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BIKENZ TEAM RELEASE - NZ CYCLE CLASSIC STAGE 5

2012-01-29T19:55:00.001+13:00

BIKENZ TEAM RELEASE – NZ CYCLE CLASSIC STAGE 5
It was thumbs-up for the BikeNZ endurance track squad after Auckland’s Aaron Gate sprinted his way to victory in the final stage of the New Zealand Cycle Classic in Palmerston North today.
Gate is part of the BikeNZ squad of Sam Bewley, Marc Ryan, Shane Archbold and Myron Simpson who used New Zealand’s only UCI sanctioned road tour as part of their Olympic preparations. They finished with two stage wins in the five stage event around the Manawatu.
Talented Australian Jay McCarthy (Jayco-AIS) managed to finish safely in the peloton in today’s 111-km final circuit stage in Palmerston North to retain his winning margin and claim the overall tour victory.
Gate capped off a superb day from the BikeNZ track squad who were prominent throughout the stage, keeping a fast pace that split the field.
“We organised before the race that we would try to split the bunch up in the crosswinds,” said Gate.
“The wind was pretty brutal today. I definitely had a couple of times in the gutter struggling along. But we were the ones trying to make the other people hurt at times so it definitely worked in our favour.
“Coming down the home straight I had the perfect lead out from Sam (Bewley) and Marc (Ryan).”

Gate’s win follows the stage three victory by Bewley to top off an excellent tour as they prepare for the upcoming Track World Championships and London Olympics campaigns.

“It’s been a really good solid week of training leading into the track world champs in April,” said Gate. “It’s good to get the kilometres in and great that the team could pull off two stage wins as well.”
McCarthy was strong enough in the final sprint to beat off rival Darren Lapthorne (Drapac) for the tour win, after holding a mere three second buffer over his fellow Australian going into the final stage.
“I’m very happy to come away with the win. The team did everything for me. It was a hard day today. Big ups to the New Zealand national team for making it a hard race,” said McCarthy.
However it was Wellington’s Joseph Cooper (Ricoh) who posed the biggest threat to McCarthy when he broke away with 20km remaining. But McCarthy’s teammate Nick Aitken, went with Cooper to cover the break and ensure he could not gain the minute and a half he needed to take the lead.
“I knew there was always going to be pressure today, but it wasn’t just Drapac giving it to us. We had Joe Cooper up the road with 20kms to go. But it made it a bit easier knowing that I had my teammate Nick Aitken up there.”
Cooper’s break proved short-lived as the BikeNZ team set Gate for the sprint, with the Wellington rider however earning the King of the Mountain title, which he won at this event last year.
Taupo professional Patrick Bevin, based in the United States, took out the sprint classification.
Provisional results

Stage 5, 111km: Aaron Gate (BikeNZ) 2:35:00, 1; Thomas Palmer (Drapac Professional Cycling) same time 2; Joe Lewis (RBS Morgans – ATS) same time, 3.

Final General Classification: Jay McCarthy (Jayco-AIS) 12:32:53, 1; Darren Lapthorne (Drapac Professional Cycling) at 9 secs, 2; Campbell Flakemore (Genesys Wealth Advisors) at 1.17, 3.
CAPTION: BikeNZ’s Aaron Gate sprints clear to take out the final stage of the New Zealand Cycle Classic in Palmerston North today. The images is free for editorial use only. Mandatory credit: Mark Mathews - BikeNZ
NOTE: Official results and report to follow from Tour Organisers.

For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

BIKENZ TEAM RELEASE – NZ CYCLE CLASSIC STAGE 4

2012-01-29T09:35:00.001+13:00

BikeNZ’s Olympic men’s track squad set the pace on the penultimate stage of the New Zealand Cycle Classic in the Manawatu today.

It was an aggressive day of racing that saw the yellow jersey change hands, with young Australian Jay McCarthy (Jayco-AIS) taking over as the new tour leader.

A brave move by world omnium silver medallist Shane Archbold from the BikeNZ team almost put the icing on the cake following teammate Sam Bewley’s stage win yesterday, but he came up just short in a late break.

“It was a nice course for us track riders, so we tried to get in a breakaway all day,” said Archbold.

“I was in the break for the last few kilometres with two Australians. The Jayco-AIS rider decided to sit on so his teammate could get the time bonus and it then became quite hard with just two of us working so I decided to sit-up.”

The break was caught in the final kilometre, with Thomas Palmer (Drapac) taking line honours in the bunch sprint ahead of McCarthy and Taupo’s Patrick Bevin (Hudson Gavin Martin).

“I wasn’t sprinting well today,” said Archbold. “We thought that maybe Aaron (Gate) could get up there but the Australians were just too fast.”

The time bonus that McCarthy received for his second place in the sprint finish was sufficient for him to overtake compatriot Darren Lapthorne (Drapac) and claim the tour leader’s yellow jersey.

“I’ve got a bit of a sprint on me, but sometimes in those big bunch kicks you can get a bit lost,” said McCarthy.

“Today everything went to plan though. I followed the right wheels and it ended second which gave me the time bonus I needed, so it was awesome,’ said McCarthy.

“It was a big ride by the Jayco boys today. We had a couple of boys at 1.15 so the plan was to get them up the road and put the pressure on Drapac. They were there all the way with us,” said McCarthy.

He takes just a three second lead into tomorrow’s final stage which comprises a 111km circuit around the outskirts of Palmerston North, which is set to be a showdown between the two Australian teams of Jayco-AIS and Drapac.

Subway Pro Cycling’s Nick Lovegrove, who was second behind Bewley yesterday, finished in the main bunch today to claim the tour sprint jersey.

Leading provisional results, stage 4, 111km: Thomas Palmer (Drapac) 2.29,08, 1; Jay McCarthy (Jayco-AIS) same time, 2; Patrick Bevin (Hudson Gavin Martin) same time, 3.

General Classification after stage 4: McCarthy 9.57.53, 1; Darren Lapthorne (Drapac) at 3 seconds, 2; Campbell Flakemore (Genesys Wealth Advisors) at 1:17, 3.

NOTE: Official results and report to follow from Tour Organisers.

For interviews with BikeNZ team contact:
Sarah van Boheemen
BikeNZ
Tel 021 599103

For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

BIKENZ TEAM RELEASE – NZ CYCLE CLASSIC STAGE 1

2012-01-25T20:32:00.001+13:00

Olympic track hopeful Sam Bewley led the BikeNZ team after the opening stage of the New Zealand Cycle Classic in Palmerston North today.

Bewley is part of the BikeNZ endurance track squad who are using New Zealand’s only UCI sanctioned road tour as part of their Olympic preparations. The four-day tour around the Manawatu has attracted 21 teams from USA, Australia and New Zealand headed by US-based Team Type 1 Sanofi, a full UCI Continental team.

Bewley (Rotorua), who raced for the Radioshack team on the World Tour last year, was one of six riders to be separated by just thousandths of a second.

“I’m pretty happy with my result – I didn’t think that I would be that far up there. I’ve had a few weeks not doing much intensity so this is a good start to the tour,” said Bewley.

“The tour is really about training for us. I would like to go well here, but I’m not sure if I am up for it. I had a big break over Christmas. I have just been back training for a few weeks. If the legs are good I’ll try to go well, but if not it will still be some good solid training.”

The tour is ideally positioned to provide some high-intensity racing for Bewley, and BikeNZ teammates Aaron Gate (Auckland), Myron Simpson (Auckland), Marc Ryan (Timaru) and Shane Archbold (Timaru) before they head to the RaboDirect Track National Championships in Invercargill next weekend.

It was 19-year-old Australian Campbell Flakemore (Genesys Wealth Advisors) who claimed the honours in the opening 7.1 m individual time trial in 9 minutes 28 seconds to win the first stage and the yellow jersey in his first international race.

The top six riders all clocked 9min 28sec, to suggest the Tour will be closely fought.

Christchurch rider Michael Vink (Mico-Protrain), overall winner of the recent national road championships, is the highest ranked Kiwi, placing second. He finished ahead of Damien Howson (Jayco-AIS, Australia), Nick Aitken (Jayco-AIS, Australia) Paul Odlin (Subway Pro Cycling, Christchurch), Joseph Cooper ( Ricoh, Wellington) and Bewley with the top seven separated by less than a second.

Tomorrow’s second stage is a 143 km loop starting and finishing in Palmerston North.

Provisional results, Stage 1, NZ Cycle Classic, Palmerston North, 7.1km time trial: Campbell Flakemore (Genesys Wealth Advisors, Australia) 9.28.180, 1; Michael Vink (Mico-Protrain) 9.29.233, 2; Damien Howson (Jayco-AIS) 9.29.280, 3.

NOTE: Official release and confirmed results to follow from organiser.

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

Hastings Sunday Ride (29th February)

2012-01-25T18:02:00.001+13:00

Seeing as this ride did not happen on the 8th due to Weather

Long Ride - Kereru top of hill past School and return (100km)
Short Ride - Valley Road, Raukawa road and return (50km)

Saturday Racing: 28th January 2012 - Graded ITT

2012-01-25T17:57:00.001+13:00

Circuit: Omaranui/Swamp
Assembly/signin: At the Puketapu end of Swamp Road
Toilet facilities: Puketapu Domain
Race start time: from 2pm
Race Starter: Mark Coombe
Race Day Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895
Pre-entry is required
Riders MUST pre-enter this event. You can do so by emailing Mark markc@bwr.co.nz by Thursday evening (26th) to ensure you receive a start-time.
Remember you must be a fully paid up member for 2012 in order to be in the race-start database, and of course to be eligible for a race result

Thursday Night Ride: 26th January

2012-01-25T17:53:00.001+13:00

This week meet at the start of Simla Ave for the second Te Mata Peak Hill Climb.

29th January: 2012 Cyclocross getting warmed up!

2012-01-25T17:52:00.001+13:00

CXHB are kicking off with some pre season off road rides starting end of this month, we are running a Sunday ride at the end of each month starting at 9am. Venues will be posted here on the blog but will be approx 2-3hrs long.
The first ride will commence January 29th meeting at the Tait Road entrance to the Eskdale MTB Park and will ride up Waipunga Road to Kaiwaka Road, turn right to state HW 2, dog leg to Tongoio-Settlement Road, returning to Eskdale via state HW 2.
This ride can be completed on a cyclocross bike or MTB, road bikes have been used on this route however there will be 30km of gravel so punctures may hamper road tyres. So get your dirt bikes out and come join us for some fun, long range forecast tell CXHB organisers that it will be a 'rainy day' so we are hoping for a few mud holes on the way! It has even been heard that Ian Seddon is making a special appearance on his 29er MTB!
All riders are welcome

Tour de Beautiful

2012-01-25T17:50:00.001+13:00

CHB Cycling put on another lovely day over a beautiful course. Thank you to organisers and marshals.
Congratulations to winners Jeremy Yates (100km) and Andrew Bott (50km).

GWALOOP: NZ's longest one day cycle challenge (204km)

2012-01-25T17:49:00.001+13:00

Jeremy Vennell (with his parents as crew) and Allan Black (Allan’s wife, Mariana, and Colin Cameron crewed for him) made Ramblers proud.

