Results and Race Report from Akers Rd

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.

A fine Saturday afternoon saw 27 riders out at Akers Road.

Three grades raced on an (amazingly) dry circuit. Mitchell Kinghorn won A Grade from Nate Levin after the two of them broke away on the final lap. Kevin Laskey was too strong for B Grade, despite a good effort from the young boys high duo of Fergus Washington-Smith and Ethan Craine. Adam Francis also punched above his weight (as usual!) to finish 4th in this grade. C Grade saw two bunches form on the first lap, with Michael Richmond finishing strongly to win the grade from Jamie Dennis and Luke Scott.

Unfortunately, gravel left lying on the course after the recent flooding saw two crashes with both Alex West and Zoe Croton hitting the bitumen.

Thanks to the helpers who spent their afternoon out on the course, Mike Groube for setting up the traffic management and Steve Stannard for putting it all together. Our next race will be a handicap out at Kimbolton on 11th July. We look forward to seeing you there. We are looking for two volunteers to organise this race, as Steve will be away in New Caledonia with some of the U17 Development Squad. Please contact Gabrielle if you are able to assist.

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