by Vaughan Hunt | Oct 13, 2013 | Event Reports
What a lovely ride we had on Sunday 13th October from Mangaweka back to Palmerston North. The weather, albeit a bid windy (very windy actually) was dry, there was a great turn out of people of varying strengths and all appearing to be enjoying the lovely countryside and company of others. It is a shame therefore that again I feel the need to write an article expressing my frustrations (I’m putting it mildly) about rider selfishness.
Shortly after leaving Cheltenham and as the wind continued to blow, there were a few people in our group (two groups having merged at this stage) who were struggling to keep up and as I tend to do, I moved up to the front to ask that the speed be cut back. To my annoyance, the group continued on at the same speed and I decided to drop back to ride with and support one of our colleagues. We rode the last 25 kilometres by ourselves, without any other cyclists in sight, they perhaps clearly more interested in coffee than helping a fellow cyclist. I certainly don’t mind doing this if there is only 2-3 kilometres to go, but how could a group of experienced cyclists and yes, there were some very strong and experienced cyclists in this group, leave someone to struggle on their own, especially with so far to go. Out of a group of approximately 30 cyclists, I would have thought it quite appropriate that 3-4 riders drop back to help those that are struggling.
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by Vaughan Hunt | Oct 10, 2013 | Event Reports
Last Saturday saw the running of Bike Manawatu’s equivalent of Paris-Roubaix, the Essex Cup around the Pohangina Valley loop. The course goes straight up the Valley to Pohangina Village and out the other side on the unsealed Pohangina Valley West Rd. After turning right at Churchill Drive, the race then turns right onto Pohangian Valley East Rd and then back to Ashhurst.
A relatively small, but hardened group of riders turned up to taste some dirt and enjoy a dry and fairly windless race.
Two riders, Tamara Ross (Wanganui) and Thomas Stannard, started off ‘limit’ being given a 14 min start on the next bunch of three riders, Katherine Stannard, Toshi Yamauchi, and Michaela Walker (Wanganui). Another 12 minutes back was the largest bunch on ‘block’ containing Ross and Jordan Castle, Jake van Lienen, Cody Simpson, and Ross Rainham. Last to start, off ‘scratch’ were Paddy Daly and Steve Stannard, another two minutes back.
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by Vaughan Hunt | Oct 7, 2013 | Archive(News)
Hi
I went out on the Sunday Masters ride this week and took an inexperienced rider. When I looked round there were no other newer riders and was a bit worried I had put her in a situation that was too hard and cause her to fail.
We went on the short ride led by Steve in a group of about 10.
The ride was well paced and all riders were looked after. They waited on the hills and even changed parts of the ride so it was flatter.
The person had a fabulous experience and gained confidence with group riding. She was helped with techniques and advice as to which gear to use.
She will return and that is what we want to happen.
Thank you to the group.
Dianne
by Vaughan Hunt | Oct 7, 2013 | Board Chair's Blog
What a privilege and a pleasure it was to witness our young riders clean up at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Cycling Champs last weekend. So many fantastic results across so many age groups and events. Congratulations to the riders, their coaches, teachers , parents and supporters.
Our young riders are to be proud of both on and off the bike.
The Schools programme in Manawatu is the envy of many and really is a testament to the great work and effort put in by John Arbuckle and his team.
Saturday , the Teams Time Trial day , in Levin was for some a joy to behold as the winds came up almost to gale force. Our riders seemed to grow another leg. When the going gets tough our tough riders really did get get going.
First place for our junior girls team from PNGHS and then that was backed up by First and Second place for our Junior Team from PNBHS. Those efforts surpassed the great results from PNINS who earlier had placed second in both boys and girls. Our senior teams were only just off the very strong pace.
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by Vaughan Hunt | Oct 4, 2013 | Novice Tour of Manawatu
Entries are open
Under 13 – $45 (Born in 2009, 2010 or 2011)
Under 15 – $55 (Born in 2007 or 2008)
Under 17 – $65 (Born in 2005 or 2006)
Under 19 – $75 (Born in 2003 or 2004)
We are VERY excited to be apart of the new Cycling New Zealand National Road Series
Age Grade Categories are calculated as at 31 Dec 2021.
Riders will be racing on their 2021 Cycling NZ license and age grade
Grade is based on your age as at the 31st December 2021
Under 13 = 12 or younger at 31 December 2021
Under 15 = 14 or younger at 31 December 2021
Under 17 = 16 or younger at 31 December 2021
Under 19 = 18 or younger at 31 December 2021
From Cycling New Zealand FAQ
**Please note our 2021 Novice Tour is considered a bonus round**
Who is Eligible?
All NZL riders in the following age groups (as at 31 Dec 2022) are eligible to take part:
U15, U17, U19
Those U13 riders who are at the U15 ability can race U15 (the first licence available in the R&T system). All riders must be a minimum of year 7 at school in the year of the competition for the U15 grade in the NRS.
How are age groups calculated?
The series is regarded as the 2022 series and as such ages are calculated as at 31
December 2022.
Each event will offer a minimum of one of the following grades: U15, U17 and U19.
For 2021 Bonus Events; riders are able to race in their 2021 age group with any points gained
from these races taken with them to their 2022 age category.
What gearing do I ride?
Gearing will be in line with Cycling New Zealand Road & Track Rules with riders riding the gear of their 2022 age group (unless you have applied for a derogation – see above)
What licence do I need?
Riders will be required to hold a Cycling New Zealand Youth or Schools Licence * Noting age
categories are calculated as at 31 Dec 2022. For events prior to 1 January 2022 a 2021
licence is accepted. For events post 1 Jan 2022 only a 2022 licence is accepted.
*U19 riders must hold a Cycling New Zealand Youth licence – all other grades are eligible to
race on either a Cycling New Zealand Schools licence or a Cycling New Zealand Youth
Licence.
How many races do I have to do?
The 2022 NRS series will commence in October 2021 and will conclude at 31 December 2022.
Riders are encouraged to race one or more events with riders gaining points from their best two (number of events TBC once all events are confirmed) results for the overall series recognition.
Any 2021 events are considered as bonus races and any points earned from these races will be additional to your top two road events.
How are the points awarded?
Points will be awarded for each event in the series using the points system under the points system tab.
The overall series winner is awarded to the rider that scores the most series points taking
into account their (to be determined number) of their best results (plus any bonus points
from the 2021 events) considered for the overall series recognition.
In the event of a tie for first, the highest-placed rider in the final race of the most recent
series race shall take precedence.
Top three overall riders in the series categories (U19, U17 and U15) will be recognised as
National Series Champion and podium place getters. There is no recognition for U13; this
can be done by each event at their discretion.
At the time of entry, riders will be able to nominate their CNZ affiliated club, CNZ affiliated
trade team or CNZ Hub. There will be recognition of each of these categories throughout
the race series.
In line with the series objectives, Cycling New Zealand (together with the event organisers
and commissaires) may recongises a rider who bet demonstrates the intent of the
objectives. This will be through the “Living the Values” awards.
How do I enter?
Entries are made by the individual to each event as determined by the event organisers. Entries are subject to the terms and conditions of each organiser. All entries into the official events are considered for the overall series titles.
