The awards dinner was held on Friday 29th August at Hotel Coachman.
The guest speaker was Trevor Shailer CEO of Sport Manawatu. Trevor has just returned from the Glasgow Commonwealth games where he was the deputy chef de mission. Trevor had a wonderful photo display running in the background as he spoke about various aspects of the Commonwealth games. He was both entertaining and informative, starting from the beginning, giving a description of how he grew up and his aim to go to the Olympic games.
He was then asked to present National Champions jerseys to those members that have competed at National events and won their respective events.The National Champions jerseys were first presented last year as it was recognised by the Board of Bike Manawatu that our cyclists who were achieving these results were receiving little in recognition for their results at National competitions whether it was track or road events. The winners for 2014 were Michaela Drummond, Megan Blatchford-Peck, Campbell Stewart, Jordan Castle
and Simon van Velthooven. As Simon was not present Mike McRedmond accepted his jersey on his behalf.
Mike McRedmond received the Bike NZ Coach of the Year award at the Bike NZ AGM but was unable to be present at that point, so the trophy was presented to him formally on Friday night. Mike on receiving his award spoke about what he has found most rewarding about coaching over the years and thanked his wife Natalie for her support.
Garry Buys presented the Pedal Pushers Good Samaritan award to Mike Keenan for his contribution to sorting out the Sunday recreational rides and prize draw, the masters age group club champs. Mike has always been able to help out whenever he is called on with the recreational rides and other events that he helps organising including the Awards dinner.
The Jim Mason Cup is presented to people who aren’t necessarily members of the club but contribute to the club in various ways. This year the cup was presented to Michael Groube. Mike works tirelessly as a volunteer. He is often present at races working behind the scenes on traffic management and does a thoroughly professional job. He will use his own car, truck or other equipment at no cost to BM and is there long after the event concludes packing up. Further, he readily helps riders other than his own children to get to events and then supports them during events.
The Hughes family trophy is awarded to the best all rounder club member, not judged only on cycling abilities but also for committment and contribution to helping in other areas.
Toshi Yamauchi is an avid club member who regularly competes in club, fun and open races. He is always ready to help a rider or race organiser despite his busy work commitments. Toshi always wears his BM jersey with pride and always has a smile on his face. In accepting his award he commented that he really enjoyed being a part of such a great club.
Megan Blatchford-Peck was awarded the Black Memorial Trophy. This year Megan won several national track events and also competed at the National Road champs in Cambridge. She has helped with coaching, is an active member of the track committee and always encourages woman and masters riders to participate in events both at club level and national events.
Masters Awards for Individual time trial, Hill Climb and Track Individual pursuit and time trial. as well as overall champion were presented also. These awards are for Masters age group riders and are awarded on a handicap basis so a 35year old is competing on a level comparable to a preson aged 85 years. To be eligible for the Overall champion award riders had to compete in 3 of the 4 events. These events were held earlier in the year.
Megan Blatchford Peck was awarded the Womens time trial trophy as well as the Hill Climb trophy whilst Glenys Taylor won the track trophy and the Overall Champions Cup. These awards were presented by Mike Keenan.
The Mens trophies were to be presented to Marcel Hollenstein and Barry Gilliland but as both were not present they will be presented at the end of year prizegiving.