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 40 km time trial is the gold standard for any time trialist and managing to ride the distance in under an hour is a genuine challenge and significant achievement for all but the very talented rider. Sadly the opportunity to ride a 40 km time trial is a rare thing indeed.
However, all is not lost because Wellington Veterans Cycling Club holds a few 40 km time trials within a reasonable driving distance over the summer months. They are a friendly bunch and the club welcomes guests of all ages. If you are not a member there is a small entry fee of $5.00. A number of riders from the Manawatu ride these events each season.
The time trials programmed for this year are:
Sunday 20 February 2011: 40 km TT at Kahutara. Guests of all ages welcome.
Sunday 13 March 2011: 40 km TT at Masterton. Sorry, this is an open event for masters riders only.
Sunday 27 March 2011: 80 km TT around Lake Wairarapa. I know it is not a 40 km time trial, but you can think of it as 2 x 40km J This event is open to all ages.
You can check out the details and enter at www.wvcc.org.nz.
Barry Gilliland
