Novice Tour of Manawatu

Novice Tour History – Some Reminiscences of the Tour

by Bike Manawatu | Jul 16, 2018 | Novice Tour of Manawatu

Some Reminiscences of the Tour

Ian Gray – Founder of the Tour in 1974

The Open Novice Tour of the Manawatu commenced in 1974 to inspire young U17 riders to compete in a major Open Tour. At that particular time the Palmerston North Amateur Road Cycling Club was putting all its effort and a large amount of money into running a three-day Tour of the Manawatu for senior riders. After much lobbing I managed to convince the club that they should also promote a tour for young riders so that could be encouraged to learn and experience Tour racing riding in bunches.

The first eight tours were sponsored by Glaxo when they were still a NZ company situated in Palmerston North. In 1974 they had just developed for the market that wonderful meal replacer Complan, which is still available today and has been used successfully by cyclists over the years. The tour was called “The Glaxo Complan Colts Tour of the Manawatu”. The field in those days was limited to thirty five riders, the logic being that a bunch of that size was large enough for young riders to ride safely in. No girls rode in those early tours. Later on, when a few girls started racing they were required to race with the boys. When girls racing became much more popular this enabled them to have their own separate tour from 2002.

In the early years the tour was run on the same weekend as the National Secondary Schools Sir Bernard Fergusson Teams Time Trials run at Levin on Saturday. Later on when the schools Time Trial event was expanded to include a road race on the Sunday this clashed with the Manawatu Tour, giving riders a choice, but the tour proved to be more popular.

The first Novice Tour in 1974 was convincingly won by Eric Mackenzie of Kawerau. Eric went on to become a very successful all round rider winning several National Track titles as well as winning The Tour of Southland, 2^nd in the Tour of Manawatu and 4^th in the Dulux 6 day (Auckland to Wellinton) in 1979. Eric rode successfully as a professional in Europe winning 17 races in Belgium in 1981. This record enabled him to get a pro contract during which he rode the Tour de France four times, winning a 3^rd stage placing in 1983, and also achieving twelve top 10 stages finishes in those four tours.

Over the years the Novice Tour has given great experience to young riders many who have won the tour and then gone one to become well recognized riders by winning national and international events. These riders include Westley and Regan Gough, Jeremy Yates (winner of the Junior Wolds Road Title), Shane Archibald, Catherine Cheatley (nee Sell) Lee Vertongen and Gary Anderson (First NZ rider to win an Olympic Medal). Greg Henderson who finished second in 1992 who went on to ride successfully as a professional in Europe, came to be one of the best lead out sprint rider in the top tours, has just recently retired from top racing.

The Tour over the years has been successfully supported by major sponsors firstly from local companies who owners have been closely associated with the club, as well as some national companies. These include T Market Fresh, in 1989 whose owner Monty Hollows gave great support to Manawatu cycling for over 50 years, Pedal Pushers Cyclery when jointly owned by Gary Buys and Ian Gray; Rose City Real Estate (run by Max Vertongen), Electropower, NZ Post, Avanti and Mitre 10. We should not forget the huge number of small sponsors that have given invaluable support over the years as well as the trophy donors.

Since the tour began in 1974 only five Manawatu riders have won the tour. Aaron Kibblewhite in 1989 (who later represented NZ at the Junior World Track Champs) and Lee Vertongen in 1991. Lee became one of our best ever Manawatu riders who represented NZ many times including World Junior Track Champs, Commonwealth Games and still holds the NZ hour record on the track of 50.23 km set on the new board track at Wanganui in 1997. In the modern era Campbell Stewart and Michaela Drummond became tour winners in 2013 and 2015 respectively, both became Junior World Track Champions. Robert Stannard was the fifth Manawatu rider to win the tour in 2015. Andrew Burnett who won the KOM title in 1989 (and also 2nd on GC the same year) while Sjoerd van Wagtendonk (2008) Robert Stannard (2013) and Chris Denholm (2013) are the only other Manawatu winners in the hill climb category.

