Saturday Handicap race at Halcombe

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 small group of Novice riders rode one lap of the Halcombe – Stanway circuit accompanied by one of the parents.

This group was sent on their way after all the graded riders had departed. The winner of this grade was Dylan Simpson.

First over the line in the graded race was a group of 3 riders including Robert Stannard, Leyton Gapper and Ross Rainham. These 3 had all set off in B grade with an 8 minute handicap on the D grade riders. The fastest times for the day went to Jordan castle followed closely by Chris Denholm and Steve Stannard.

Click here for full results.

Special thanks to our helpers for the day. Without the support of these people these events are not possible. Neil Pollock and Steve Perry were our corner marshalls and the registration was aided by Kirsty Kaihau and finish line Leonie Hapeta and Judith Elliott. Thanks also to Rebecca who followed the race as tail vehicle.

Thanks to Steve Stannard for bringing the trailer out and Brendan Hapeta for taking it home.