Well even the locals started whinging today so you can assume that it's cold (**!!!?? Cold). Tough conditions rain, flurries of snow, strong winds and the thermometer not getting over six degrees. A couple of saddles on the forgotten world highway (and there's quite a few who would prefer to forget it today) proved to be decisive in the morning stage with most of the grades in tatters. The afternoon stage meant to be easy saw more carnage with the winds affecting most of the bunches.
Aaron Strong leads the A grade from Patrick Bevan (2 Seconds) with Ramblers Andrew Barlow (5th @ 31 secs) Dan Warren (10th @ 1 minute) and Jeremy Yates (11th @ 1:37) handy for tomorrows 90km tough stage. It wasn't Dylan Stewarts day and he is now 32nd.
Sean Joyce continues to have a strong ride in the B Grade and is 2nd at 3 seconds from Daniel Smith. Jeremy Stevens got involved today and has now moved to sixth at 1:20 and also scoring KOM points.
Fraser Gough played a big part in destroying the U17 boys and was unfortunate to throw a chain with 7km's to go after a big breakaway with Alex Frame he is now second on GC at 2:07,Lance Welch showed heaps of spirit and sits on 14th in the decimated field.
Sam Haslett 19th and Su Daniel 40th are the only Ramblers surviving C grade.
Laura Harris found the morning a challenge but hung on in the afternoon slipping back to 19th GC in the D Grade.
The Met Service forecast for fine weather tomorrow will be much anticipated by the field much reduced in numbers after todays damage.
Full Results >> Here <<
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Ramblers Mixed Bag in Mixed Weather in the 1st Day Naki
The locals reckon that if you can see the mountain it's going to rain and if you can't it already is and they managed to prove both points admirably today. Anyone used to the tropics of Hawkes Bay was in for a difficult day at 9 degrees and raining for the 78km road race.
The morning TT was held in fine very cool conditions with outstanding ride Sean Joyce 2nd B Grade would have placed him 10th in the A Grade (All U19 NZ Squad asked to ride B Grade) In under 17 boys Fraser Gough 5th and the ride of the day Laura Harris 3rd D Grade.
The day rapidly deteriorated with the rain setting in just before the stage 2 road race. Sean Joyce again showed his form winning the B Grade bunch kick. Mayhem in the finishes with 1 finish of 105 riders after the A grade caught the C Grade and the leading group of U17 boys. Fraser had to bridge a 1:40 gap to get to this group and this was decisive as the A graders came from a different road and the other U17 chasers missed out. Fraser is 4th on GC 58 secs from Alex McCory Bowick (Auckland)who has been having a great season.
A grade Jeremy Yates, Dan Warren, Dylan Stewart and Andrew Barlow all had good rides and finished in the bunch.
B Grade Jeremy Stephens and Serena Sheridan rode well to finish with the main bunch.
C Grade Su Daniel finished well in the bunch and is only 2 mins off lead.
D Laura Harris finished with bunch and is in 2nd on GC
U17 Boys Fraser Gough 4th GC, Lance Welch had a strong ride got stranded 10kms out
U17 Girls Megan Watson had a tough day dropped early but managed to hold on to D grade and finished down about 12 minutes.
Full Results here
Megan Watson thinking that she should stick to cross country
Logan Bean managing a wry smile while having a tough day in Waipukurau type weather.
Su Daniel revelling in the cold with Ashleigh Neave not having quite so much fun at the back.
Dylan Stewart taking some sprint points in Kaponga Town
Heres hoping we can stop winging about the weather over the next two difficult days with all grades exceeding 100km over 2 stages tomorrow and a leg sapping 90km on Monday.
Thanks to Andrew Barlow's partner Gabby (the new offical ramblers tour photographer) for the shots
Watch this space !!
The morning TT was held in fine very cool conditions with outstanding ride Sean Joyce 2nd B Grade would have placed him 10th in the A Grade (All U19 NZ Squad asked to ride B Grade) In under 17 boys Fraser Gough 5th and the ride of the day Laura Harris 3rd D Grade.
