Gravel & Tar 2018

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.

When:- Saturday January 27th
Where; Start from the square on Palmerston North. Registration packs will be collected from Cyclist Cafe -George street in the morning.
Time; Start times from 1.15pm
Party/Prize Giving; George street. Times to be confirmed.
Registrations; http://www. gravelandtar.com and courses.
Check out all the finer details about the three events on the above online address and register today.
Also check our video interview with last year’s winner Robert Stannard, race organiser Steve Stannard and riders Carne Grouse and Rosie Obrien about what the “Gravel and Tar” means to them.@teamjvlatbaylets>

Three “Gravel and Tar” Events for everyone.

Three “Gravel and Tar” events will be on Saturday January 27th 2018 following the New Zealand cycle Classic a week earlier.
The headline event, the “Gravel and Tar Classic” will attract professional riders and teams from all over the world who have travelled to Australia and New Zealand seeking UCI points early in the International season. The world will live streaming the beautiful Manawatu which is a coup for New Zealand and Bike Manawatu. It is expected New Zealand’s best trade teams will participate and will be hard pressed against the Australian and Asian based teams, continental and pro continental teams.
Alongside with the “Gravel and Tar”, and to support our “Manawatu Festival of Cycling Weekend” a Gran Fondo (sportive)ride will be held over 70km.This is to give riders of all ages, levels and genders the opportunity to ride as part of the course the elite men will be riding. Crossing the international finish line will be exciting.
There is also a 30km fun ride called the River path Challenge for the recreational riders like Mums, Dads, Kids and Grand Parents which is flat with a few easy gravel sections.
Enter online: http://www.gravelandtar.com

1) UCI 125km Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic-International teams. Starts 1.30pm
2) The 70km Gran Fondo- All ages and abilities $55 per person: Start 1.15pm
3) The 35 River path Challenge- All ages and abilities.$35 per person: Start 1.30pm

Being awarded a UCI (1.2 level) International race is a big deal for New Zealand and the Manawatu. The “Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic” has been running for two years and to get UCI accreditation has been described in rugby terms like holding a Super 15 Rugby final here in the Manawatu year after year. It’s that big.
Bike Manawatu are hoping our members and the community will embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region.

The “Manawatu Festival of Cycling Weekend”. The stage is set for us all to build on year after year hoping to create our own “Cycling Festival” for everyone in the region and beyond to enjoy. Often cyclists have to travel away to events and pay for accommodation and entry fees upwards of $100 versus staying and supporting our local events and only pay $55.

Bike Manawatu’s concept on the “Weekend Festival of Cycling” on the 27th and 28th of January is perfect timing for families at the end of the school Holidays before returning to schools. Consider how the Lake Taupo Cycling Challenge got started all those years ago and where it is today.