Jeremy finished in first place overall 5:47:55:09
Allan finished first in the 55+ age group 6:42:50:16
Allan's time was slightly down on his last year’s effort due to a strong head wind over the last 40kms or so. Gisborne used 'special tactics' to try and upset Jeremy’s race plan, but he just bided his time and struck when when he sensed a weakness in the opposition.
The special tactics involved using strong man Peter Murphy on a fully kitted out time trial bike comlete with disc wheel for part of the race. For the first 20km or so going around the Patutahi loop they were sitting on 60kph. This REALLY strung the bunch out - they were fair 'smokin' on the Poverty Bay flats leading up to the Wharerata hills! At one point Allan said the pace backed off a bit - he looked down at his speedo and saw that they had only backed off to 52kph

Read both of there full stories under the results section (Ed)

Club Uniform Available

2012-01-25T17:47:00.001+13:00

The recent shipment of club uniform arrived a week ago and some orders have already been distributed. To arrange collection of your order, please email Helen ramblersgirl@gmail.com

Due to production overruns we have a limited stock of some uniform items available and that these will be sold to the first people who email info@ramblers.co.nz stating the item/s and size/s wanted. Payment can be made by cheque or internet banking.
Leg warmers - $40 (1x small, 2x medium, 1x large)
Vests $85 (2x small, 1x medium, 1x large, 1x XXL)
Womens Bib Shorts $75 (1x small)
Shoe Covers $30
Caps $20

RCC Drink Bottles for RCC Members

2012-01-25T17:46:00.001+13:00

All those who have joined/rejoined Ramblers and have paid fees by January 31st will receive a Ramblers-branded Drink Bottle. These will be distributed in February.

Only those members who have completed the membership application process in FULL will be added to the timing database.

Payment of subs does not constitute a complete membership application.

ALL members (new and returning) need to complete, sign and submit a paper membership form

OR accept the BikeNZ declaration when they apply online through BikeNZ.

The quickest way to ensure your membership is processed is to post your completed forms with payment in to PO Box 8548, Havelock North 4157 or to enter online. If you hand your forms or payment to a committee member or other club official, there may be delays in processing.
Remember, sign up before February for 2012 membership to receive a classy drink bottle

February: Bike Wise Challenge (All month)

2012-01-25T17:44:00.001+13:00

Grab at least five workmates, log at least five bike trips each during February and go in the draw to win $100 Avanti vouchers, spot prizes, bragging rights and even lunch at Clearview Winery. Find out more http://govt.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e6a0a1a7c092a0f6e7c3170c&id=c1b557304d&e=db47c2251a

5th February: Big Bike Fix Up

2012-01-25T17:43:00.001+13:00

Bring your bike to the Clock Tower in Hastings between 10am and 11.30am for a free check up by our top team of mechanics.
To find out more http://govt.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8e6a0a1a7c092a0f6e7c3170c&id=a19136c48e&e=db47c2251a

6th February: Philip Burns Memorial Criterium

2012-01-25T17:41:00.001+13:00

ALL Ramblers members are invited to the Phillip Burns Memorial Criterion at Otane on Monday 6th Feb. Join grades from A-G to race the Otane Circuit (Whites Road, Dees Street, Bell Street, Knorp Street). Start from 1pm with prize-giving afterwards at the Otane Hotel.

18th February: Art Deco Bicycle Belles

2012-01-25T17:40:00.001+13:00

Meet the Bicycle Belles at the SoundShell at 9.30am and take part in Napier's Art Deco Weekend. You will proceed in a (dis)orderly fashion around to East Pier for refreshments.
Gold Coin donation for the Art Deco Trust.
Everyone (male, female, any age) is welcome to join this ride

22nd – 24th February: Walking and Cycling Conference

2012-01-25T17:38:00.001+13:00

Appoximately 150 delegates from around New Zealand will arrive at the Hawke's Bay Opera House for the National Walking & Cycling Conference. As well as discussing how to make walking and cycling better for all Kiwis, delegates will be cycling along our pathways and cycling routes.

24th February: Hastings Go By Bike Breakfast

2012-01-25T17:37:00.001+13:00

Bike to work, school or for fun past the Hawke's Bay Opera House between 7am and 8.30am and stop in for a free breakfast of bacon butties, coffee and warm muffins all sponsored by iWay. Be there to win a new bike and other spot prizes. Find out more http://govt.us1.list-manage2.com/track/click?u=8e6a0a1a7c092a0f6e7c3170c&id=24ae444de1&e=db47c2251a
.

25th February: Hawke's Bay Regional Council Puketapu Domain Trail Ride

2012-01-25T17:34:00.001+13:00

Meet at the Pettigrew Green Arena, Taradale, by 9.30am and ride eight kilometres alongside the stopbank to the new park at Puketapu Domain where there will be an official launch of the Water Ride. Children can enjoy the bouncy castle and flying fox and a free BBQ will be provided for all.

Wanted House in March

2012-01-25T17:32:00.001+13:00

Brohn and Linda Torckler are looking for a house to rent or house-sit in the Havelock North or Hastings area. The house is needed from Saturday 17th March through to Monday 26th March. Please contact Brohn teamtorq@xtra.co.nz

Finalists in the CAN Awards

2012-01-25T17:31:00.001+13:00

Congratulations to iWay, Hastings, finalists in the Cycle Advocates Network, 2012 Cycle Friendly Awards. And not just once, but four times! The projects iWay are nominated for are the green cycle lanes, the Share the Road campaign and the prison bike recycling scheme. They are also in the running for iWay as a whole in the combined walking and cycling awards. All the best, iWay!!

Upcoming Events

2012-01-25T17:29:00.001+13:00

25th-29th January: NZ Cycle Classic, Palmerston North
28th January: NZ Cycle Classic Gran Fondo, Palmerston North
27th – 29th January: Waikato/Bay of Plenty Track Champs
4th-6th February: Rabodirect Elite Track National Championship (includes Madison and U19 Omnium), Invercargill
6th February: Philip Burns Memorial Criterium, Otane
11th- 12th February: Bev May Tour
12th-18th February: Wellington to Auckland 7 day Cycle Challenge
18th February: Art Deco Bicycle Belles Ride
18th February: The Rev, Hamilton
18th February: Moonshine Trail, Southland
22-24 February: "To Walk and Cycle" Conference, Hastings
22-26th February: NZCT Women’s Tour, Manawatu
25th February: Churchyard Physiotherapy le Femme Fun Ride, Palmerston North
28-29th February: WCNI Open Track Champs, Wanganui
29th February - 3rd March: Rabodirect Age Group Track National Championship, Invercargill
3rd March: Karapoti Classic, Wellington
11th March: Tremain Coorporate Triathalon, Napier
11th March: Kawhata Challenge, Waikato
11th March: Bush Cycle Challenge, Magatinoka
15th-18th March: BDO 4 day Tour, Northland
16th – 18th March: Oceania Road Championships, Southland
17th-18th March: Ultimo Cycling CHB Junior Tour
18-25th March: Perth Bike Week, Australia (includes UCI Qualifier ITT and RR)
24th March: Grape Ride, Malborough
7th-9th April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu
14th-15th April: CRI Junior and Women’s Tour
14th-21st April: Tour of New Zealand, Cape Reinga to Wellington OR Bluff to Wellington
3rd-6th May: RaboDirect Road National Championship, Hastings
20th May: Laskey Cycles Manfield 6 hour challenge

This Saturday: Memorial Ride for Roy

2012-01-20T12:41:00.001+13:00

If you would like join us, see the following details:

• 1:30pm meet at Arohanui Centre, 81 Middle Road, Havelock North

• 1:45pm ride briefing

• 2:00pm memorial ride begins

Ride description: The ride (it is not a race) is flat, and forms a "figure 8". It includes Ngatarawa Road where Roy finished his last training ride.

We will leave Arohanui Centre, turning left along Middle Rd. Then we will turn right into Mutiny Rd, then a series of left-hand turns will take us onto Stock Rd, Pakipaki Rd, Mangaroa Rd, Ngatarawa Rd, Roys Hill Rd (SH50), Maraekakaho Rd, and Longlands Rd, before turning right onto Mt Erin Rd and left onto School Rd. A last left back onto Middle Rd will return us to Arohanui Centre. Please join us afterwards at Arohanui for a cuppa, biscuits and company.

A message from CHB

2012-01-20T12:40:00.003+13:00

We at Cycling CHB observed a minutes silence for Roy last Tuesday, before our ride.He was a legend in Hawkes Bay for ALL his cycling efforts, both on the road and off and also as an official. Our thoughts are with his family and with his cycling mates.

This Sunday: Tour de Beautiful

2012-01-20T12:40:00.000+13:00

Online entries have closed, however entries will still be accepted on Saturday 21st between 4-6pm, and on Sunday morning between 7:30-8:30am.

To enter on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning please go to CHB College Hall in Svenson Road, Waipukarau.

This is a magnificently scenic fun ride which caters for cyclists of all abilities. Remember there are also exciting spot prizes as well as a chance to win a new Ford Fiesta car!

For full details go to the CHB Cycling website http://www.cyclingchb.co.nz/events

Note - No Hastings Sunday Ride this Sunday

The HUB EMC Tour 2012: A message from Wally

2012-01-20T12:39:00.000+13:00

I wish to thank all the club members that gave up their weekend to assist with HUB EMC Tour.

The weekend was a great success so you deserve all the kudos, not me.

Thank you to all the Commissaries, the holders at the prologue, to the corner marshals, all the car drivers, mechanics and hill and sprint prime marshals.

Whereas there was the odd hiccup with some of the TT times in the main the weekend went very well.

Personally I thought the announcers and the photos on face book and u-tube were a great addition to the tour, well done to those people.

Thank you to all the club members that entered, I hope you enjoyed the tour.

A special thanks to Ken and Helen MacKenzie, Ivan Aplin, Ivar Hopman, Gavin Bush and the super efficient Deb Kelly.

If you have any feedback I am only to pleased receive it, good or bad, just drop me a line.

Wally Woods, Event Director

Club Uniform Available

2012-01-20T12:37:00.006+13:00

The recent shipment of club uniform has arrived. To arrange collection of your order, please email Helen ramblersgirl@gmail.com

Membership Reminder

2012-01-20T12:37:00.003+13:00

Waikato/BOP Track Championships 2012

2012-01-20T12:37:00.000+13:00

This event is being held at the Taupo Velodrome from 27th – 29th January.

Start from: Friday, 7.00pm; Saturday, 9:30am; Sunday, 9.30am

Entry Fees: $5.00 per individual event or $20.00 for 4 or more event

$15.00 per team events per team

$20 omnium – includes 6 events

Entries close 23rd January. Contact Graeme Bell gabell@xtra.co.nz
or 027 495 3553

WCNI Open Track Championships 2012

2012-01-20T12:36:00.006+13:00

The WCNI Open Track Championships are being held at the Wanganui Velodrome on the 28th and 29th January.

Registrations 9.00am, events start from 10.00am.

Closing date for entries Wednesday 25th January 2012.

WCNI Open Track Champs are open to riders from other Centres but they will not be eligible for medals. In the sprint events riders from other Centres cannot proceed past the qualifying round.

Philip Burns Memorial Criterium

2012-01-20T12:36:00.003+13:00

ALL Ramblers members are invited to the Phillip Burns Memorial Criterion at Otane on Monday 6th Feb. Join grades from A-G to race the Otane Circuit (Whites Road, Dees Street, Bell Street, Knorp Street). Start from 1pm with prize-giving afterwards at the Otane Hotel.

U17 Girls Coaching Session

2012-01-20T12:35:00.006+13:00

Under 17 girls are invited to attend a Junior Girls Coaching session with Toni Bradshaw, Emma Crum and Ruth Jarman. The session will be held on Monday 6th February (Waitangi Day) at Ashhurst starting at 9am and going through to approximately 2pm.

The focus of the coaching session will be around race craft and strategy. A list of the requirements for the day is attached to the registration form. If you are considering competing at a national level this year then you should attend this session.

