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.
Over the next three weeks we are running a series of 3 handicap races.
The first will be this week at Pahiatua with registration at the Pahiatua Sports Centre. This weeks race is a sealed handicap race – that means no one knows what their handicap is, it is a bunch start and the resulting finish time is then adjusted for your handicap to give a finish place.
Race starts at 1.30pm To view the course click here. There is a shorter route for younger riders. Bring a plate for afternoon tea at the conclusion of racing.
Preregister by clicking here
All place getters this week will then be allocated points according to their placing.
On Saturday 1st September, the second race in the series will be held starting at Ashhurst library out to Highland Home and return. Shorter course again available for D grade riders.
First rider off at 1.30pm.
The final in the series again starts from Ashhurst on Saturday 8th September. This is the race over the Pohangina circuit which includes a few kilometres of gravel. Click here to view the route and elevation.
Registration at Ashhurst library at 1pm. First rider off at 1.30pm. Prizegiving at Fusion Cafe at conclusion. Entry fees apply to all of these races.
Please advise if you are not riding and are able to help on the day by sending an email to secretary@bikemanawatu.co.nz
