IronMan Taupo – 2011

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.

Ken Young - IronMan A few members of the local cycling community participated in IM NZ 2011 on 5^th March . After a great week leading up to the event the morning started with steady rain and ideal swim conditions.

The people who suffered most were the spectators despite being clad for the rain. At least the athletes were meant to get that wet. The water was calm and warm so great start.

Getting up to transition and not being last out of the swim was proof that you can get through without kicking much. I was pretty happy with my time being quicker than last time.

The start of the bike was a hint of what was to come with heavy rain and a small dilemma as to what clothing to wear rain jacket or not . Did not seem worthwhile since it was not cold. I went for the MMCC cycle kit as the only one on the ride, it was easily identified .

The ride was good with a modest headwind out to Reparoa but the heavy rain did make it difficult to see at times. Fascinating train spotting and looking what the standard of TT bikes was. Lot of Cervelos and a huge amount of carbon wheels. . Again the support stations were fantastic and going round the turn at Reparoa did require a degree of care. Was good to see the Pirie clan out at the turn. Your turn next year Tom.

Surprisingly I was about the same time as 2009 for the cycle ride and Vaughan’s photos show the rain pretty clearly. Getting into transition was interesting since the water was about 2 inches deep in the tent. Any attempt to keep feet dry lasted until leaving the tent when again there was a big paddling pool..
Out on the run course was more of the same. It became a slow jog out to 5 mile bay, good to see Chris Sanson running strongly and Soren not looking quite so happy on his 2^nd lap back in. Having not got much training done I was aware of how unpleasant the marathon was going to be and it did not disappoint.

As darkness came we got our glow sticks and aimed back to town for the final time and I did feel sorry for those still with a full lap to go . The support station crew at Taupo are fantastic with their enthusiasm despite such a bad day.

Was great to finish even if I did not get under 14 hours. Should not stop to talk to so many people. However their support was greatly appreciated.

Was good to see several Manawatu cyclists up supporting , great effort on a terrible day. Sorry if I ignored you but could not see much with no glasses on during the run (a very loose term).

Taupo does deserve high praise for such a good event . Will be back in the medical tent next year.

Congratulations to Chris for his Kona spot and Sue McMaster who won her age group. Also to Soren for a great time and not destroying himself this time.