Toni Bradshaw: 2005 NZWomens Cycling Team at the World Championships in Madrid, Spain; Oceania Games in Wanganui; 2006 selected for the Commonwealth Games, Melbourne; racing in Europe in Womens World Cups and Tours.

Emma Crum: 2007-2008 extensive racing experience including from 2007-2008 3rd Oceania Games Road Race, Winner Rice Mountain Classic, Winner QOM Tour de Femme, 3rd U23 Tour de Femme, 6th Elite Nationals Road Race, 3rd Overall Hub Tour, 2nd Overall Bev May Tour, Winner QOM Bev May Tour, 4th Wellington TT Champs

Ruth Jarman: current Bike NZ under 17 girls selector

Please contact your coach for further information, or Denise Brown dmbrown31@hotmail.com

Hastings iway Commuter Challenge 2012

2012-01-20T12:35:00.003+13:00

The Hastings iway Commuter Challenge is coming again in February. This really is a fantastic community event, bringing people from all parts of your community together - by bike.

This year, the challenge will be led by Owen Mata from the iway team at Hastings District Council.

At this stage the challenge may only be one breakfast per week, over the BikeWise month of February with a greater focus on directing commuters to the Bike Wise Challenge website where you can log your own cycle trips and compete as individuals and business’s against each other. More details will follow shortly from Owen and the iway team.

Upcoming Events

2012-01-20T12:35:00.000+13:00

21st January: GWALOOP, Gisborne/Wairoa

21st January: Tour de Ranges, Auckland

21st-22nd January: WVCC 2Day Challenge, Martinborough

22nd January: BR Turfreys Tour de Beautiful, Central Hawkes Bay

25th-29th January: NZ Cycle Classic, Palmerston North

28th January: NZ Cycle Classic Gran Fondo, Palmerston North

27th – 29th January: Waikato/Bay of Plenty Track Champs

4th-6th February: Rabodirect Elite Track National Championship (includes Madison and U19 Omnium), Invercargill

6th February: Philip Burns Memorial Criterium, Otane

11th- 12th February: Bev May Tour

12th-18th February: Wellington to Auckland 7 day Cycle Challenge

18th February: Art Deco Bicycle Belles Ride

18th February: The Rev, Hamilton

18th February: Moonshine Trail, Southland

22-24 February: "To Walk and Cycle" Conference, Hastings

22-26th February: NZCT Women’s Tour, Manawatu

25th February: Churchyard Physiotherapy le Femme Fun Ride, Palmerston North

28-29th February: WCNI Open Track Champs, Wanganui

29th February - 3rd March: Rabodirect Age Group Track National Championship, Invercargill

3rd March: Karapoti Classic, Wellington

11th March: Tremain Coorporate Triathalon, Napier

11th March: Kawhata Challenge, Waikato

11th March: Bush Cycle Challenge, Magatinoka

15th-18th March: BDO 4 day Tour, Northland

16th – 18th March: Oceania Road Championships, Southland

17th-18th March: Ultimo Cycling CHB Junior Tour

18-25th March: Perth Bike Week, Australia (includes UCI Qualifier ITT and RR)

24th March: Grape Ride, Malborough

7th-9th April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu

14th-15th April: CRI Junior and Women’s Tour

14th-21st April: Tour of New Zealand, Cape Reinga to Wellington OR Bluff to Wellington

3rd-6th May: RaboDirect Road National Championship, Hastings

20th May: Laskey Cycles Manfield 6 hour challenge

Saturday 21st January: Memorial Ride for Roy

2012-01-18T17:00:00.001+13:00

We fare-welled past RCC president Roy van Panhuys with his family, his colleagues and other friends on Tuesday 19th January in Havelock North.

However, we also feel it is appropriate to have a memorial ride for Roy.

If you would like to be part of this, see the following details:

• 1:30pm meet at Arohanui Centre, 81 Middle Road, Havelock North
• 1:45pm ride briefing
• 2:00pm memorial ride begins

Ride description: The ride is flat, and forms a "figure 8". It includes Ngatarawa Road where Roy finished his last training ride.

Leave Arohanui Church - left along Middle Rd,

Right into Mutiny Rd,

Take left turns onto Stock Rd, Pakipaki Rd, Mangaroa Rd, Ngatarawa Rd, Roys Hill Rd (SH50), Maraekakaho Rd, Longlands Rd,

Right onto Mt Erin Rd,

Left onto School Rd, then a last left back onto Middle Rd, returning to Arohanui Centre.

This is not a race, and all riders are welcome.

If you are unable to ride this Saturday but would still like to be a part of this, please join us afterwards at Arohanui for a cuppa, biscuits and company.

Sunday 22nd January: 2012 B.R Turfrey Tour de Beautiful CHB

2012-01-18T16:59:00.003+13:00

It’s not too late to register for the magnificently scenic and incredibly friendly Tour de Beautiful.

This is a fun ride catering for all abilities.

There are exciting spot prizes as well as a chance to win a new Ford Fiesta car!

Online entries close at midnight tonight.

Registrations and ride details can be found online through this link http://www.cyclingchb.co.nz/events/79-roger

However, entries will still be accepted on Saturday 21st between 4-6pm, and on Sunday morning between 7:30-8:30am.

To enter on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning please go to CHB College Hall in Svenson Road, Waipukarau.

For full details go to the CHB Cycling website http://www.cyclingchb.co.nz/events

Lost Car Keys (Hub EMC 3 Day Tour)

2012-01-16T11:09:00.002+13:00

Lost at Pukehamoamoa school on Saturday set of car keys.
If found please phone 878 7010 or email info@ramblers.co.nz

Jeremy Vennell wins A grade GC in a good weekend of results for Ramblers

2012-01-16T09:14:00.003+13:00

In some very closely fought races Ramblers and CHB cycling members won 6 of the 7 GC events. Many thanks to Wally Woods and his team of organisers and offiicials and timing (Ivar Hopman) for another very well run weekend. Thanks also to Ngatarawa Wines for the great venue the HUB/EMC and all sponsors for funding such a great event.

Jeremy Vennell takes GC

Final GC Results - KOM - Sprint

A Grade Men Final GC (Results Stage 3)
1.Jeremy Vennell
2.Hayden Mccormick
3.Tim Gudsell

A Grade Women Final GC (Results Stage 3)
1.Kerri-Anne Torckler
2.Bridget Lodge
3.Linda Ringlever

B Grade Men Final GC (Results Stage 3)
1.Stephen Sheldrake
2.Clark Ellice
3.Gary Hall

B Grade Women Final GC (Results Stage 3)
1.Megan Watson
2.Ingrid Perols
3.Sue Daniels

C Grade Men Final GC (Results Stage 3)
1.James Lochhead
2.Keri Wakely
3.Hayden Le Compte

U17 Boys Final GC (Results Stage 3)
1.Regan Gough
2.Luke Mudgway
3.Ollie Jones

U17 Girls Final GC (Results Stage 3)
1.Phoebe Treseder
2.Kate Stewart
3.Elizabeth Stannard

Latham wins gold in Beijing World Cup cycling

2012-01-16T07:59:00.003+13:00

Waikato rider Peter Latham has won gold on the penultimate night of finals at the UJCI World Cup in Beijing.

Latham took out the men’s 4000m individual pursuit over Australian Mitchell Mulqueen to highlight the New Zealand performances at the Beijing Velodrome, venue for cycling at the 2008 Olympics.

Latham, who turned 28 last week, topped qualifiers in 4:26.100. He had to show all his experience to win the final against the Australian, who started strongly to open a two second lead after 1000m. Mulqueen was still ahead at the three-quarter mark but Latham’s experience and conditioning came to the fore with a superb final 1000m in 1:06 to earn victory in 4:25.964.

Olympic hopeful Joanne Kiesanowski is in a share of second place after the first day of the women’s omnium.

The Christchurch professional was fourth in the 200m Flying Lap in 14.826, a fraction outside her best, but placed only 13th in the points race. Kiesanowski bounced back with a brilliant ride to finish second in the elimination race pipped in the final sprint to Russian Evgenia Romanyuta, the former world junior champion and current European points race champion.

The Russian leads overall after three rounds on 11 points with Kiesanowski in a share of second place with China’s Mei Hsiao on 19 points with the individual pursuit, scratch race and time trial to conclude the contest tonight.

In other racing Eddie Dawkins (Southland) finished 10th in the men’s keirin, after qualifying when he won his repechage.

Fellow Southland sprinter Natasha Hansen qualified eighth fastest in the women’s sprint in 11.397, a fraction outside her Oceania record. She lost to Cuba’s Lisandra Ridriguez in the round of eight and to China’s Jinjie Gong in the consolation quarterfinal.

Otago’s Katie Schofield clocked a personal best 11.551 in qualifying but was 1/100th of a second off qualifying for the elimination rounds.

The World Cup concludes overnight.

Finals results:

Men 4000m individual pursuit, gold medal: Peter Latham (NZL) 4:25.964, 1; Mitchell Mulqueen (AUS) 4:26.267, 2; Bronze medal: Kevin Labeque (FRA) 4:28.519, 3; Valery Kaykov (RUS) 4:29.328, 4.

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL

Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance

Sports Media NZ Ltd

Hub EMC 3Day Stage 1 Results and GC, KOM, Sprint

2012-01-15T06:32:00.001+13:00

Results here
Stage 1 A Grade
Stage 1 A Grade Women's
Stage 1 B Grade
Stage 1 B Grade Women's
Stage 1 C Grade
Stage 1 U17 Boys
Stage 1 U17 Girls

GC - KOM - Sprint

Two medals for BikeNZ cyclists at Beijing World Cup

2012-01-14T22:30:00.001+13:00

New Zealand cyclists picked up two medals on the second day of the UCI World Cup in Beijing overnight.

BikeNZ has rested a number of riders to develop some new combinations before finalising the team for next month’s key world cup in London and the world championships in Melbourne.

The combination of Westley Gough, Cameron Karwowski, Peter Latham and Myron Simpson beat off the challenge from Great Britain for the bronze medal in the men’s 4000m team pursuit.

They clocked 4:03.758 to comfortably win the bronze medal, finishing three seconds clear of the British combination.

The New Zealand team sprint trio also won a bronze medal with the new combination of Matt Archibald, Eddie Dawkins and Simon van Velthooven.

They qualified third fastest in 44.748, 3/10ths behind top qualifier Russia. They were slightly slower in the bronze medal ride against Venezuela but van Velthooven, the big Manawatu sprinter, unleashed a powerful final lap of 14.432s to edge the kiwis into the bronze medal.

The women’s team pursuit trio of Kaytee Boyd, Rushlee Buchanan and Gemma Dudley were fourth in the 3000m team pursuit clocking 3.28.603 to be beaten for the bronze medal by hosts China.

World Cup debutants Katie Schofield and Natasha Hansen finished eighth in the women’s team sprint in 34.236s, just over a second behind winners China who produced a world class time of 32.958, just outside the world record.

Hansen followed by finishing fifth in the 500m time trial in 35.278s.

The individual sprint events are schedule for tomorrow’s final day of racing.

Results, day 2:

Men 4000m team pursuit, gold medal ride: Russia 3:57.699, 1; Australia 4:01.804, 2. Bronze medal: New Zealand (Westley Gough, Cam Karwowski, Peter Latham, Myron Simpson) 4:03.758, 3; Great Britain 4:06, 853, 4.

Men team sprint, gold medal ride: Russia 44.198, 1; China 44.430, 2. Bronze medal ride: New Zealand (Matt Archibald, Eddie Dawkins, Simon van Velthooven) 44.827, 3; Venezuela 44.914, 4.

Women 500m time trial: Natasha Hansen 35.278, 5.