The 40^th Anniversary Tour in 2013 was a milestone in the events history when it was expanded to include multiple grades from under 13 to under 19 years grades run in 4 stages over 2 days, instead of 4 stages in one day.
What has been really great about this tour over the years has been its excellent management and the many volunteers who have enthusiastically given their time to help run the tour, and this particularly includes the young riders who had previously ridden the tour, who loved being in the mechanics wagons helping and giving advice to the riders.
I would like to give encouragement and good luck to all riders competing in the 47^th Novice Tour this year. Do your best and enjoy it!

Specific Novice Tour 2019 Sponsors & Accommodation

by Bike Manawatu | Jun 27, 2018 | Novice Tour of Manawatu

Specific Ashhurst Engineering & Construction Novice Tour 2020 Sponsors

Under 13 Girls

Under 13 Boys

Under 15 Girls

Under 15 Boys

Under 17 Girls

Under 17 Boys

Under 19 Women

Under 19 Men

Stage Sponsors

Radios Provided By

Race Books

Volunteers & officials lunches

Novice Course Maps 2018

by Katherine Stannard | Sep 5, 2016 | Novice Tour of Manawatu

Saturday 15th September 2018

Stage 1 – Road Race – Hiwinui, Colyton, Taonui Loop

Lap 1 Course Map Here Lap 2 Course Map Here Lap 3 Course Map Here

Stage 1 – Course Notes

Neutral start at the sports ground behind Ashhurst school, out into Stanford St, left into Bamfield St then across Cambridge Ave into Bamfield St. Turn right in to Oxford St. Cyclist to stop at intersections and obey road rules.

Under 13 & U15 Riders will ride under neutral until the intersection of Colyton Rd and Grove Rd.

Riders head out Oxford St which turns into Colyton Rd. Head to Colyton village turn left into Taonui Rd. Turn Left into Campbell Rd. Turn left into Nannestads Line. Turn right into Reid Line East. Turn left into Watershed Rd.

For additional laps U17 & U19 riders, turn left into Colyton Rd head to Colyton Village.

For finish – All grades turn right at Colyton Road and head back towards Ashhurst.

The finish position is the same for Stages 1 & 3.

Cyclist cross the timing mat on Oxford, then neutral ride to the checking area, on Oxford St where gear check will be located.

From there the riders neutral ride back to the sports field.

*Riders must still consider the roads open at all times including during neutral ride.

	Grade	LAPS	Distance	Sprints	K/QoM
8.45am	Under 19 Boys	3	87 km	3	3
8.50am	Under 17 Boys	2	62 km	2	2
8.55am	Under 19, U23 & Elite Women	2	62 km	2	2
9.00am	Under 17 Girls	2	62 km	2	2
9.10am	Under 15 Boys	1	36 km	1	1
10.00am	Under 15 Girls	1	36 km	1	1
10.05am	Under 13 Girls	1	36 km	1	1
10.05am	Under 13 Boys	1	36 km	1	1

*Start Times Are Subject To Change with Confirmation by Commissaire 7 days prior to the event

Stage 2 – ITT – Ashhurst

ITT Course Map Here

Stage 2 – Course Notes

The start and roll out is located just before North Street on Cambridge Ave.

All riders must roll out prior to their start.

Start times are published at the back of this booklet.
It’s the riders responsibility to arrive in time for their start and roll out.

Riders head out to Cambridge Ave which becomes Pohangina Rd – turn at the woolshed at 6.87 km and head back to Ashhurst.

Start / Finish at the same place on Cambridge Ave.

Neutral ride back to the sports fields obeying all road rules and keeping left.

*ITT Start Times to be published once entries close

All grades 13.7 km out and back

First Grade starting at 1.30pm

Sunday 16th September 2018

Stage 3 – Road Race – Valley Road Circuit

Lap 1 Course Map Here Lap 2 Course Map Here Lap 3 Course Map Here

Stage 3 – Course Notes

Neutral start at the sports ground behind Ashhurst school, out into Stanford St, left into Bamfield St then right into Cambridge Ave.

