Ross Cup–Wanganui

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 stunning Saturday morning dawned and continued throughout the day for a very fast warm ride up the Wanganui River at the Cycling Wanganui annual Ross Cup held over 38km there and back. 56 riders in 4 handicapped grades raced up SH4. BikeManawatu was represented with 5 riders who featured prominently in the placings.

Right from the whistle the pace was hot and fast with average speed for B grade 39.7kmh. The B grade riders worked very well as a team and pushed the group to close the 5:30 minute gap on the A grade catching them (and C&D) with approx 13 km to finish. The pace was fast and furious with the speedo never falling below 40 kmh and often topping mid 50 kmh as the A and B graders battled it out for line honours. Nate Levin and Ross Castle worked together very well and made several attacks but couldn’t shake the bunch as it came down to a high speed bunch sprint across the finish. Local knowledge of finish line beat the visitors as they were looking for finish flags when their wheels hit the tape.
Cameron Huston and Britteny Baker lead a determined team of hard working high energy C grade riders up the river and back to cross the line in well deserved One Two positions. Jessica Hamilton worked consistently throughout her race though the high pace took it’s toll and she finished slightly behind the main bunch for 2nd in A grade women.