The day rapidly deteriorated with the rain setting in just before the stage 2 road race. Sean Joyce again showed his form winning the B Grade bunch kick. Mayhem in the finishes with 1 finish of 105 riders after the A grade caught the C Grade and the leading group of U17 boys. Fraser had to bridge a 1:40 gap to get to this group and this was decisive as the A graders came from a different road and the other U17 chasers missed out. Fraser is 4th on GC 58 secs from Alex McCory Bowick (Auckland)who has been having a great season.
A grade Jeremy Yates, Dan Warren, Dylan Stewart and Andrew Barlow all had good rides and finished in the bunch.
B Grade Jeremy Stephens and Serena Sheridan rode well to finish with the main bunch.
C Grade Su Daniel finished well in the bunch and is only 2 mins off lead.
D Laura Harris finished with bunch and is in 2nd on GC
U17 Boys Fraser Gough 4th GC, Lance Welch had a strong ride got stranded 10kms out
U17 Girls Megan Watson had a tough day dropped early but managed to hold on to D grade and finished down about 12 minutes.
Full Results here
Megan Watson thinking that she should stick to cross country
Logan Bean managing a wry smile while having a tough day in Waipukurau type weather.
Su Daniel revelling in the cold with Ashleigh Neave not having quite so much fun at the back.
Dylan Stewart taking some sprint points in Kaponga Town
Heres hoping we can stop winging about the weather over the next two difficult days with all grades exceeding 100km over 2 stages tomorrow and a leg sapping 90km on Monday.
Thanks to Andrew Barlow's partner Gabby (the new offical ramblers tour photographer) for the shots
Watch this space !!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Winter Fun Ride Series 2009
"Winter Fun Ride Series" 2009. Sunday August 9th 16th & 23rd
Entry form is now available on the club web site.
Will be out in the bike shops next week.
"Special prizes this year for U19 & U17 competitors.
The BEST entry deal is to ride all 3 Events.
New course for "Ride 3" Now at Matamata.
Hope to see you in August.
Cheers
Stephen, Nathan & the Waka Roc Team
www.wakaroc.co.nz.
Entry form is now available on the club web site.
Will be out in the bike shops next week.
"Special prizes this year for U19 & U17 competitors.
The BEST entry deal is to ride all 3 Events.
New course for "Ride 3" Now at Matamata.
Hope to see you in August.
Cheers
Stephen, Nathan & the Waka Roc Team
www.wakaroc.co.nz.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Junior Coaching: 2009
“It doesn’t get easier; you just get faster.” Greg Lemond, 3x Tour de France winner
In 2009, Ramblers Juniors have been involved in numerous competitive events: WCNI Centre Track Champs, Wanganui; Open Waikato/Bay of Plenty Centre Track Champs, Taupo; RaboPlus NZ Track Cycling Champs, Invercargill; CHB Junior Tour, Waipukurau; TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu; and the CRI Junior Tour, Rotorua. A full report is available on the “Blog” on the Ramblers website with the success and medals well-documented. A less tangible outcome of participation in these events has been the camaraderie, sportsmanship, support and friendships that have evolved and strengthened during the tours, and also the Junior Camps we have held (the most recent Junior Camp was in Rotorua between TeA and CRI).
Juniors involved to date in coaching by our Cycling Development Officer, Ivar Hopman, have not focused solely on outcomes, but also on the process. Just as important as riding a bike well is developing a good attitude to bike-buddies, team-mates, marshals and your support crew. We recognise our juniors are still growing and developing, and the junior coaching plans also take this into account.
What do we expect of juniors in the programme? A good sense of humour and a sense of self-belief – confidence and performance are closely linked. Juniors must be committed to the programme, our CDO can provide a plan and guidance, but ultimately it is up to each individual to dedicate themselves it. Juniors need to be consistent in their training, nutrition, attitude and rest – all vital aspects of improvement in cycling. And lastly, we want our juniors to be enjoying cycling – we only do things well, if we love what we are doing.
One of the purposes of the camps we have held (our first was held last Summer at Waimarama) is to foster friendships and enjoyment while still getting a bit of cycling in. We aim to have 3 camps a year – all based within school holidays. This Spring’s will be based at Pukeora and will help juniors with preparation for the NZ Club Champs. We would also like to acknowledge Peter and Elaine Gavin’s generosity in the financial assistance they are providing towards the junior coaching programme.
So what can you expect for your child?