Cyclist to stop at intersections and obey road rules.

Riders head out to Cambridge Ave which becomes Pohangina Rd. Turn left into Valley Rd. Turn left into Taonui Rd. Turn left into Colyton Rd which turns into Oxford St.

For Laps – Turn left into Wyndham St. Turn left into Cambridge Ave.

For Finish – Continue Straight on Oxford Street towards Ashhurst,

Colyton Rd From North St to Grove Rd.

This section of Stages 1 and 3 will be controlled with Manual Traffic Control.

However riders must still consider the roads open. The Traffic Management is in place to increase safety, however riders must still consider the roads open at all times.

The finish position is the same for Stages 1 & 3 both days. Cyclist cross the timing mat on Oxford, then neutral ride to the checking area, on Oxford St where gear check is located and timing devices removed. From there the riders neutral ride back to the sports field.

	Grade	LAPS	Distance	Sprints	K/QoM	Sprint Finish
8.45am	Under 19 Boys	3	105 km	6	6	1
8.50am	Under 17 Boys	2	70 km	4	4	1
8.55am	Under 19, U23 & Elite Women	2	70 km	4	4	1
9.00am	Under 15 Boys	1	35 km	2	2	1
9.05am	Under 17 Girls	2	70 km	4	4	1
9.10am	Under 15 Girls	1	35 km	2	2	1
9.15am	Under 13 Boys	1/2	24 km	1	1	1
9.15am	Under 13 Girls	1/2	24 km	1	1	1

*U13B & U13G START at the top of the K/QoM on Valley Road @ 11km

*U13 sign on at race HQ and then travel to the start location

*Sprint Woolshed, Before Colyton Hall & Finish

*K/QoM Top of Valley Road & Whitlocks Hill

U19 Boys (Feeding allowed on the third lap at the top of Valley Road Climb – at approx. 85km)

Novice Tour Event Information

by Katherine Stannard | Nov 19, 2015 | Novice Tour of Manawatu

The Novice Tour of Manawatu is a tour for licensed under 13,15,17 & 19 riders and is recognized as a premier Two Day Cycle Tour.
In line with CNZ, if we have any U23 women wanting to participate in our tour, you may email Cycling New Zealand for approval and your application will be conisdered on a case by case basis events@cyclingnewzealand.nz
Once we have approval from CNZ we can work through your entry manually.

In 2021 it is a 3 stage tour held within the Manawatu region.

Saturday 30^th October, Sunday 31^st October 2021

We are proud to be part of the 2021 Cycling New Zealand National Road Series.
Click here for more information on full series. http://nationalroadseries.nz
**Please note our 2021 Novice Tour is considered a bonus round**

Volunteers are the heart of our community
We are always looking for volunteers to help at our tour – If you or someone you know is available to offer a hand Marshalling, Judging, Driving etc- Please click here to fill in our form

Stages

The stages for the Novice Tour are as follows:

Friday night (29th October 2021)

Registration at Central Bicycle Studio at 69 Walding Street, Palmerston North from 4pm – 6pm and again at the event base, Ashhurst School the next morning from 7.30am. Please let us know if this will be you

Saturday (30th October 2021)

8:00 am – Officials & Volunteers Meeting at HQ

8:45 am – Stage 1: Road Race – Hiwinui, Colyton Loop

1:30pm – Stage 2: ITT – Ashhurst to Pohangina
2021 Start List Can Be Found Here – Click HERE

Sunday (31st October 2021)

8:45 am – Stage 3: Road Race – Valley Road Circuit

Prizegiving: 1.30pm – Ashhurst School – HQ Area

Points and Time Bonuses

The competitor with the lowest aggregate riding time, less any bonuses, plus any penalties, shall be the leader of the tour.
Time Bonuses For General Classification
1st = 10 sec
2nd = 5 sec
3rd = 3 sec
4th = 1 sec

Sprint Ace Competition

The competitor with the greatest number of points from the Sprint Primes shall be the Sprint Ace
Points for the sprint Ace Classification:
1st = 6 pts
2nd = 4 pts
3rd = 2 pts
4th = 1 pt
The finish of stages 1 & 3 count towards sprint ace competition

King / Queen of the Mountain Competition

The competitor with the greatest number of points from the KoM / QoM Primes shall be the King/ Queen of the Mountain
Points for the KoM / QoM Classification:
1st = 6 pts
2nd = 4 pts
3rd = 2 pts
4th = 1 pt

Most Aggressive Rider

Under 17 Boys & Girls and Under 19 Mens Grade only.
Selected by the Commissaires and awarded to the most combative rider.