Women team sprint: New Zealand (Katie Schofield, Natasha Hansen) 34.236, 8.

Women 3000m team pursuit, gold medal ride: Ukraine 1, Belarus 2 (overtaken); bronze medal: China 3:22.588, 3; New Zealand (Kaytee Boyd, Rushlee Buchanan, Gemma Dudley) 3:37.357, 4.

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

Hub EMC 3 Day Prologue Results

2012-01-14T06:38:00.001+13:00

Men's A
Women's A.
Men's B
Women's B
Men's C
U17 Boys
U17 Girls

BikeNZ pursuit teams into medal rides at Beijing World Cup

2012-01-13T15:00:00.003+13:00

New Zealand cyclists will ride off for bronze tonight in the men’s and women’s team pursuit medal rounds at the UCI World Cup in Beijing.

BikeNZ has rested a number of riders to develop some new combinations before finalising the team for next month’s key world cup in London and the world championships in Melbourne.

The combination of Westley Gough, Cameron Karwowski, Peter Latham and Myron Simpson will take on Great Britain for the bronze medal in the men’s 4000m team pursuit.

They clocked 4:04.247 in qualifying on the opening night of competition at the velodrome used for the 2008 Olympics. They were the third fastest in the competition led by Russia in 4:00.488 and Australia in 4:02.585, who will fight it out for the gold medal.

Meanwhile the BikeNZ trio of Kaytee Boyd, Rushlee Buchanan and Gemma Dudley will take on hosts China for the bronze medal in the 3000m women’s team pursuit.

They were the fourth fastest in qualifying in 3:27.357, a second behind the Chinese combination. The New Zealand combo started conservatively to be seventh fastest at the 1000m mark, improving to fifth fastest at the 2000m before rattling home to push into the medal ride-offs.

Belarus were fastest in 3:24.857 and will take on Ukraine (3:25.612) in the gold medal ride.

Tonight’s action includes the team sprint with the BikeNZ combination of Natasha Hansen and Katie Schofield making their world cup debut as they push for late qualification for the London Olympics following world class performances at November’s Oceania Championships.

Also in action is the men’s team sprint trio of Matt Archibald, Eddie Dawkins and Simon van Velthooven, competing together for the first time, while experienced Christchurch rider Jason Allen will contest the first day of the omnium.

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL

Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance

Sports Media NZ Ltd

Hub EMC 3 Day Prologue Start Times

2012-01-13T07:42:00.002+13:00

Click here to download tonights start times http://www.ramblers.co.nz/blogfiles/starttimes.pdf

Thursday Night Ride

2012-01-12T13:35:00.004+13:00

Swamp Road ITT, 6pm, 15km out and back.

HUB EMC Tour

2012-01-12T13:35:00.001+13:00

A reminder that there is no Saturday club racing/ or Hastings Sunday bunch ride this weekend.

Ramblers is hosting the HUB EMC 3 day tour over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Thank you in anticipation to all our helpers, and best wishes to all those participating.

Memorial Ride for Roy

2012-01-12T13:34:00.002+13:00

We fare-welled Roy van Panhuys with his family, his colleagues and other friends on Tuesday in Havelock North.

However, Ramblers also feel it is appropriate to have a special ride for Roy.

This will happen on Saturday 21st January.

Further details (course and venue) will be available next week.

Elite Nationals

2012-01-12T13:34:00.000+13:00

Congratulations to:

- Fraser Gough, Bronze, U23 Mens Time Trial

- Jeremy Yates, Silver, Elite Mens Road Race

- Jeremy Vennell, Bronze, Elite Mens Road Race

Best wishes to Ashleigh Neave recovering from a broken collarbone.

2012 B.R Turfrey Tour de Beautiful CHB

2012-01-12T13:33:00.001+13:00

It’s not too late to register for the Tour de Beautiful on Sunday 22nd January.

Registrations and ride details can be found online through this link http://www.cyclingchb.co.nz/events/79-roger

Reminder

2012-01-12T13:32:00.004+13:00

The quickest way to ensure your membership is renewed is to post your forms/payment in to PO Box 8548, Havelock North 4157 or to enter online.

If you hand your forms to a committee member or other club official, there may be delays in processing.

Please ensure your have rejoined Ramblers and have paid your fees by the end of January.

Your transponder will NOT be entered into the 2012 database until confirmation of fully paid membership is received.

Riders who have not renewed their membership by February may find themselves unable to start a race.

Once your application has been confirmed (including payment), you will be entered into the Ramblers race and timing database.

Art Deco Weekend: Bicycle Belles

2012-01-12T13:32:00.001+13:00

On Saturday February 18th the Bicycle Belles take part in Napier's Art Deco Weekend. Meet them at the SoundShell at 9.30am and proceed in a (dis)orderly fashion around to East Pier for refreshments.

Gold Coin donation for the Art Deco Trust.

Everyone (male, female, any age) is welcome to join this ride.

Upcoming Events

2012-01-12T11:24:00.002+13:00

13th-15th January: Hub EMC Tour 2012, Hastings

14th January: Round the Mountain, New Plymouth

21st January: GWALOOP, Gisborne/Wairoa

21st January: Tour de Ranges, Auckland

21st-22nd January: WVCC 2Day Challenge, Martinborough

22nd January: BR Turfreys Tour de Beautiful, Central Hawkes Bay

25th-29th January: NZ Cycle Classic, Palmerston North

28th January: NZ Cycle Classic Gran Fondo, Palmerston North

4th-6th February: Rabodirect Elite Track National Championship (includes Madison and U19 Omnium), Invercargill

11th- 12th February: Bev May Tour

12th-18th February: Wellington to Auckland 7 day Cycle Challenge

18th February: Art Deco Bicycle Belles Ride

18th February: The Rev, Hamilton

18th February: Moonshine Trail, Southland

22-24 February: "To Walk and Cycle" Conference, Hastings

22-26th February: NZ Women’s Tour, Manawatu

25th February: Le Femme Fun Ride, Manawatu

28th February - 3rd March: Rabodirect Age Group Track National Championship, Invercargill

3rd March: Karapoti Classic, Wellington

11th March: Tremain Coorporate Triathalon, Napier

11th March: Kawhata Challenge, Waikato

11th March: Bush Cycle Challenge, Magatinoka

15th-18th March: BDO 4 day Tour, Northland

15th-16th March: Oceania Road championships, Southland

17th-18th March: Ultimo Cycling CHB Junior Tour

18-25th March: Perth Bike Week, Australia (includes UCI Qualifier ITT and RR)

24th March: Grape Ride, Malborough

7th-9th April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu

14th-15th April: CRI Junior and Women’s Tour

3rd-6th May: RaboDirect Road National Championship, Hastings

20th May: Laskey Cycles Manfield 6 hour challenge

14th-22nd April: Tour of New Zealand

June-Sept (precise date to be confirmed): Oceania Masters Road Championships, Fiji

More details for those intending to attend Roy's service at 2pm tomorrow.

2012-01-09T17:05:00.001+13:00

There will be a small guard of honour as Roy is carried from the Havelock North Community Centre.

If you would like to be a part of this, please contact Don Kennedy 021708310 or donkennedy@xtra.co.nz

If you wish to accompany Roy by riding on your bike to the Hastings Crematorium, just turn up with your bicycle and helmet.
If you would like to wear your Ramblers cycling jersey to the service, or your full cycling kit, that will be appropriate.

There will be a Rambler's member outside to watch bikes and shoes for those inside attending the service.

Roy van Panhuys Funeral Service

2012-01-09T11:27:00.000+13:00

The Funeral Service for Roy will be held at the Havelock North Community Center, 2:00 pm Tuesday 10th.
For those club members wishing to attend there will be a club guard of honour and cycle escort at the conclusion of the service.

Ramblers Mourn Loss of Life Member

2012-01-08T17:54:00.001+13:00

It is with great sadness that Ramblers wishes to inform club members of the passing of Roy van Panhuys on Friday evening.
Roy a life member and immediate past president has been active on Ramblers and Tour of the Bay committees for many years was also competitively riding at national level until recent times. Roy's sage advice and input has helped mould Ramblers into the successful club it is today.
Club members wishing to attend Roy's funeral planned for Tuesday are asked to join in a guard of honor and cycle escort of Roy from the funeral service.
Service and further details will be posted as soon as possible.
Our thoughts are with Mary and family at this sad and difficult time.

Vink creates history at RaboDirect NZ Road Cycling

2012-01-08T17:50:00.001+13:00

Vink creates cycling history at RaboDirect national championships
Twenty-year-old Michael Vink created cycling history with his solo victory in the RaboDirect Road Cycling National Championships in Christchurch today.
The Mico Protrain rider from Christchurch held off the chasers to win the gruelling 183km race by just six seconds to claim the overall honours and successfully defend his under-23 crown. He is the first rider to take out the under-23 national title and win the overall honours. Vink also claimed the double after winning the under-23 time trial on Friday, while his winning time of 4:38:09 was a course record, more than five minutes faster than Hayden Roulston’s time in 2011.
Last year Vink impressed with a brave attack that saw him reeled in only on the final lap by Roulston, although the young rider held on to take the under-23 title.
Today his solo attack on the penultimate lap worked, holding off a fierce charge from Pure Black Racing’s James Williamson (Alexandra) and US-based Team Bissell pro Patrick Bevin (Taupo) who came up just six seconds short. Williamson finished second to claim the elite men’s honours with Bevin third overall and runner-up in the under-23 division.
Vink (Mico Protrain) dropped Jeremy Vennell (Team Bissell) on the penultimate climb up the testing Dyers Pass hill to open up a 45 second buffer with a lap remaining.
“I would have liked Vennell to stay on for longer but at the bottom of the climb he said he was gone. So at that stage I had no choice but to go solo and time trial my way to the finish,” Vink said.
Pre-race favourite Jack Bauer, about to begin his World Tour career with Garmin Cervelo, made the initial charge from the handful of remaining chasers, but it was Bevin and Williamson who took up the cudgels. The margin was reduced to 35 seconds at the top of the climb and 17 seconds with 2km left. The gap was 12 seconds at the 1km mark but Vink managed to hold on to record an outstanding win.
“This win means a lot to me, not just that I won but how I won it. It has given me a lot of confidence because I know I can win this level of race now.
“The national champs are always tough and fast races because there’s no prize for finishing second.
“I knew the chasers would be coming at me but at that stage you can’t worry about them. It was a matter of putting your head down and giving it everything you have. If it was good enough then it was good enough.
“I always knew it was possible to win the overall race as well. I set myself really high goals and that was one of them.”
Vink will prepare for the New Zealand Cycle Classic in the Manawatu race later this month with his Mico Protrain team before heading to Belgium where he will race for a top amateur team.
“If I can get some good results I hope this will lead to a professional contract. The team have some great race starts around Europe in some top stage races.”
It proved a bitter-sweet time for the 22 year old Williamson who found out before Christmas that PureBlack Racing team cannot fund their planned European programme after a promising maiden year in the USA in 2011.
He answered in the ideal way and hopes his national title will help secure a spot in a professional team this year.
“I am stoked to take the title. It was touch and go if we would get up in the last lap and I definitely wanted to be first across the line. But I knew the other under-23 boys had more to ride for and went with them.
“We rode so hard and we were so close. But I am rapt to win this title. I have no special plans now but I hope that winning will help me open some doors. It would be pretty special to be able to take the national jersey overseas to race.”
The pace was on from the start, riders recording up to 60kph as the field strung out in single file before a group of nine riders made the first break. The group, including former Olympian Robin Reid, Bevin, favourite Jesse Sergent and Vink, pushed out to a 1m38s lead at the halfway mark.
They were reeled in two laps later before Waikato’s Shem Rodger went off the front, opening up a 1min 13sec buffer before he was caught with three laps remaining.
With Rodger dropped, Taranaki’s Michael Torkler, Vink and Vennell pushed clear. Torkler was also dropped with Vink and Vennell opening up a one minute lead with two laps remaining. Vink turned up the heat up the hill on the penultimate lap as Vennell dropped away to link up with the chasers including Bevin, Atkins, Williamson and Bauer.
However it was the young Cantabrian who got the ultimate reward for his brave attack on a day of fierce racing on a telling circuit with only 13 of the 70 starters finishing.
Results, RaboDirect National Road cycling Championships, 183km:
Elite: James Williamson (PureBlack Racing, Southland) 4:38:15, 1; Jeremy Yates (Mico Protrain, East Coast North Island) at 1:49, 2; Jeremy Vennell (Team Bissell, ECNI) at 2:04, 3.
Under 23: Michael Vink (Mico Protrain, Canterbury) 4:38:09, 1; (course record); Patrick Bevin (Team Bissell, Waikato Bay of Plenty) at six seconds, 2; Josh Atkins (Canterbury) at 22 secs, 3.

IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

Michael Vink celebrates victory in the RaboDirect national Road Cycling Championships in Christchurch today.
Images by:Bruce Wilson

Ashleigh Neave unlucky at Nationals

2012-01-08T10:13:00.001+13:00

After a strong start and many mentions in the opening lap of the Women's Elite Nationals Road Race Ashleigh was forced to take evasive action when a car pulled out in front of her on the downhill section of the race.

In Ashleigh's words - "Taken down by a media motorbike when it cut me off after a car pulled out in front of me down Dyers Pass decent during lap 2 of Elite Nationals today
Broken collar bone in 2 places "

Serena Sheridan had a tough day at the office being forced to chase through large parts of the middle of the race and unable to make the deciding break. Full article by Bike NZ Ian Heppenstall below.

Triathlete upstages cyclists to win RaboDirect national road race

2012-01-08T10:00:00.001+13:00

Triathlete upstages cyclists to win RaboDirect national road race
Nicky Samuels thought so little of her chances of winning the RaboDirect Elite National Road Cycling Championships in Christchurch today that she planned a training run for immediately after she finished.
The triathlete with Olympic ambitions had hoped to jump straight off her bike and go for a short run, but the victory podium, media attention and medal presentation put an end to that plan.
Her main focus is the ITU World Championship triathlon race in Sydney in April, where she and third place getter Kate McIlroy hope to qualify for the London Olympics.
Whangarei born, but now based out of Wanaka, Samuels was as surprised as most of the cycle specialists about her win, but did eventually concede to being “pretty happy”.
“My focus is on April and qualifying for the Olympics, but this was a good hit out like I needed and of course it’s nice to win.”
The 28-year-old pulled away in the eighth and final lap of the 123km race to beat Waikato-Bay of Plenty’s Courteney Lowe by 12 seconds with McIlroy (Wellington) a further two seconds back.
Samuels’ coach would have been quick to forgive his star pupil for missing her run as he, BikeNZ High Performance Director Mark Elliott, was the man presenting the medals.
Samuels said it wasn’t until she’d broken away on the final lap of the tough Cashmere course that climbs 114m over just 1.47kms up Christchurch’s Port Hills on each of eight laps that she even thought about winning.
And even that break away was an accident, she said.
“I was sitting down for most of the hills, trying to use them for strength training,” she said.
“I stood up for a few pedals and I heard over the PA that I was apparently putting in an attack. I thought ‘well if they think that’s an attack, I better put a few more big pedals in’.”
She opened up a small lead near the top of the climb and stretched it on the descent.
McIlroy and Lowe worked together but could not reel in Samuels and were left fighting for the minor placings.
Samuels had only entered the event as a training ride and said her main goal for the race was just to get a hard workout. She didn’t get that early and said she found the slow pace of the race “a bit boring” before the first successful breakaway.
Just a day after winning the time trial national title, Mid South Canterbury’s Lauren Ellis was always going to find the hilly course tough, but she and Southlander Sequoia Cooper pulled away on the second lap.
Their lead almost reached the two minute mark before they were caught on the fifth lap by Samuels, Lowe, McIlroy and Otago’s Reta Trotman. The four new leaders worked well together and a series of attacks from the peloton failed to bridge the gap.
Trotman caught a pedal on a roundabout with 1km to go on the penultimate lap and was dropped leaving the two triathletes and Lowe fighting for podium places on the final lap.
Runner-up Lowe said she was hoping to prove too strong for the two triathletes, but cramped up going up the climb for the eighth time.
“I’m a bit disappointed, cyclists never like losing to triathletes or coming second at all for that matter.”
The 182km men’s race is tomorrow.
Results, RaboDirect National Women’s Road Race, 123kms: Nicky Samuels (Southland) 3 hours, 33 minutes, 54 seconds, 1; Courteney Lowe (Waikato Bay of Plenty) 3.34.06, 2; Kate McIlroy (Wellington) 3.34.08, 3.

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

Triathlete Nicky Samuels in action on way to winning the RaboDirect National Road cycling Championship in Christchurch today.

Image by Bruce Wilson.

Track star Sergent honoured on for exploits on the road

2012-01-06T19:30:00.001+13:00

The development of star track cyclist Jesse Sergent into a world class road rider was honoured at the BikeNZ Road and Track Cyclist of the Year Awards in Christchurch tonight.

The 23 year old won the honour of Male Road Rider of the Year in a special function. He is one of six riders to receive awards. They included world championship medallist Linda Villumsen awarded female road rider of the year, world championship silver medallists Shane Archbold and Alison Shanks won the male and female track riders of the year, North Harbour’s James Oram is the best emerging talent while veteran Julian Dean was voted the People’s Choice Award.

Sergent, a silver medallist at the world track championships, enjoyed a remarkable maiden season for the high profile Radioshack team on road cycling’s Pro World Tour in 2011. While the team’s supremo Johan Bruyneel did not over-burden the Feilding rider in his first year, Sergent showed his potential with three prologue victories at the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen, the Eneco Tour and Tour du Poitiou Charentes. He went on to claim the overall honours in the Belgium and French stage races.

Villumsen again proved her world class abilities over the time trial with a silver medal at the world championships in her native Denmark this year.

Villumsen, who rode for the Dutch AA Drink professional team in 2011, hit the lead in the competition as the eighth to last rider off on the technical two lap 27.8km time trial, clocking 37:29.11. Her time lasted until the penultimate ride from 2004 world champion Judith Arndt (Germany) who pipped the kiwi for the title with defending champion Emma Pooley (Great Britain) third.

She is the only BikeNZ rider to win two medals in elite competition at a world road championship following her bronze at Melbourne last year. She also won bronze in 2009 in Danish colours.

Archbold was one of the most improved riders on the world track scene last year, culminating with a silver medal in the new Olympic track discipline of the omnium. This is a six-discipline event held over two days comprising flying lap sprint, individual pursuit, 1000m time trial, points race, scratch race and elimination race.

The 22 year old completed the World Cup season as the top ranked Omnium rider.

Shanks again enjoyed an outstanding season, highlighted with a silver medal in the world track championships. She led for all but the final 120m, pipped by world record holder Sarah hammer (USA) by 29/100th of a second for her second rainbow jersey.

This followed a leading role by Shanks in guiding the women’s team to a bronze medal in the team pursuit, beating Australia in the ride-off.

Last month Shanks broke the New Zealand residents’ record with a 3:28.475 effort to win the gold medal at the Oceania Championships in Invercargill, more than a second off her previous best. And she was a key part of the team pursuit that clocked the fastest time in the world at sea-level of 3:19.759 at the Oceanias.

Oram, the former Westlake Boys High School student, was part of a record-setting day at the world road championships. The 18 year old won a silver media in the Under-19 time trial, on the same day as Villumsen’s silver – the first time BikeNZ has won two medals on the same day at a world road championship.

Oram clocked 35:11.79 for the 27.8km course in Copenhagen to set the standard but had to wait for nearly two hours for the rest of the 55-strong field to ride, finally pipped by local Danish rider Mads Wurtz Schmidt for the gold medal by just four seconds.

He also performed consistently throughout the year winning the Tour de l’Abititi, a Nations Cup event in Canada, and the domestic Calder Stewart Junior National Points Series.

New Zealand road cycling veteran Julian Dean was honoured with the RaboDirect People’s Choice Award title. Dean is respected for his humility, and determination while achieving to the highest level.

Dean completed a brilliant year, overcoming two serious crashes earlier in the season to play a role in the stage win by Garmin Cervelo in the team time trial in the Tour de France. In his seventh Tours de France, Dean became the first New Zealander to stand on the podium in Paris with Garmin Cervelo winning the leading team award.

The BikeNZ Track and Road Awards are:

Male Road Rider of the Year: Jesse Sergent.
Female Road Rider of the Year: Linda Villumsen.
Male Track Rider of the Year: Shane Archbold.
Female Track Rider of the Year: Alison Shanks.
Emerging Talent: James Oram.
RaboDirect People’s Choice: Julian Dean.

For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

Odlin provides upset victory in RaboDirect national cycling time trials

2012-01-06T19:21:00.001+13:00

Odlin provides upset victory in RaboDirect national cycling time trials
Canterbury’s Paul Odlin upset the field to win the men’s time trial at the RaboDirect Elite National Championships in Christchurch today.
Odlin clocked 49 minutes 35 seconds for the 40km journey near Lincoln College to finish 21 seconds ahead of his Subway Pro Cycling teammate Sam Horgan with favourite Jesse Sergent third.
BikeNZ’s leading women’s track pursuit team of Lauren Ellis, Jaime Nielsen and Alison Shanks filled the podium positions in the women’s contest over 25kms, while Canterbury’s Michael Vink made it two wins in three years in the under-23 event.
Odlin, a father of two, mixes work with his passion, as a cycling coach in Christchurch, and he gave his clients the perfect lesson in time trialling today.
He was runner-up four years ago but went one better with a gutsy performance today.
“I’m fortunate to coach and be able to integrate my training into my work which is great,” Odlin said. “And I am so grateful for the support I get from Subway Pro Cycling team with the bike, the support and the input from guys like Hayden Godfrey.
“I had some of my clients out supporting me today which was great.”
The Cantabrian pushed hard over the first half but had to fight the demons on the return leg of the 40km test.
“I felt really good going out. I knew it would be hard coming back so took that into my planning. I struggled though but everyone did. It was a matter of digging deep and hanging on.
“It’s quite a thrill to win this title for sure.”
Odlin said the one-two finish for his Subway Pro Cycling team is a real boost ahead of Sunday’s men’s road race.
“This shows that Subway are here and going to be a force. This result gives us some confidence for Sunday and I am sure as a team we will have a good race.”
Ellis, competing for Mid South Canterbury, won the bragging rights over her team pursuit colleagues in the women’s battle.
There was only 29 seconds separating the trio with Ellis winning in 35:21, from Nielsen second in 35:48 and Shanks third in 35:50.
The trio head to Invercargill later tomorrow to prepare for a week of training on the track.
Vink showed he is in strong form again with an excellent effort to win in 49:48 from Mid South Canterbury’s Jason Christie in 50:30.
This reversed the placings from last year when Christie edged out the talented young Christchurch rider.
Talented Hawkes Bay junior Fraser Gough, a silver medallist on the track at the junior world championship last year, finished third in 50:39.
Vink has a chance of the double when he lines up to defend his under-23 road title on Sunday.
The focus switches to the road with the 123km women’s road race tomorrow comprising eight laps around the Hoon Hay circuit starting at noon with the winner expected by 3.30pm.
The men’s elite and under-23 race over 186kms is on Sunday comprising 12 laps with the winner expected by 2.45pm.
The races include the testing climb up the Cashmere Hills on each lap.
Results, RaboDirect Elite National Championships, Time Trial:
Elite men, 40km: Paul Odlin (Subway Pro Cycling, Canterbury) 49:35, 1; Sam Horgan (Subway Pro cycling, Canterbury) 49:56, 2; Jesse Sergent (East Coast North Island) 50:03, 3.
Elite women, 25km: Lauren Ellis (Mid South Canterburty) 35:21, 1; Jaime Nielsen (Waikato Bay of Plenty) 35:48, 2; Alison Shanks (Otago) 35:50, 3.
Under 23 men: Michael Vink (Mico Protrain, Canterbury) 49:48, 1; Jason Christie (Mid South Canterbury) 50:30, 2; Fraser Gough (East Coast North Island) 50:39, 3.

