Ever wanted to be Directeur Sportif?

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.

Well you can manage your own team in the major cycle races of the year.

Some of my mates and I have been competing virtually at www.virtualbikerace.com creating our own league.

Described by it’s creators as:

Virtual Bike Race is the ultimate in Fantasy Cycling Websites. Pick your dream team from your favourite riders in the ProTour and challenge your friends and family. Take on the role as Directeur Sportif (Sporting Manager), making transfers throughout the race, but keeping within the team budget.

Competition for the Giro are already under way, but you have 3 days to select your team before the start of the Tour of California. You have 5 transfers available and 1 more each stage, so you can change your team according to rider form.

Good Luck!