The Mitre 10 Gran Fondo has been postponed

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.

POSTPONEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT The Mitre 10 Gran Fondo community ride that was linked to stage four of the NZ Cycle Classic has been postponed.

The community ride was planned for Saturday January 28. Recreational riders would complete a stage around Ashhurst in the morning for the Gran Fondo, pro riders would follow later as stage four of the NZ Cycle Classic.

Stage four of the NZ Cycle Classic will proceed as planned and no changes have been made. Race director, Jorge Sandoval, said that rising spectator numbers for the classic and other events planned in that same area has meant concerns around the high volume of traffic in that area and riders safety for the Gran Fondo ride. “The spectator numbers for the classic around the course have been higher than we expected which is great to see, we expect that over the weekend we will see even great numbers of spectators.”“

I have to take into account the advice of my team and officials and safety of all the cyclists needs to be put as first priority.”“It is a big disappointment to me to have to postpone any race, however in this case no alternative courses are available.” “Of course all pre-registered riders will be refunded their money. We will be offering them a chance to ride the event at the new date of February 25. This will be run in conjunction with the NZCT Women’s Tour of NZ so they will still get a taste of riding the same track as elite riders.” For further information: Jorge Sandoval MNZMDirectorNew Zealand Cycle ClassicWomen Tour of NZ0274464300