When : 9th and 10th of December
Be sure to come and watch this weekend’s historic annual two-day, four stages Manawatu Novice Tour.
44 years of history bringing most of the best young riders in New Zealand to the Manawatu to compete in this iconic tour that showcases our region. Some of New Zealand’s former and current stars have ridden this tour and speak highly of how important the Manawatu Novice Tour was in their development. Check out race locations and courses Facebook Bikemanawatu
1)Mangatainoka Road Races: Saturday 9am :
2) Mangatainoka ITT; Saturday midday 12noon
3) Manfeild Criterium; Saturday 5pm
4) Ashhurst Road Race; Sunday 10am.
Prize giving : Ashhurst Inn garden bar 2pm
Check out Bikemanawatu website or contact secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz
Manawatu Festival of Cycling
When:-January 27th and 28
Where; Cyclista on George street for registration packs and riders start from the Square
Time; 1pm start
Party/Prize Giving; George street.Times to be confirmed.
Registrations www.gravelandtar.com and courses.
Check out race organiser and rider interviews on www.facebook.com/teamjvlatbayleys
1) UCI 125km Manawatu Gravel and Tar Classic-International teams.
2) The 70km Gran Fondo- All ages and abilities $55
3) The 35 Riverpath Challenge- All ages and abilities.$35
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. Its that big.
Bike Manawatu are hoping our members and the community will embrace and support the beginning of something special for our region which involves an even bigger focus of people entering the Gravel and Tar 70k Gran Fondo and 35k Riverpath Challenge ( no gravel) for all ages and abilities. Without your support the event will not be the same.
The “Manawatu Weekend Festival of Cycling” is an event for everyone from the buzz of the 125k UCI International race to the two recreational rides for everyone to be involved in. This will set the stage for us to build on year after year hoping to create our own “Cycling Festival” for everyone in the region and beyond. Local riders always 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.
Also on Sunday 28th of January our good friends the Manawatu Mountain Biking Club are supporting the weekend with the Kahuterawa Mountain Bike Challenge which will allow cyclists to ride the Gran Fondo on Saturday the 27th and then ride the Mountain Bike event on Sunday 28th. How good would that be.
Cycling fans in mid-winter over in Europe will be glued to their computers and TV to see who is going to win our tough Manawatu Gravel and Tar 125k Classic and get UCI points. Showcasing our region is a responsibility and the more people that engage in the “Manawatu Weekend Festival of Cycling” the better it will be for promoting Manawatu.
Neutralised starts from the square at a respectable 1pm start time we hope will capture a crowd atmosphere to give the event a Kiwi/European Vibe.
The international finish line will be at Memorial Park with the usual UCI finish line structures and hoardings we see on TV at International races across the world. A nice way for all of the Gran Fondo 70k and 35k Riverpath Challenge riders to finish.
Campbell Stewart and Michaela Drummond World Cup
Campbell Stewart and Michaela Drummond complete an amazing and busy UCI Track Cycling World Cup in Canada. Campbell was part of the New Zealand Men’s 4000m cycling pursuit team with an average age of only 20 that won gold over the Canadians. He was also 4th in the Omnium. Michaela claimed a silver medal in the Women’s 4000m team pursuit and bronze in the Women’s madison.
Outstanding results for our local stars on the world stage. Congratulations to you both.
Club Kairanga Time Trail 8 Race Series
When: Wednesday’s
Where; At Horizons yard on Kairanga-Bunnythorpe road.
Registrations from ;5.45pm and will close of at 6.15pm.
Start Times from : 6.30pm:
On Wednesdays the Club Kairanga Time Trail 8 week series continues to attract good numbers to ride the flat 12Km country time trail course to record points for the series or just have a good hit out for fitness and training for other events.
Trying to better your time and improve your fitness, strength, speed and bike handling skills gives our riders massive reward which most come to try and achieve. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is proving rewarding for those who are trying these new events.
We welcome Bike Manawatu Memberships
Bike Manawatu welcomes all new members and value all of our current members who turn out week after week to ride a bike.Our annual memberships cost of only $45 for adults ,youths under 19 years old at $25 and family memberships with three or more at only $80 represent great value compared to most other sports.
What is important to know is that your club membership covers public liability insurance which is a valuable benefit. With over 300 Bike Manawatu organised rides per year and loads of great people and friendships you make, what could be better for bike enthusiasts than joining our club.
With your membership contribution we hope you try out as many local events as possible.
Equally we extend a request for more members to help out with our annual calendar of club events during at events from time to time.
Standing down riding an event every now to help out would help provide an even spread of helpers versus the small few who put there hand up regularly.
Contact Keryn our club secretary on secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz to find out how easy it is to get your membership started or renewed or to be on our list of volunteers to call on every now and then.