Essex Cup Results

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.

Below are the finish times for the race held at Pahiatua.

A controlled start saw 41 riders heading out to the Main highway heading south towards Masterton. A brisk cool wind meant the conditions if a rider was isolated from the bunch would mean it could end up being a hard ride.

This was a sealed handicap race so nobody would tell what the final result was until all the handicaps are revealed. So congratulations must now go to Toshi who with a handicap of 12 minutes was able to take the prize for this year. Cups will be awarded at the end of year prizegiving, however prizemoney will be awarded at the end of the series of the 3 handicap races.

Special thanks to Steve Glasgow and Kevin Laskey for organising this race. Thanks also to the lead motorbike riden by Brian, marshals Steve, Jenny and Don and to Don Katrina and Catriona who helped on the finish line. Also thanks to Rebecca for being the tail vehicle.

Thanks also to Carol Roberts for organising the afternoon tea.

Click here for full results