For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

Michael Vink (Mico Protrain, Canterbury) in action on the way to winning the under-23 time trial at the RaboDirect Elite National Championships in Christchurch today

Paul Odlin (Subway Pro Cycling, Canterbury) in action on the way to winning the elite men’s time trial at the RaboDirect Elite National Championships in Christchurch today

Unofficial TT Results from Nationals

2012-01-06T14:06:00.001+13:00

Congratulations to Fraser Gough unofficially 3rd in the u23 TT
Jeremy Vennell pipped by .02 seconds for the bronze by Jesse Sergent

Results:
Woman's ITT
Lauren Ellis 1st 35:21 (Mid South Canterbury)
Jamie Nielsen 2nd 35:48 (Waikato BOP)
Alison Shanks 3rd 35:50 (Otago)

Under 23 Men's ITT
Michael Vink 1st 49:48 (Mico-pro Train)
Jason Christie 2nd 50:30 (Mid South Canterbury)
Fraser Gough 3rd 50:39 (ECNI)

Senior Men's ITT
Paul Odlin 1st 49:34 (Subway)
Sam Horgan 2nd 49:56 (Subway)
Jesse Sergent 3rd. 50:03 (RadioShack)
Jeremy Vennell 4th 50:05 ECNI

Hastings Sunday Ride 8th January

2012-01-06T08:10:00.001+13:00

Leaving outside Rebel Sport Heretaunga Street 8:00 am

Long Ride - Kereru top of hill past School and return (100km)
Short Ride - Valley Road, Raukawa road and return (50km)

Racing at Ohiti this weekend (Note early start times)

2012-01-06T08:05:00.001+13:00

Saturday Racing: 7th January 2012

Circuit: Ohiti Road Circuit
Venue: Pukehamoamoa School

Please note: the last eNews had a typo and the correct race start time is below (as correctly printed in the race programme).

Registration: 12:30pm

Race briefing: 1:15pm

Race start time: 1:30pm

Race Starter: Mike Lucinsky
Race Day Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895

This is the first race of the New Year.

Remember you must be a fully paid up member for 2012 in order to be in the race-start database, and of course to be eligible for a race result.

You must swipe your transponder at the race trailer before each Saturday race when we have electronic timing.

Best of luck to Ramblers riding at Elite Nationals this weekend

2012-01-06T08:01:00.001+13:00

All the best to

Fraser Gough ECNI (u23) TT/RR
Jeremy Vennell ECNI TT/RR
Jeremy Yates Team Mico-Pro Train RR

Serena Sheridan Mico-Pro Train RR
Ashleigh Neave ECNI RR
Hannah Van Kampen ECNI RR

Also ex Rambler Sean Joyce Waikato/Bay of Plenty RR

Racing at Elite Nationals this weekend to follow action live

http://www.elitenationals.co.nz/

Sergent chases success at home in RaboDirect National Road Cycling

2012-01-04T13:33:00.001+13:00

Manawatu professional Jesse Sergent has been lauded as one of world’s rising cycling stars.

The Olympic and world championship track medallist and a multi stage road winner on the World Pro Tour has a gap in his resume – a national road racing title.

The 23 year old from Feilding hopes to put that right this weekend at the RaboDirect Elite Road National Championships in Christchurch.

The new Garmin Cervelo team professional Jack Bauer is the pre-race favourite to claim his second road race honours on Sunday with Sergent among a group of challengers that includes European professional Jeremy Yates, US-based pros Jeremy Vennell and Patrick Bevin from Team Bissell, in-form Southlander Tom Scully who is returning to the Garmin development team, and former PureBlack riders Tim Gudsell and Scott Lyttle.

Sergent is preparing for a massive year ahead on the track building towards the London Olympics and on the road with new glamour team Radioshack Nissan Trek, a merger of two powerhouse professional outfits, Radioshack and Leopard Trek.

His best chance at the weekend may come in Friday’s time trial near Lincoln College.
Sergent won three individual time trials for Radioshack last year with prologue victories at the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen, the Eneco Tour and Tour du Poitiou Charentes. He went on to the overall stage honours in Belgium and French stage races to complete a remarkable debut year in road cycling’s main game.

This was on top of his silver medal in the individual pursuit at the world track championships.

But success at home has so far eluded him. Sergent was second in the time trial at the nationals last year, finishing 28 seconds behind fellow Olympian Westley Gough, who will be racing in the Track World Cup in Beijing this weekend.

Sergent’s only other podium at the nationals was third in the under-23 time trial won by Michael Vink in 2010.

The women’s honours are wide open following the late withdrawal of world championship silver medallist Linda Villumsen. The GreenEdge professional has not recovered sufficiently from recent illness and has withdrawn on medical advice.

With Cath Cheatley still on the recovery trail and Joanne Kiesanowski competing in Beijing along with 2010 winner Rushlee Buchanan, there will be a new name on trophy

Hopefuls include Serena Sheridan who raced in Europe last year, world track championship medallist Lauren Ellis, Auckland’s Emily Collins, who enjoyed a superb season on the US pro circuit and diminutive Emma Crum, who gained experience in Europe. There will be interest in the efforts of multisporters Melanie Burke, who won the famed Zofingen long distance duathlon in 2011, and top rating triathlete Nicky Samuels.

Waikato’s Sonia Waddell will not defend her national time trial title, instead leaving it open to two-time winner Alison Shanks and her fellow team pursuit world medallists Ellis and Jaime Nielsen.

The depth of young talent will be on show in the under-23 battle led by Tour of Southland winner Josh Atkins. He will be tested by the likes of defending champion Michael Vink, Mid-Canterbury’s Jason Christie, who enjoyed victories on the Kermesse circuit in Belgium in 2011, and US-based professional Patrick Bevin.

In the time trial Christie and Vink are former titleholders while North Harbour’s James Oram won a silver medal in the under-19 division at the world championships.

The championships begin with the time trials over 40km (men and under-23 men) and 25km (women) on Friday at Lincoln College from 10am. The 123km women’s road race on Saturday comprises eight laps around the Hoon Hay circuit starting at noon with the winner expected by 3.30pm. The men’s race over 186kms on Sunday comprises 12 laps from 10am with the winner expected by 2.45pm. Both races include the testing climb up the Cashmere Hills on each lap.

Full details: www.elitenationals.co.nz

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

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Important notice change to Saturday start times

2012-01-03T11:13:00.001+13:00

Due to longer distances in the Ohiti Road circuit this Saturday 7th some races start at 1:30

Ohiti Rd start times
7/01/2012

Saturday 7th January 2012
Circuit: Ohiti Road Circuit
Venue: Pukehamoamoa School
Registration: 12:30pm
Race Briefing: 1:15pm
Race start time: 1:30pm
Race Starter: Mike Lucinsky

A-B 3 laps (85km)
C-E 2 laps (57km)
F-G 1 lap. (29km)

This is the first race of the New Year. Remember, to be eligible for a race result, you must be a fully paid up 2012 member in order to be in the race-start database!
Please swipe your transponder at the race trailer before each Saturday race when we have electronic timing
Race Day Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895

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Bauer chases success in RaboDirect National Road Cycling Championship

2012-01-02T14:48:00.001+13:00

If you are looking for a good weather omen for a summer barbeque at the beach, then don’t invite Jack Bauer.

The star cyclist, recently signed to Pro Tour glamour team Garmin Cervelo, has had his share of dramas in preparation for this weekend’s RaboDirect National Elite Road Championships in Christchurch.

The 2009 national champion firstly encountered unseasonably cold weather in a camp with his new team in the USA in November, before returning to Christchurch during last month’s earthquake, which his girlfriend’s house further damaged in the shake. He headed to the family home in Golden Bay for final training to be greeted by the Christmas Big Wet in the region.

“It’s been hosing down. I was out yesterday on the bike and nearly drowned in the process,” Bauer said.

Weather aside there’s still a broad smile on Bauer’s face after his elevation to a lifelong dream of riding in cycling’s main game

“To hit the Pro Tour was always the goal but I knew it was a gamble. It’s great to have a pro contract but to get that with a leading team is unreal.

“They are the perfect team for me to go to. I have some great teammates, good staff, an ethical approach to the sport – it’s all I could hope for.”

Bauer, who has spent two years riding for British UCI Continental team Endura Racing, has been earmarked as a lead out for Garmin Cervelo’s powerful sprinters as well as to compete in the famed early season European Classics beginning in March.

“I’ve been back in to it since the beginning of November. The first event for me is the Tour Downunder on January 15. Hopefully I will take some good form into the Nationals this week and take that into the Tour Down Under.

“I am a lot way more advanced in my preparations than where I would normally be. It’s what has to be if you want to focus on the Classics.

“As an ex mountain biker, I have always wanted to ride those famous races and ride the cobbles.”

He is unsure of his form coming in fresh to this weekend’s race but will be a favourite without fellow Pro Tour riders Julian Dean and George Bennett out injured while Greg Henderson and current champion Hayden Roulston are involved in team preparations for the Tour Downunder.

“There’s still plenty of talent in the race with the likes of Jesse Sergent, who won three times on the Pro Tour last year and some of the young guys will be a handful.

“This time I am feeling really fresh so it’s different. I feel way more prepared than I was last year though. It’s the first race of the season and you never know how the legs will feel.”

He enjoyed the honour of wearing the national jersey in pro racing two years ago and would clearly enjoy wearing the colours in the sport’s biggest races.

“It would be awesome. It is definitely the first goal of the season for me to win the title again and wear the New Zealand jersey on the Pro Tour.”

While he finished top-20 at the world championships after a less than ideal build-up, Bauer will only compete in Sunday’s road race at the national championships.

“I have bypassed the time trial to put it all on the road.”

The championships, in their third year in Christchurch, begin with the time trials over 40km (men and under-23 men) and 25km (women) on Friday at Lincoln College. The 123km women’s road race on Saturday comprises eight laps around the Hoon Hay circuit with the 186km men’s race on Sunday over 12 laps with both races including the telling climb up the Cashmere Hills on each lap.

CAPTION: Jack Bauer in action at the world championships. Credit: Graham Watson.

Full details: www.elitenationals.co.nz

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd

Hastings Sunday Bunch Rides

2011-12-31T12:14:00.001+13:00

New Years Day

As it looks as though the weather is going to be marginal I suggest we do a reverse Tuki Tuki heading for Clive along Karamu Road, If the Weather is OK then we will go to gates on Kahuranakei Hill and return.

