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- Written by Jan Arbuckle
Cycling teams from Palmerston North Intermeditate Normal and Ashhurst Schools competed last week against 23 other Intermediate Schools at the North Island Intermediate Schools Cycling Champs. This is held each year on the Taupo Motor racing circuit.
There were two events held on the day for each year group (Yr 7 & 8)...a Team Time Trial and a Road Race.
In the TTT event the Ashhurst team (Katelyn Bird, Janah Rowden, Peita Ransom and Maddison Allardice) placed a very respectable 4th in the Year 7 girls race. The PNINS Girls Year 8 team (Libby Arbuckle, Gorgi Van Lienen, Megan Gardner and Anna Robson) took Silver and our Year 7 boys from PNINS (Adam Martin, Flyn Yates, Dineth Rajapakse and Harry Kinghorn) took the Gold. The Year 8 boys TTT from Ashhurst started out well until a flat tyre bought their race to grinding halt.
In the Year 7 girls road race Anna Robson (PNINS) rode a really good race and placed 10th, Katelyn Bird (Ashhurst) 14th, Janah Rowden (Ashhurst) 17th, Peita Ransom (Ashhurst) 18th, Maddison Allardice (Ashhurst) 21st and Briar McKay (Ashhurst) 22nd.
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- Written by Glenys Taylor
The inaugural awards dinner was held on Friday night at Hotel Coachman. The guest speaker for the night was Simon van Velthooven – London Olympic Bronze medallist. The medal sat in it’s case on the bar for all to look at or hold or wear. The master of ceremonies for the night was Ken Young resplendent in his kilt. He started the evening by welcoming everyone including the invited guests. Before dessert was served we were enthralled by Simon’s address. He not only covered his route to get to where he is now but told of his most cherished moments – the kilo in 60 seconds at Melbourne – a feat that just blows the mind and for some of us is just completely incomprehensible. Keiren racing in Japan is something quite extraordinary and Simons account of racing conditions, bikes, crowds and crowd actions was enlightening and amusing. He ended his presentation by asking the crowd if there were any questions. One answer to a question from Adam Curry had every one in fits of laughter. Simon ended his presentation by saying that there is the medal and then there is Simon. He regards himself still just as Simon. He is a great role model to all our riders. He was presented with a Bike Manawatu skin suit and asked to wear it with pride as Bike Manawatu is certainly very proud of him.
After dessert the awards part of the evening started. The first award was presented by Garry Buys and was the Pedal Pushers Good Samaritan Award. This was awarded to Richard Sheehan for his help with the newbies on the Sunday rides and the first XV.
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- Written by Glenys Taylor
Over the next three weeks we are running a series of 3 handicap races.
The first will be this week at Pahiatua with registration at the Pahiatua Sports Centre. This weeks race is a sealed handicap race – that means no one knows what their handicap is, it is a bunch start and the resulting finish time is then adjusted for your handicap to give a finish place.
Race starts at 1.30pm To view the course click here. There is a shorter route for younger riders. Bring a plate for afternoon tea at the conclusion of racing.
Preregister by clicking here
All place getters this week will then be allocated points according to their placing.
On Saturday 1st September, the second race in the series will be held starting at Ashhurst library out to Highland Home and return. Shorter course again available for D grade riders.
First rider off at 1.30pm.
The final in the series again starts from Ashhurst on Saturday 8th September. This is the race over the Pohangina circuit which includes a few kilometres of gravel. Click here to view the route and elevation.
Registration at Ashhurst library at 1pm. First rider off at 1.30pm. Prizegiving at Fusion Cafe at conclusion. Entry fees apply to all of these races.
Please advise if you are not riding and are able to help on the day by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
![2012_poster[1]](http://www.bikemanawatu.co.nz/images/2011/2012_poster1.jpg "2012_poster[1]")
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- Written by Paul van Velthooven
Inspiring a Generation.
The catchcry theme for the 2012 London Olympics was " Inspiring a Generation".
The poms really did perform extremely well both on the the park , the track, the water, the velodrome and "off the field". It was a pleasure to experience the "best games ever" and of course being there when our two local boys and in particular Simon winning bronze medals in dramatic style was a lifetime memory.
Both Jesse and Simon rode with such courage and determination. Their medals were richly deserved.
Given the huge success that Team GB had at these Olympics , already clubs across the UK are experiencing record interest across a range of sports. A generation has been inspired and the opportunity for more success and the door for future medals has been opened. Some clubs now have waiting lists !
With the exploits of Jesse and Simon, the same kind of opportunity on a much smaller scale exists in our own community and particularly our cycling community.