Club Time Trial round up

Despite the current ‘cost of living challenges’ facing all community events, Bike Manawatu is 100% committed to ensuring the 51st year of the Novice Tour – once again provides a safe, fun, competitive cycle racing event.

We will adopt a high-quality assured approach in implementing the Local Roading Authority’s/Cycling New Zealand’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) standards which ensure best practices and rider and spectator safety.

If the level of community funding secured is not sufficient to contract in external road management service providers with the ability to stop/go traffic, the Novice Tour will proceed on a ‘local club racing’ model, whereby our team of trained/experienced road marshals will, where necessary, pause racing in order to give way to traffic and ensure rider safety.

Although funding external road management services with the ability to stop/go traffic is ideal, if this is not feasible – we are confident that the event’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) will provide a competitive, fair, enjoyable and importantly safe racing environment.

Irrespective of which model of traffic management/racing is finalised, as with all CNZ/Bike Manawatu events, normal road rules will apply and a full rider briefing confirming the event rules will be provided to all riders prior to the start of each race.

Matiu Kaihau at start (photo Kirsty Kaihau) A good turn out including some late entries enjoyed the new course along Tangimoana Rd.

A mail drop had been done along the road a few days before the event which meant that a few of the locals came out and sat at their gates to clap and cheer for the riders as they went past.

A slight wind was apparent but it did not stop some good times being recorded – a stellar effort – from Matiu Kaihau who posted the fastest time on the 25km course.

It was great to see so many under 15 and under 17 riders out, they all had to complete the 16km the finish judges Glenys Taylor and Julie McMinn (photo Kirsty Kaihau) course which started at the Ohakea War Memorial hall and went out to the Clydesdale War Memorial hall and return.

The same could not be said for those in the under 23 and senior age groups. Not a single entry. Numbers for the Masters age groups was also low but we hope to have better numbers next year.

A small number of changes will be made next year so the event can keep improving on its past performances.

Kelsi Eccles on the way (photo Kirsty Kaihau) A roll out was done for all junior riders competing on the shorter courses. Tim Whitehouse – commissaire had his measuring contraption on hand to measure bikes according to UCI rules. For anyone planning on competing either at WCNI or National events in the near future it was a good chance to check their bikes out and make sure they did meet the criteria.

Medals will be presented to club members at the end of year prize giving.