Bike Manawatu wish to congratulate our rising star track cyclists for an amazing hall of medals at last week’s National Track Cycling Champs. Just read the results and next time you see these committed local riders and their families be sure to congratulate them. They deserve every amount of praise.
Michaela Drummond finished third in the women’s 20km points race and she rode the in a composite team in the women’s madison with Racquel Sheath (Waikato) and they won gold. Michaela was also in the west coast north Island (WCNI) team along with Emily Shearman, Libby Arbuckle and Megan Gardner that won Silver in the 4000m team pursuit.
Jordan Castle was third in the men’s 1000m time trail and second in the men’s Keirin.
Emily Shearman was third in the under 19 women’s 500m time trail and second in the under-19 2000m individual pursuit.
Libby Arbuckle was third in the under 19 women’s 7.5km scratch race and won silver in the 15km points race. Carne Groube was third in the men’s 15km scratch race.
Our WCNI men won bronze in the 4000m team pursuit and our junior women sprint team win gold.
Campbell Stewart was third in the men’s 30km points race and riding with Dylan Kennett for a composite Waikato team won the madison.
Campbell Stewart was named as junior men’s cyclist of the year. He defended his world title in the Omnium at the junior world championships and was a member of the pursuit team that broke the world record.
A Hot summer of Safe cycling
This year’s summer has been kind to cycling enthusiasts with groups and solo riders building their kilometres. Every year is different and we all know weather plays a big part of how much time we spend on the bike often braving the elements. More recently though everyone seems to be loving the weather and cycling. May it continue.
On a more serious note. All recreational riders and groups are responsible to choose the safest possible route please. Staying hard left on the left side of the road and two abreast (unless single file is called for) concentrating and communicating throughout the ride is road etiquette and generally safe.
So why have many of our riders and ride groups been seen (far too often) looking for cover and spreading three and four abreast across the road at times even over the white line.
This disregard for safety is why many other road users get frightened or angry towards cyclists when approaching us from behind or oncoming.
Please be sensible and ride in the most appropriate groups and follow cycling etiquette. Spirited riders if you want to race knowing the group will split at some point maybe pre plan your groups more appropriately before you leave.
A good safe ride with your cycling buddies and a coffee and good banter together afterwards is fun. A serious accident would not be worth thinking about.
Check out: nzta.govt.nz. NZ Transport agency- The official New Zealand Code for cyclists.
Central Energy Manawatu Sports Awards
Bike Manawatu wish to congratulate Campbell Stewart, Michaela Drummond, Libby Arbuckle and Emily Shearman on being selected as finalists for the Central Energy Trust Manawatu Sports Awards to be held on Friday the 2nd of March.
Tickets are available from Sports Manawatu and doors open at 5.45pm at Central Trust Arena.
“Manawatu Festival of Cycling” Retro Ride
Over 40 people from as far as Wellington, Hawkes Bay and Auckland dressed up in very cool old fashion clothing and handpicked their favourite old fashion bikes and had a ball riding this years “Manawatu Festival of Cycling” Retro Ride. Fun was had by all. See a sample of photos including one Gary Buys taking a business call before setting off.