A mystery donor has given a $1 million boost to Palmerston North's bid to become New Zealand's cycling centre of excellence.

The fillip comes on the eve of Sport and Recreation New Zealand's announcement about which of the seven bids from around the country have been shortlisted to win its $7 million contribution to the facility.

"This is an incredibly generous donation," said Palmerston North Mayor Jono Naylor.

"I don't know who the person or people are, but it's very exciting to have that level of support for a project like this come out of the blue."

Sparc expects to tell bidders which cities are on the shortlist tomorrow.

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Jesse sergent (photo D. Bruynsteen)

After winning the Prologue Jesse took out the overall victory as well. For more details:

Road cycling.co.nz 1 

Road cycling.co.nz 2

Manawatu Standard

Stewart Campbell (photo Kirsty Kaihau) On the last day of the RaboDirect age group track Nationals in Invercargill Campbell Stewart won the gold medal in the Under 15 Boys 2000m Scratch race. 3 events later his sister Kate Stewart won the gold medal in the U17 girls Sprint. She beat Laura Hobson Aucklands in two straight wins. In the morning session Ruby Perry made it trough to the quarter finals.

Click here for the the full results

Sunday 20 February and there we were at Kahutara School to have another crack at a 40km time trial. Last time it was appallingly windy with very little chance of anyone going under the hour. Sunday was positively benign by comparison, with just a light easterly wind that made the last leg hard for already tired legs.

Jesse in the leaders jersey

Jesse Sergent won the prologue form the 3 day tour of West Flanders. For the whole story click here