Final graded race in Series

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.

A new course – fine weather and the opportunity to get more points towards prizemoney.

The new course certainly ticked all the boxes for all the riders.

I personally felt like Mother duck sitting on the back of my clutch of ducklings as we headed down Kimbolton Rd to the finish line. And it was nice to just sit back and relax just as a couple of riders were spotted doing on the way to the turn point. Unfortunately they didn’t even get to the official turn point before turning around, with thoughts of what was on offer at the finish line.

And it was these two riders who also held back to allow the old duck a chance at glory and a sprint to the finish. The old duck didn’t dare turn to look to see if they were chasing.

The new course will obviously be used again next year and I only hope that “the ducklings” will be there to pull “the old duck” back down Kimbolton Rd again.

Prizemoney was awarded to each grade and the amount paid was relative to the entry fees for each grade. So the more riders in a grade the more prizemoney awarded.

Thanks to all helpers over the series and for this weeks event to Grant Shearman at the crossroads who did a very professional job of directing riders. Also Rebecca Allan, Lynley McKenzie who was waiting for a few riders who didn’t get to the turn point and Matt Levin. And also to Louisa Regan who competently controlled the finish line and recorded all the results assisted by Rebecca.

Click here for results. and here for points tally