Monday 2nd

Better weather forecast with likely Southerly breezes
Bridge Pa, Torrins Hill, Elsthorpe Road, Otane return via Middle Road (100km)
Short ride return via Valley road from top of Torrins 60km

Tuesday

Invitational from CHB Cycling see other blogs.

An Invitation from CHB Cycling

2011-12-31T12:08:00.001+13:00

Ramblers riders have been invited by CHB Cycling to participate in their first race of the New Year.
Day: Tuesday, January 3rd
Time: 4pm
Where: Hatuma Limeworks, Maharakeke Road
There will also be a social gathering afterwards at Pukeora Estate's cafe to de-brief how you've fared after too much xmas pud and how well your new year's resolutions are going!

Saturday 7th January 2012

2011-12-31T12:07:00.001+13:00

Circuit: Ohiti Road Circuit
Venue: Pukehamoamoa School
Registration: 1pm
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Mike Lucinsky

Race Day Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895
This is the first race of the New Year. Remember you must be a fully paid up member for 2012 in order to be in the race-start database, and of course to be eligible for a race result. You must swipe your transponder at the race trailer before each Saturday race when we have electronic timing

The HUB/EMC 3-day Tour, 13th-15th January

2011-12-31T12:00:00.001+13:00

Check out the stunning leader jerseys (modelled by stunning professionals) on the Hub Tour page (follow the link on www.ramblers.co.nz ).
Helpers are still needed so if you can be available for any part of the tour, please contact Wally Woods (Event Director) by e-mail at wally.woods@xtra.co.nz or telephone 845-2202

Membership Renewal

2011-12-31T11:55:00.001+13:00

Please ensure your have rejoined Ramblers and have paid your fees by the end of January.
Your transponder will NOT be entered into the 2012 database until confirmation of fully paid membership is received.
Riders who have not renewed their membership by February may find themselves unable to start a race.

There are TWO ways to Apply for Membership
1. Online
Go to https://memberdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=login&OrgID=6346
Renewing members must login before completing the online form.
If you do not know your BikeNZ password and user name either contact BikeNZ or email info@ramblers.co.nz, including your full name and birth date to request these.
If you renew online, please check that your contact details are current.

2. Manually
Download an application form from the RCC club website http://www.ramblers.co.nz/membership.asp
Complete and return this along with ALL relevant fees (including the BikeNZ component) to the Ramblers Cycling Club.
Do NOT post to BikeNZ unless you are applying for either a Technical Licence, or an International Licence Upgrade.

Where possible, please give a street address as well as a postal address as this helps with administration of mail-outs (which are sometimes hand-delivered).

Once your application has been confirmed (including payment), you will be entered into the Ramblers race and timing database.
However, it may take up to four weeks from the time the club receives your application until you receive your physical licence.

2012 B.R Turfrey Tour de Beautiful CHB

2011-12-31T11:50:00.001+13:00

It’s not too late to register for the Tour de Beautiful in January.
Registrations and ride details can be found online through this link http://www.cyclingchb.co.nz/events/79-roger

La Femme Fun Ride

2011-12-31T11:41:00.001+13:00

Online entries will be available in January but printed entry forms are available from the website. There are some fantastic spot prizes and race pack goodies. This event is being run on February 25th in conjunction with the NZCT Womens Tour stage 4. Have a look at the website for more details https://sites.google.com/a/bikemanawatu.co.nz/la-femme-fun-ride/home

Upcoming Events

2011-12-31T11:33:00.001+13:00

6th-8th January: RaboDirect Elite and U23 Road National Championships
11th January: Milford Mountain Classic
13th-15th January: Hub EMC Tour 2012, Hastings
14th January: Round the Mountain, New Plymouth
21st January: GWALOOP, Gisborne/Wairoa
21st January: Tour de Ranges, Auckland
21st-22nd January: WVCC 2Day Challenge, Martinborough
22nd January: BR Turfreys Tour de Beautiful, Central Hawkes Bay
25th-29th January: NZ Cycle Classic, Palmerston North
28th January: NZ Cycle Classic Gran Fondo, Palmerston North
4th-6th February: Rabodirect Elite Track National Championship (includes Madison and U19 Omnium), Invercargill
11th- 12th February: Bev May Tour
12th-18th February: Wellington to Auckland 7 day Cycle Challenge
18th February: Art Deco Bicycle Belles Ride
18th February: The Rev, Hamilton
18th February: Moonshine Trail, Southland
22-24 February: "To Walk and Cycle" Conference, Hastings
22-26th February: NZ Women’s Tour, Manawatu
25th February: Le Femme Fun Ride, Manawatu
28th February - 3rd March: Rabodirect Age Group Track National Championship, Invercargill
3rd March: Karapoti Classic, Wellington
11th March: Tremain Coorporate Triathalon, Napier
11th March: Kawhata Challenge, Waikato
11th March: Bush Cycle Challenge, Magatinoka
15th-18th March: BDO 4 day Tour, Northland
15th-16th March: Oceania Road championships, Southland
17th-18th March: Ultimo Cycling CHB Junior Tour
18-25th March: Perth Bike Week, Australia (includes UCI Qualifier ITT and RR)
24th March: Grape Ride, Malborough
7th-9th April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu
14th-15th April: CRI Junior and Women’s Tour
3rd-6th May: RaboDirect Road National Championship, Hastings
20th May: Laskey Cycles Manfield 6 hour challenge
14th-22nd April: Tour of New Zealand
June-Sept (precise date to be confirmed): Oceania Masters Road Championships, Fiji

Jeremy Yates takes third stage Tour de Vineyards

2011-12-31T11:21:00.001+13:00

Jeremy Yates (Mico Pro Train) pipped Paddy Bevin ( Bissell Pro Cycling) on the 130 km third stage in the Nelson Based Tour. The pair put 44 seconds on Sam Horgan and Jason Christie to average 49.9 km/hr. The main bunch was 2:14 from the leaders.
With the street circuit remaining it looks as though Paddy will take GC honors with Jeremy 2nd @ 48 secs and Jason Christie 3rd. Jeremy will also take the KOM.
Kate Chilcott won the women's event (39.9 km/hr) , Sharlotte Lucas and Karen Fulton 3rd. Serena Sheridan finished in the bunch and looks likely to finish 2nd on GC behind Teresa Adam (Tri NZ Women), Ashleigh Neave and Hannah Van Kampen also finished in the main bunch with Ashleigh likely to finish 9th GC.

Tour de Vineyards Stage 2

2011-12-30T09:42:00.001+13:00

Jeremy Yates (Mico Pro Train) finished third on the 195km Hill stage 30 secs behind Hamish Schreurs and Thomas Hubbard to bring himself to 3rd on GC at 51 seconds. Serena Sheridan (Mico Pro Train) also had a good day finishing 2nd 2:40 down on Triathlete Teresa Adam (Tri NZ team) and winner of the K1 to put herself 2nd on GC. Ashleigh Neave finished 9th on the 130km stage and sits on 9th GC @7:29. Hannah Van Kampen is 24th on GC @14:02, Ex Rambler Bruce Herron (Tasman Wheelers) finished 11th in the Masters Race and is 13th on GC@11:11.

Full Results: http://www.tasmanwheelers.co.nz/vineyards/tour-de-vineyards2011.htm

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Tour de Vineyards 2011

2011-12-29T07:46:00.001+13:00

Jeremy Yates (Mico Pro Train) had the best ride of the day for the Ramblers finishing 5th on stage 1 4 secs behind the winner Paddy Bevin (Bissell pro cycling). Fiancé Serena Sheridan (Mico Pro Train) 9=, Ashleigh Neave 20th and Hannah Van Kampen 32nd all finished in the bunch 5 seconds down on the women's winner Reta Trotman. Warrick Spence (Tasman Wheelers). won the stage in the Masters event with Kerry Harford finishing in the main bunch 1 minute behind.

Full results
http://www.tasmanwheelers.co.nz/vineyards/tour-de-vineyards2011.htm

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An Invitation from CHB Cycling

2011-12-28T21:53:00.001+13:00

Ramblers riders have been invited by CHB Cycling to participate in their first race of the New Year.
Day: Tuesday, January 3rd
Time: 4pm
Where: Hatuma Limeworks, Maharakeke Road
“There will also be a social gathering afterwards at Pukeora Estate's cafe to de-brief how you've fared after too much xmas pud and how well your new year's resolutions are going!”

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Thursday Night Ride

2011-12-28T21:52:00.001+13:00

This week’s Thursday ride (29th) is an Individual Time Trial on the Mutiny Road course, starting from 6pm.

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Ramblers women off to good start in Tour de Vineyards

2011-12-28T15:25:00.001+13:00

Ashleigh Neave is the best placed from Ramblers 9th @ 43 seconds, Serena Sheridan ( Mico Pro Train) 11th @ 47 seconds and Hannah 18th @ 1:02 after the prologue at the Nelson based event all have kept themselves in contention in the 38 strong field. Gabrielle Vermont won the 10km event in 13:54.

Jeremy Yates (Mico Pro Train 22nd @ 1:20) in field of 90 riders, Jason Christie (Tinwald) leads.

Kerry Harford M3 (Cycling CHB) will be disappointed with his TT 20th 1:33 behind Dean Fulton M1( Fresh Choice) in the 30 strong Masters event.
Ray Dunstan M4 (Moa) 2nd @ 1sec.

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World Tour cyclists line-up in RaboDirect National Championships

2011-12-22T07:44:00.001+13:00

Four World Tour professionals will headline next month’s RaboDirect Elite Road National Championships in Christchurch.

The 2010 champion Jack Bauer (Garmin Cervelo), three-time world championship medallist Linda Villumsen (GreenEdge) and the RadioShack Nissan Trek pair of Jesse Sergent and George Bennett have all confirmed their entries.

The championships, in their third year in Christchurch, begin with the time trials over 40km (men and under-23 men) and 25km (women) on Friday 6 January at Lincoln College. The women’s road race over 123km is on Saturday and 186km men’s race on Sunday around a 15.6km lap that includes a testing climb up the Port Hills.

Missing from the start list is this year’s winner Hayden Roulston and Greg Henderson, both preparing for the Tour Down Under for their new pro teams – RadioShack Nissan Trek and Lotto Belisol respectively – while two-time national champion Julian Dean is recovering after fracturing his shoulder blade in a recent training camp in Australia with his new GreenEdge team.

Sergent, who will also start in the Tour Down Under, will be looking to build on his outstanding year on the road where he picked up a stunning three victories and has recently been in strong form on the track.

Bauer is preparing for his important first year in the big league, after earning his elevation to World Tour status after two years in the Pro Continental ranks. He is seen by the team bosses as a surprise packet in early season classics.

Bennett, who has been with RadioShack Nissan Trek’s under-23 development team, made the most of his trial as a stagiaire at the end of the season, and will have a real liking for the Dyers Pass climb.

Other leading men to line-up include the 2011 podium finisher Jeremy Yates who has ridden for the Turkish-based Manisaspor team this year, US-based pro Jeremy Vennell, Garmin-Cervelo development rider Tom Scully, in-form European-based pro Chris Macic and the pairing of Tim Gudsell and Scott Lyttle, from the former PureBlack line-up.

Villumsen returns to the national championships after finishing runner-up in the road race two years ago. She won silver medals at the Commonwealth Games and world championships in the time trial which was her third straight medal. Villumsen has moved to the new GreenEdge women’s line-up with her clear goal fixed on the London Olympics.

Olympic track hopefuls Jo Kiesanowski and Lauren Ellis will start in the road race along with talented professionals Emma Crum and Serena Sheridan and duathlon star Melanie Burke, who won the famed Zofingen race three months ago.

