Road racing–new series has started
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.
The start of the winter series of races is about to happen this weekend with an interclub race to be held at Halcombe. This is in conjunction with Wanganui club.
There are 4 grades and different distances for each grade.
Anyone can come along and have a go. But after 3 races you will need to become a member to continue racing.
Race entry fees are $5 if you are over 17, $2 if you are under 17, and $10 for a family.
Afternoon tea is provided at the end of the race.
The increase in fees is to cover petrol costs for those people setting up the course and marshalling, and will also go to providing afternoon tea and prizemoney.
A roster system is to be setup so that the duties are shared amongst the members. You will not have to be on duty every week and training will be given. This is a chance for you to give something back to the club.
If we do not have enough people volunteering to do the duties a race may have to be cancelled. So if everybody takes their turn then it makes it better for everyone. When it comes to points then those that are marshalling or unable to race then they will still get points as if they had riden.
The duty roster for upcoming events will be available on Saturday so first in gets the best spots.
