Coaching and Managers Working Group

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.

The working group’s aim has been to deliver a series of presentations to enhance our knowledge of cycling.

Associate Professor Steve Stannard was the first presenter who discussed nutrition for cycling.

The next event on the calendar for the working group in 2012 is an open invitation to the membership on core strength which is to be delivered by Kim Findlay on the 13 Feb 12 starting at 7pm. This presentation aims at demonstrating practical exercises that will strengthen your core specifically for cycling. There is no cost to participate so members are encouraged to take full advantage of this opportunity.

Also in Feb 12, we plan to coordinate another session for those new to the sport, especially school age children and their parents. We want to tackle issues regarding restrictive gearing, training and riding safely.

Other opportunities to impart knowledge and advice have also been identified and these will be advertised accordingly.