The North Island Team Series kicked off over the weekend in Alfredton, with Bike Manawatu riders lining up across teams and categories.
As is the usual for NIS races recently Cat 1 and 2 were combined to have a viable field of riders. Wheelworks fielded a strong team of Cat 1 riders and were effective in dictating the race, frequently sending a rider up the road while controlling the peloton. WCNI riders were active in trying to get to the front of the race. Philipp Vranek animated the race early, repeatedly attacking or trying to tow a team member across to the head of the race. Chris Hansen impressively crossed solo to Jack Polley on the second lap. In the final lap things did not fall WCNI’s way with Blair Christian finishing 6th just out of individual points and Chris paying for his second lap effort and finishing 9th. The old man of the team Glenn Kirk measured his effort well and finished 12th, securing 2nd place points in the team’s competition.
In Cat 3, Team JTcoaching BM lined up well represented with seven riders, despite losing two during the week to sickness and a crash at Schools Nationals. The 68km race started off at a steady pace, but the calm didn’t last long. Around 15km in, the racing lit up when Cody Clark launched a strong attack. With blustery winds scattering the peloton, riders were battling to hold wheels as the attacks and counters came thick and fast. Cody showed his strength, riding clear and opening a gap that stretched out to 2 minutes 30 seconds on the chasers. Behind, the race split into two chase groups. The first included Cliff from JTcoaching BM alongside four iRide riders, with the remaining JTcoaching riders a further three minutes back.
In the final stages, Cliff attacked his chase group, while Cody powered on solo to the line, securing a brilliant win with a minute to spare. Cliff’s move sealed second place, giving Team JTcoaching BM an impressive one-two finish to start the series on a high.
Race 1 was a great start to the series for Palmfeild Motors / Bike Manawatu in Cat 4. With 5 riders in the top 11 places they secured the win for the team and for the GC. A super tight finish with .03 second between first and third place. We had Graham Hall coming first with another Manawatu resident, Dan MacKay second, Brendon Clark 3rd, Pat Johnstone 5th, Shane Chadwick 7th, Darren Murdie 11th. Great team work!
The teams look forward to Race 2 on the same course, scheduled for 12th October. Also remember that you don’t have to be registered in a team to compete in this series.