At a media conference held at the Rugby Institute at Massey University today, Jorge Sandoval, along with Mike Daisley, CEO Sport Manawatu, Jono Naylor, mayor of PNCC, and Lance Bickford, CEO Destination Manawatu announced that for the first time in the 25 year history of the UCI Mens Cycle Classic tour, it will be held in the Manawatu.

The 5 day event is being renamed the New Zealand Cycle Classic and is scheduled for 25 – 29 January 2012.

Mike Daisley said that he looked forward to supporting the event which will give the community a chance to see some of the world’s best riders. We will also be inviting our local cyclists to take part in a fun ride as part of the event; on Saturday riders will be able to ride on the same circuit ahead of the professional riders. The aim is to give everyone in the community a chance to participate.

This is the only UCI event in NZ for men’s racing.

Jorge stated at the media conference that with next year being the Olympics riders will be trying to get UCI points to qualify for the Olympics, so as one of the first races of the 2012 year he is expecting top class teams to enter.

Stage 1 on Wednesday 25th is to be a ITT around Massey University. The following four stages will all start in the Palmerston North Square and finish close to Palmerston North. The Saturday stage finishes at the top of the Saddle Rd.

In a discussion with Jorge after the release Jorge asked if Bike Manawatu would consider entering a team. Perhaps something to consider in the future. At least our riders would know and be able to train on the course.