Track Cycling Have-A-Go-Day

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.

Are you looking for a new sporting challenge this Summer? Something different, something exhilarating, even a bit scary? Track cycling may be the sport you are looking for.

On Saturday, 22 September 2012 BikeManawatu is holding a “Have-A-Go- Day”. This will give potential rider’s the opportunity to try a track bike on the Johnson Park Velodrome in Feilding, ( The home track of Olympians Simon van Velthooven and Jesse Sergent ) commencing at 1pm.

Should you find that your ‘Have-A-Go-Day’ taste of Track cycling is not enough you are welcome to join us for a season of Track Cycling. The club has Track bikes available for hire. The club will provide training and ongoing support through their buddy programme to help you get started and get the maximum enjoyment out of your first season.

Bike Manawatu encourages and caters for riders of all ages and has a strong Master’s presence. The Johnston Park track has produced present day Champions and London Olympic medallist’s Simon van Velthooven and Jesse Sergent and strives to produce future Champions. To encourage future Olympians, Track stalwart Ian Gray has kindly donated two track bikes, one each for the most promising first season female and male Under 17 rider’s.

Ian is recognised by both Simon and Jesse as being instrumental in their Track Cycling careers as Ian re-established Track cycling at Johnston Park in 2004 after it had fallen into recess.

BikeManawatu extends an open and public invitation to all to enjoy this fast paced sport that displays skill, speed, endeavour and competitive racing. See why the Japanese spend millions a day on Kerin racing. So if you are a first timer wanting to see what all the fuss is about or a Trackie from way back who would like to relive glories of days gone past come along as a rider or spectator, and enjoy the ride.