What are Mike Thompson and Toshi Yamauchi up to?

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.

Wrapping up warm to cycle this time of year is part of the sport but with the unpredictable weather around at the moment it is hard to keep rides regular when, rain,wind and below 5 degree temperatures are with us.

Spare a thought for those members who are training hard for their upcoming events and must carry on regardless of the weather.
Two such riders are Mike Thompson and Toshiaki Yamauchi who have qualified for the ICU Gran Fondo World Series Finals in Perth Australia on the 1st of September.
They are competing in age group road races and time trails which will put them to the test.
Next time you see them out and about on their bikes please look after them and wish them all the best.
If you are interested in catching up on our Bike Manawatu Members and Manawatu Schools riders successes, check out Facebook pages:Bike Manawatu, Manawatu Schools and for our BM New Zealand representatives check out Cycling New Zealand’s Website.
It’s great to follow members and by liking them on facebook they will appreciate your support.
The Tour de France continues to be amazing inspiration to watch and soon the Olympic Games will take over for those sports mad members who can’t get off the couch.
We know who you are.