A training plan in line with their goals
An events calendar
Three-week training schedules
Monthly tests
At away events (such as Club Nationals and junior tours), the CDO will usually to be there to guide, support and mentor the juniors.
Three levels of junior coaching will be available at different monthly costs. If you would like to enrol your child in our coaching programme, or are just interested in finding out more, please contact Helen MacKenzie or Ivar Hopman.
In 2009, Ramblers Juniors have been involved in numerous competitive events: WCNI Centre Track Champs, Wanganui; Open Waikato/Bay of Plenty Centre Track Champs, Taupo; RaboPlus NZ Track Cycling Champs, Invercargill; CHB Junior Tour, Waipukurau; TeA Junior Tour, Te Awamutu; and the CRI Junior Tour, Rotorua. A full report is available on the “Blog” on the Ramblers website with the success and medals well-documented. A less tangible outcome of participation in these events has been the camaraderie, sportsmanship, support and friendships that have evolved and strengthened during the tours, and also the Junior Camps we have held (the most recent Junior Camp was in Rotorua between TeA and CRI).
Juniors involved to date in coaching by our Cycling Development Officer, Ivar Hopman, have not focused solely on outcomes, but also on the process. Just as important as riding a bike well is developing a good attitude to bike-buddies, team-mates, marshals and your support crew. We recognise our juniors are still growing and developing, and the junior coaching plans also take this into account.
What do we expect of juniors in the programme? A good sense of humour and a sense of self-belief – confidence and performance are closely linked. Juniors must be committed to the programme, our CDO can provide a plan and guidance, but ultimately it is up to each individual to dedicate themselves it. Juniors need to be consistent in their training, nutrition, attitude and rest – all vital aspects of improvement in cycling. And lastly, we want our juniors to be enjoying cycling – we only do things well, if we love what we are doing.
One of the purposes of the camps we have held (our first was held last Summer at Waimarama) is to foster friendships and enjoyment while still getting a bit of cycling in. We aim to have 3 camps a year – all based within school holidays. This Spring’s will be based at Pukeora and will help juniors with preparation for the NZ Club Champs. We would also like to acknowledge Peter and Elaine Gavin’s generosity in the financial assistance they are providing towards the junior coaching programme.
So what can you expect for your child?
A training plan in line with their goals
An events calendar
Three-week training schedules
Monthly tests
At away events (such as Club Nationals and junior tours), the CDO will usually to be there to guide, support and mentor the juniors.
Three levels of junior coaching will be available at different monthly costs. If you would like to enrol your child in our coaching programme, or are just interested in finding out more, please contact Helen MacKenzie or Ivar Hopman.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
ECNI Results
Thanks to Howie, Ivar and the crew for another challenging event in somewhat less than spectacular conditions.
Sorry about the photos folks, low light has blurred most beyond recognition - borrowed Megan's camera and the best of a bad bunch of photos was of guess who !!!!
>>> Download Results Here <<<
U17 and U15 Girls Gold Medals - Megan Watson and Holly Atkins
U15 Boys - James Fulford, Regan Gough, Willam Green
Sorry about the photos folks, low light has blurred most beyond recognition - borrowed Megan's camera and the best of a bad bunch of photos was of guess who !!!!
>>> Download Results Here <<<
U17 and U15 Girls Gold Medals - Megan Watson and Holly Atkins
U15 Boys - James Fulford, Regan Gough, Willam Green
Friday, May 22, 2009
East Coast Centre Champs 23/24 May – raced in age groups.
Note Seniors/U23/U19 Early Start
Road races 23rd May – Bridge Pa School – 1pm start for long race, 2 pm for all others.
Seniors / U23 / U19 – 97 Km (3 laps), Vet 1,2 & 3 men/ all women /U17m- 65km (2 laps), U15b & g /U17g - 33km (1 lap)
Time Trials 24th May – Puketapu School – distances to be advised for age groups – 10k – 40k. 10 am start.
Centre champions will be overall titles again – to qualify for a title you must race in both events.
All financial members can enter.
**Anybody holding trophies from last year please bring them to Ramblers this Saturday (and please make sure they are clean and shiny).
Road races 23rd May – Bridge Pa School – 1pm start for long race, 2 pm for all others.
