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- Written by Michelle Turner
The Gravel and Tar UCI event is back in just over a week, and is shaping up to be an exciting event with some big changes from previous years.
The Gravel and Tar race has been going since 2015, and grows in popularity each year. It is a tough race, and has been described as one of the toughest one day races outside of Europe. It has always been a men’s race, but this 2019 has seen the introduction of a Women’s UCI race, and is offering the same prizemoney as the men’s race – this is something that isn’t usually seen in the world of cycling, and something that many professional women cyclists have been wanting for a number of years. That’s a big plus for women’s cycling and for our region. So far over 12 mens teams have entered and 10 womens teams.
The course is another thing that has changed this year, as the start is in Feilding and the finish is in Palmerston North. The mens race is 130 kms long with 45 kms of gravel, and the womens race is 116 kms long with 40kms of gravel and promises to be an exciting race to watch.
As in other years, there is also a recreational event, and this years event is called the Slicks and Stones and is 100kms long, you can enter here http://www.gravelandtar.com/
If you are not riding either the professional events or the Slicks and Stones, please get out there and support the event, and see some fantastic racing.
The organisers are still looking for a couple of more road marshals, so a great way to support the event and see the racing would be to volunteer. Please contact Steve Stannard on 021809597 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sponsor FMG is setting up a spectator spot on Levett Line and I hear they may even have some refreshments available.
Congratulations to the Greasy Chain Trust on keeping this event here in the Manawatu and keeping it fresh with the new changes – well done team.
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- Written by Karena Kaihe-Woolston
Please find the results for last nights track meeting. Really excited to add an Omnium, Miss & Out, as well as Team Sprints to the race schedule. Thank you to all who "Showed Up & Showed Out" Again excellent racing, witnessing some phenomenal development in all our riders as we head into the Business End of the season. Sincerest thanks & praise to our volunteers & "Track Angels" There's more excitement to come within the following weeks. I believe Mr Ian Gray has some huge incentives planned, best that everyone stays tuned ,you certainly wouldn't want to miss out. Kindest regards Karena Kaihe-Woolston
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- Written by Sam Mciver
Calling all Recreational Cyclists!
I am making contact on behalf of a group of horse riders based in Ashhurst.
We are trying to get better riding access in and around Ashhurst township and beyond, and we thought it could be useful to contact local cyclists so that we could add weight to the request for a recreational pathway beside the proposed SH3 over the hill to Woodville.
As horse riders we have sent in our submissions to NZTA regarding the pathway. It appears that numbers carry weight with NZTA. If, in your dealings with them, you wish to include us as another interest-group who would be keen to use such a pathway, then please do so.
Another request directed at NZTA is to provide an alternative to the rail overbridge into Ashhurst for non-vehicular traffic. Currently, walkers, riders and cyclists all share the narrow pavements at either side of the bridge, which can be inconvenient and unsafe. Extending Pembroke Street across the rail cutting to the Ashhurst Domain seems an obvious choice to site a new bridge for non-motorised traffic. As there will be no Ashhurst bypass and the new State Highway is at least 6-7 years away, we would like to see a safe alternative created in the near future. If you have an Ashhurst representative, we would be happy to have a chat and see how we might help each other.
There is also a Message group entitled Ashhurst Recreational Riding Corridor, set up by Arthur Yeo for local horse riders, if anyone is interested to look.
Thank you!
Sam McIver
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- Written by Bike Manawatu
WCNI Elite Road Nationals Team Manager Required.
WCNI have a contingent of riders heading to Elite Road Nationals early next month (January 2019)
On behalf of WCNI we are currently seeking a Team Manager to help our contingent out.
If you are available and able to help out, please let us know.
Thank you
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- Written by Bike Manawatu
Merry Christmas from Bike Manawatu
On behalf of Bike Manawatu we would like to wish you a safe and happy Christmas to you and your whanau.
We'd also like to take the opportunity to thank each and every one of our amazing volunteers & sponsors over the past 12 months, we really treasure your support to our club.
May your holidays be filled with happiness and good cheer!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