Former winner Vennell and defending champion Westley Gough will find Sergent a handful in the time trial, while Villumsen will be the rider to beat in the women’s timed test with challenges from defending champion Sonia Waddell and track specialists Alison Shanks, Jaime Nielsen and Ellis.

There will be a top line-up in the under-23 race led by last year’s road race champion Michael Vink, third overall, and time trial champion Jason Christie along with Tour of Southland winner Josh Atkins.

The championships will also recognise the BikeNZ Road and Track Riders of the Year to be announced at a special awards function on Friday 6 January.

Start lists and event details: http://www.elitenationals.co.nz/

For further information contact:

IAN HEPENSTALL

Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance

Sports Media NZ Ltd

Boxing Day Christmas Cake Toodle is on

2011-12-22T07:40:00.000+13:00

Leaves Havelock North Clock Tower 8:00 am Boxing Day.
Meanders to Waipawa via River Road and returns a little quicker via Te Kura. (100km).

Social get together at Turks Garden Bar on return.
Tail vehicle required if anyone can assist please phone Steve Watson 0275478826

Thank You to all our Supporters, Sponsors, Suppliers, Volunteers, Marshals, Race-starters

2011-12-22T07:38:00.006+13:00

2011 has been a full and busy year for Ramblers Cycling.

Thank you to all those who support Saturday racing, Thursday night rides, hosted events such as HUB/EMC Tour and Taupo-Napier, and associated events such as Tour of the Bay. Our volunteers (both rostered and those who just show up on the day to assist) ensure both successful racing and participation at a huge range of levels, abilities, ages and distances. It may be a ‘cliche’ but Ramblers really could not offer these opportunities without each and every one of you.

Special thanks to our very generous Club Sponsor, Heretaunga Building Society. Ramblers encourages its members to look at and consider the services offered by Heretaunga Building Society, and support them in return.

Thanks also to our Grade Sponsors; Revolution Bikes, Marewa Epic Cycles, Pedal Power, AvantiPlus, Grant White Autobody, Langley Twigg and Hub Cycle Centre. Our grade sponsors supply your race leader jerseys so when you can, stop and shop with them.

Some of our key events and our day-to-day running could not be completed without grants so we also thank Lion Foundation, Endeavour Community Trust, Pub Charity and Infinity Foundation for their support in 2011, and Lion Foundation also for their commitment to the HUB/EMC Tour again in 2012.

With Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year holidays imminent, we wish all members and supporters of the club all the best for your Summer break, and whatever form your celebrations take, we trust you enjoy time with family and friends, find some time for yourselves, and of course, get plenty of riding in ready for another fabulous year of cycling, fitness, competition and fun in 2012.

Saturday Racing

2011-12-22T07:38:00.002+13:00

No Saturday racing this weekend, or next.

We return to Saturday racing in the New Year on 7th January. See you at Pukehamomoa School for a spin around the Ohiti Circuit.

Thursday Series 6pm start

2011-12-22T07:37:00.007+13:00

This Thursday (22) is the first Twyford Kermesse of the Thursday series. The race will be run in 3 groups, 6 laps, 5 laps and 4 laps (if there are sufficient riders). This is also summer solstice, the longest day, so you should have plenty of daylight to ride home afterwards.

Next Thursday (29th) is a Mutiny Road ITT.

RaboDirect Elite and U23 Road National Championships

2011-12-22T07:37:00.004+13:00

All the best to Ramblers competing these races over 6th-8th January.

We will be watching the results with interest.

If any of you want to send insider information through for eNews or the Blog, please email info@ramblers.co.nz

Membership Renewal Reminder

2011-12-22T07:37:00.001+13:00

The HUB/EMC 3-day Tour

2011-12-22T07:36:00.004+13:00

This coming January, there will be 7 grades including two women’s grades (elite and B). There are not only leader jerseys, but also sprint and KOM jerseys (images of these should be online soon - click on the Hub Tour link on Ramblers home page).

If you are not riding this tour but are available to support the club in January on any of the days, there are still roles to be filled for marshals and drivers.

Please contact Wally Woods (Event Director) by e-mail at wally.woods@xtra.co.nz
or telephone 845-2202

2 Walk and Cycle Conference- register now!

2011-12-22T07:36:00.000+13:00

The first ever joint NZ Walking and Cycling conference will be held from 22-24 February 2012 in Hastings. Over 70 speakers will be presenting - registration forms and a draft programme are now available. The focus of this conference is on everyday walking and cycling for transport, recreation and tourism. It encompasses all aspects of trips made by these "active modes" (including promotion, infrastructure, safety, policy and training) and their integration with each other, other travel options, and our lifestyles in general.

Early-bird registrations close today - 21 December. For more information or to register, go to: http://www.2walkandcycle.org.nz/

Cycle Use in Hastings Increases

2011-12-22T07:35:00.002+13:00

Early results from the Hastings District Council's ‘annual cycle count’ show a significant increase in the number of riders since the Council's iWay initiative was launched (2010). HDC received $4.1m in funding from NZTA’s ‘Model Communities Project’ and aimed to make it easier and safer to ride or walk throughout Hastings, and hopefully increase the number of people who walk or bike.

So far Council's annual cycle count has been completed on 15 of 37 sites which are monitored throughout the area and the results have been compared with the figures gathered from the same sites and weeks in 2010/11. Of the 15 sites, seven have shown a significant increase in the number of cyclists. The overall figures from the 15 sites show a 23% increase cyclists on these roads.

Read more here: http://www.voxy.co.nz/lifestyle/cycle-use-hastings-shows-significant-rise/5/110692

2012 B.R Turfrey Tour de Beautiful CHB

2011-12-22T07:34:00.005+13:00

Remember to register for the Tour de Beautiful in January.

Registrations and ride details can be found online through this link http://www.cyclingchb.co.nz/events/79-roger

Research: Cyclists have Lower Exposure to Air Pollutants

2011-12-22T07:33:00.004+13:00

NZTA have released a new report from a project designed to "assess the comparative risk associated with exposure to traffic pollution when travelling via different transport modes in New Zealand cities".

The good news for cyclists is that, as previous research in other parts of the world has already indicated, people on bikes are generally exposed to lower levels of air pollutants than people in cars or buses. The key results of this research are:

• Car drivers are consistently exposed to the highest average levels of carbon monoxide (CO).

• On-road cyclists are exposed to higher levels of CO, particulates (PM1) and ultra-fine particles (UFPs) than off-road cyclists.

• Car drivers and bus passengers are exposed to higher average levels of UFP than cyclists.

• Locating cycle paths just a short distance from roads can reduce pollution exposure significantly.

Download the full report here: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/research/reports/457/

Research: Are we reaching 'peak car'?

2011-12-22T07:33:00.000+13:00

Experts say our love affair with the automobile is ending, and that could change much more than how we get around – it presents both an opportunity and an imperative to rethink how we build cities, how governments budget and even the contours of the political landscape.The most detailed picture of the trend comes from the United States, where the distance driven by Americans per capita each year flat-lined at the turn of the century and has been dropping for six years. By last Spring, Americans were driving the same distance as they had in 1998. This data is mirrored in Europe, Australia and Japan.

Read more here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/are-we-reaching-peak-car/article2210139/singlepage/

2012 UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT), Perth Qualifying Event

2011-12-22T07:32:00.002+13:00

The 2012 UCI World Cycling Tour (UWCT) Qualifying Event is returning to Perth for its second year in March 2012.

Thursday March 22: Individual Time Trial, Rottnest Island

Sunday 25 March: Road Race, Kings Park and the Perth CBD

Through qualifier events such as this, riders (both amateur and professional) can obtain a place to participate in the UWCT Final.

These qualifiers are part of a range of cycling activities happening during Perth Bike Week from 18-25 March including the Freeway Bike Ride, hosted rides and the Perth International Track Grand Prix. There is also an option to ride as a corporate team. Registrations to be a part of this unique event are now open.

For more information please head to the event website http://www.uwctperth.com.au/
or contact Event Coordinator, Indi French info@cicevents.com.au

Upcoming Events

2011-12-22T07:31:00.002+13:00

27th-31st December: Tour de Vineyards, Tasman District

6th-8th January: RaboDirect Elite and U23 Road National Championships

11th January: Milford Mountain Classic

13th-15th January: Hub EMC Tour 2012, Hastings

14th January: Round the Mountain, New Plymouth

21st January: GWALOOP, Gisborne/Wairoia

21st January: Tour de Ranges, Auckland

21st-22nd January: WVCC 2Day Challenge, Martinborough

22nd January: BR Turfreys Tour de Beautiful, Central Hawkes Bay

25th-29th January: NZ Cycle Classic, Palmerston North

28th January: NZ Cycle Classic Gran Fondo, Palmerston North

4th-6th February: Rabodirect Elite Track National Championship (includes Madison and U19 Omnium), Invercargill

11th- 12th February: Bev May Tour

12th-18th February: Wellington to Auckland 7 day Cycle Challenge

18th February: Art Deco Bicycle Belles Ride, Napier

18th February: The Rev, Hamilton

18th February: Moonshine Trail, Southland

22-24 February: "To Walk and Cycle" Conference, Hastings

22-26th February: NZ Women’s Tour, Manawatu

25th February: Le Femme Fun Ride, Manawatu

28th February - 3rd March: Rabodirect Age Group Track National Championship, Invercargill

3rd March: Karapoti Classic, Wellington

11th March: Tremain Coorporate Triathalon, Napier

11th March: Kawhata Challenge, Waikato

11th March: Bush Cycle Challenge, Magatinoka

15th-18th March: BDO 4 day Tour, Northland

15th-16th March: Oceania Road championships, Southland

17th-18th March: Ultimo Cycling CHB Junior Tour

18-25th March: Perth Bike Week, Australia (includes UCI Qualifier ITT and RR)

24th March: Grape Ride, Malborough

7th-9th April: TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu

14th-15th April: CRI Junior and Women’s Tour

3rd-6th May: RaboDirect Road National Championship, Hastings

20th May: Laskey Cycles Manfeild 6 hour challenge

14th-22nd April: Tour of New Zealand

June-Sept (precise date to be confirmed): Oceania Masters Road Championships, Fiji

Hastings Sunday Ride (18th December)

2011-12-15T12:28:00.001+13:00

Leaving Outside Rebel Sport Heretaunga Street Hastings 8:00 am

Omahu Road, Swamp Road, Dartmaoor Road, Sacred Hill to end of road return via Apley, Church Road, Meannee, Pakowhai. (90Km)

Short ride turn right into Apley (65km)

Saturday Racing: 17th December

2011-12-15T12:20:00.000+13:00

Circuit: Mutiny Road

Venue: Arohanui Centre

Registration: 1pm

Race start time: 2pm

Race Starter: Don Kennedy

Race Day Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895

Whether you are racing or supporting, we ask that you please enter the race day emergency number in your mobile phone.

Video Filming at Ramblers Races

2011-12-15T12:19:00.002+13:00

Buff the bike, shine the shoes and get your ramblers kit on this weekend. We'll be filming footage for a new cycling video at the next two races so grab your chance for facebook fame and join in. Most filming will be done while you are all racing but if you would like to stay behind after the race we'll also stage a few shots too. The video is designed to promote Ramblers so please wear your club kit if you have one.

Reminder about G Grade Racing

2011-12-15T12:18:00.008+13:00

Due to help from generous volunteers G Grade will revert to mentored training races for the first few races of the Summer Series. The distances will be shorter than advertised in the Summer Race Programme, so G Graders wishing to ride the advertised distances (and RACE for all of it) are invited to ride in F Grade.

Thursday Series

2011-12-15T12:18:00.005+13:00

Tonight is the first Te Mata Peak Hill Climb.