It’s Manfeild Time Again

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.

Manfeild 6 Hour Challenge. -21st of May

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This Sunday’s Bike Manawatu Manfeild 6 Hour Challenge has been a massive success for the club since it began 10 years ago. All ages of riders have thoroughly enjoyed the day whether doing the solo or in a team. Last year approximately 300 riders were involved. If you haven’t already, be sure you organise a team or yourself to ride by registering for this fantastic event. Enter online at www.bikemanawatu.co.nz (Up till midnight Friday) or enter on the day at registration. See you early Sunday.

Manfeild Volunteers

Thank you to all of those people who put their name forward to volunteer. The old saying “Many hands make light work” is a excellent motto which is what a great club is all about. Mike and Christine Christie have once again done a fantastic job to manage this event on behalf of the club for which the club are truly grateful.

Dylan Simpson Selected for NZ Commonwealth Youth Games

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Over the last eighteen months Dylan Simpson has been developing as a rider with some outstanding results. His recent podium finish at the NZ age group road Nationals seen in the above photo is testament of the hard work he has been putting in. The excitement of Dylan last week being selected to represent NZ at the Commonwealth Youth Games to be held in the Bahamas in July is all worth the hard work. The club wish to congratulate Dylan and his support team for his selection.

Manawatu Schools Criterium begins

Linton Army Camp was the perfect place for 67 riders to contest the first of the four Criterium Series races last weekend. A safe and fast circuit with quality riding once again showed the depth of junior riding in the Manawatu.
Winners: Micheal Richmond (A Grade) Aiden Jones (B grade, combined with A ), Holly McInnes (D grade) and Josh Mulcahy (E grade)

Club Members racing overseas

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Chris Denholm and Jacob Sievwright competed in the 228km Grafton to Inverell Classic in Australia with Chris having an outstanding race and finishing 16th in a group just 27 seconds behind the race winner. Jacob also road well to finish in the main bunch. With most of the Australian based professional teams competing, this race was a big step up for our boys. Well done.

In the United States Michaela Drummond completed the Amagen women’s race in California a women’s world tour event. Racing doesn’t get much bigger. We understand she handled the event well and is yet again another learning step along her journey.

Meanwhile in Italy Robert Stannard and Alex West road in the 170km Gran Premio Industrie Del Marmo UCI race. What a great experience these boys are having racing in Europe. At the same time, the Giro d’Italia is the main focus of International attention in Italy.

Podium Finish for Winston Briggs

In all the hype of last week’s success at the age group road nationals we forgot to acknowledge club member Winston Griggs gallant third place podium finish in the senior men’s 23-34 road race. A tough competitor and massively supportive schools and club person. Well done.