U19’s are permitted Aero Bikes for TT

GEARING

*Riders may be asked for a gear check at any time. Maximum roll-out is as follows
U13 – 6.61 metres
U15 – 6.61 metres
U17 – 7.00 metres
U19 – 7.93 metres

Rules

The race will be conducted under CNZ rules, in addition to the following:
All appeals must be submitted to the Chief Judge in writing within 30 minutes of stage finish, with a fee of $50.
Only feeding zone will be for U19 Boys at the top of Valley Road for Stage 3 (Sunday)
To be eligible for the winner’s jerseys at prize giving, all stages must be completed.
All service must be carried out on the left hand side of the road by neutral service only.
Riders who deliberately break the road rules, will be warned/penalised/disqualified from the race at the discretion of the Commissaires.
Restarts will be given to riders who puncture or have a major mechanical breakdown within the first 200m of the time trial. Time penalties will be given for false starts.
Riders who puncture or have a mechanical after the first 200m will be credited with their own time or time of slowest rider who doesn’t have any mechanicals, whichever is fastest.
No drafting by service vehicles will be permitted. Any rider being assisted up hills/back to the bunch will be disqualified. Any riders vehicles following in the race convoy will incur a time penalty against the rider.
There will be no appeals regarding misdirection. Riders should know the course.
No riders are to warm up on the Time Trial course.
In the event of a tie, the placing in the final stage will decide the overall placing (All classifications).
Riders must finish within 20% of the winning time to begin the next stage, at the sole discretion of the Chief Commissaire
Riders may be asked for a gear check at any time. Maximum roll-out for under 13 and under 15 riders is 6.61 metres, under 17 is 7 meters and under 19 is 7.93 metres.
Riders must be present at the prize giving after the race to collect their trophies and any spot prizes. Correct cycling clothing and shoes must be worn on the podium.
The Commissaires shall decide upon matters not accounted for in these rules.
Time Trial Bikes – Only Allowed for U19.
Clip on Aero Bars Allowed for U17 and above
Standard gear for U13 & U15 riders
Helmets as per the CNZ Rules

Sign On . Roll Out

Riders must sign on for all stages except the Time Trial
Roll out is compulsory for all riders prior to the Time Trial. Once rolled out riders must proceed straight from the Roll Out area to the Start Chute.
Roll out is compulsory for the first five finishers in each stage and for other riders at the discretion of the commissaire.

Race Numbers Placement

One of the Middle Lower Back
Second on the Left hand side – readable for the Sprint & K/QoM Judges

*Race Numbers & Transponders must be returned at the completion of your race or you will be invoiced and charged for their replacements.

General Information

Bathrooms will be available at Colyton School & Hiwinui School
For anyone spectating, we ask that you follow the traffic rules and park well off the roads and preferably around Colyton & Hiwinui Schools.
There shall be no vehicles or motorbikes following the race between the lead and tail vehicles in any grade.

Awards

Separate GC Jerseys will be awarded for U13, U15, U17, U19 Boys & Girls

Separate King of the Mountains / Queen of the Mountains Jerseys will be awarded for U13, U15, U17 Boys & Girls & U19 Men & U19 Women

Separate Sprint Ace Jerseys will be awarded for U13, U15, U17 Boys & Girls & U19 Men & U19 Women

Spot Prizes to the complete prize pool over all age groups to be drawn at random at prize giving – *Please note you must be present at prize giving to receive your prize