

Cyclingtribe.com has been a good friend of mine for over a year now, with Jarrod Partridge snapping great photos (great for sponsor feedback) and Sam Burke publishing my articles, and promoting my name. Without a media outlet like cyclingtribe, sponsor support goes unnoticed and unappreciated.

And finally, Velocino Cycles and Performance Studio as one unit - offering me mechanical support, and training advise respectively. What good is a bike if it doesn't work? Thanks guys!

It hits home when I read what I've just written, and it makes even me realise; without sponsors like Soto Engineering, I'd literally be financially crippled by my racing aspirations.

A big thank you to all of the above, namely Soto Engineering - your support goes unrivalled, and very much appreciated.

Readers, feel free to actually click on the above links and see what each of these companies do - and just how little they actually get in return for their assistance...