The first race meeting of the Burkes Cycles Track Racing Speed League kicks off at 4pm this Sunday, November 4 at Hataitai Velodrome, ushering in a new era for cycling in Wellington.
Riders across all age groups and grades will earn points in a number of different events at the weekly season long competition which runs until end of March 2013. While riders race in categories according to ability, their points go towards just one overall league table. At the end of the season, Champions will be crowned in senior, under 17 and under 15 grades as well as highest overall women’s rider.
Some of the capitals top cyclists will be taking part in the league, including 2012 Laykold Cup winner Lee Evans, multiple Wellington junior champion Ollie Jones and female sprinter Hannah Latta.
Local shops and clubs are putting up mini squads for the Team Scratch event where teams work together with the aim of getting one of their riders – it doesn’t matter which one – across the line first.
“We’re hoping for the biggest turnout the velodrome has seen in years,” says PNP Cycling Club Head of Track Cycling and Co-Organiser Peter Moore. “We’ve had lots of interest and there’s quite a buzz about it within the cycling community.”
“The Team Scratch will pitch different squads against each other in a furious battle for supremacy and we’ve got some awesome prizes and prestigious trophies up for grabs.”
Among the prizes that will be dished to the winners, is a Lemond Fitness Trainer worth over $1000 and Mavic wheels. They’ll also receive unique Champion Systems cycling jerseys, custom designed and produced for the Burkes Speed League victors only.
“It’s the perfect spectator sport with 14 races in two hours,” said Co-Organiser Nick Warren. “Entry is free and there’s plenty of parking for anyone wishing to come and watch.”
As well as the Burkes Speed League, PNP will also be organising the Wellington Centre Championships, and the Laykold Cup on December 2. The Cup has an 84 year old history and is one of the largest events on the Lower North Island’s cycling calendar.
For more information, visit www.pnp.org.nz/track or contact Nick Warren at nick@cycle-wire.com, 021 0299 0632. Images ©Rowena Blakely.
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