Seniors / U23 / U19 – 97 Km (3 laps), Vet 1,2 & 3 men/ all women /U17m- 65km (2 laps), U15b & g /U17g - 33km (1 lap)
Time Trials 24th May – Puketapu School – distances to be advised for age groups – 10k – 40k. 10 am start.
Centre champions will be overall titles again – to qualify for a title you must race in both events.
All financial members can enter.
**Anybody holding trophies from last year please bring them to Ramblers this Saturday (and please make sure they are clean and shiny).
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Ramblers Junior Report Summer 2009
Check out the great summer that the Juniors have had in Ivar's Summer report
Click Here to download pdf
Click Here to download pdf
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Expressions of Interest Masters Riders
BikeNZ have been invited to send two teams to the "16th Friendship Tour 2008" (Tour de L'amitie") in Tahiti from Friday, July 31st to Saturday, August 08th, 2009 included. One team will be 4 U23 or Development athletes and the other 4 masters athletes. Masters in Tahiti are over 40 years old.
"The terms of our invitation are :
-Travel costs of riders from AKL/PPT/AKL to athletes' account
-Internal travels, accommodation and meals from riders' arrival (2 or 3 days before the beginning of the tour) to rider's departure (2 or 3 days after the end of the Tour) would be on our account."
This will be a self-funded project with all costs of travel to and from Tahiti and team uniform for the riders and manager being to the selected riders costs. You will also need an international licence and appropriate insurance.
Interested riders should contact bryan@bikenz.org.nz asap.
"The terms of our invitation are :
-Travel costs of riders from AKL/PPT/AKL to athletes' account
-Internal travels, accommodation and meals from riders' arrival (2 or 3 days before the beginning of the tour) to rider's departure (2 or 3 days after the end of the Tour) would be on our account."
This will be a self-funded project with all costs of travel to and from Tahiti and team uniform for the riders and manager being to the selected riders costs. You will also need an international licence and appropriate insurance.
Interested riders should contact bryan@bikenz.org.nz asap.
Update from Westley Gough in Belgium
Hi everyone,
Hope all is well in your part of the world. I thought it would be a good time to send out a report on what I've been up to in Europe so far this season since I've been here for nearly a month, just to keep everyone up to date and to give an insight into whats happening with the NZ team thats based in here Belgium.
Hope all is well in your part of the world. I thought it would be a good time to send out a report on what I've been up to in Europe so far this season since I've been here for nearly a month, just to keep everyone up to date and to give an insight into whats happening with the NZ team thats based in here Belgium.
My first goal for the season was the NZ Track Championships, it was a fairly successful week for me as i managed 2nd in the Individual Pursuit and also we rode the first ever sub 4min team pursuit done in New Zealand. After the New Zealand Championships, i left New Zealand on the 17th of March and headed to Warsaw in Poland to ride the team pursuit for New Zealand at the World Championships. We had an interesting final prep for Worlds this year as we only landed in Warsaw 7 days before competition started, the main focus for the first few days was to get over the jet lag and get familiar at the new track. The Championships got off to a great start with Ali shanks winning the World Title in the Individual Pursuit. Day three was race day for us and in the qualifying we rode a solid time of 4.01. We were hoping for slightly faster than this and the 4.01 was only good enough for 4th fastest. That night we raced the Brits for the bronze medal and won, going slightly quicker than the morning ride. We were a little dissapointed not to make the final, but it was still good to win the bronze. Actually it was the first time NZ has ever won a medal in the team pursuit at a World Championships.
I took a week off the bike after the Track World Championships, and during that time managed a small road trip around Europe. Along with a team mate, i checked out the cities of Berlin, Prague, Lindau and Lausanne, a good way to relax before i got back into the training.
Here in Belgium this is officially the Belgium Testing/Training/Race phase. Its a young team of 7 track riders and we are using this phase to do some testing and lots of racing and training. Personally i'm using this phase as training for my main goal later in the season, the U23 time trial at the World Championships in Switzerland on the 23rd of September. This is a nice change of focus for me and i'm looking forward to the challenge. I'm into my 5th week of training here and I've raced 7 times so far. The races have been Belgium "Kermesses" they are around 120km long and its very hard, fast and rough racing. They can have between 100 to sometimes over 250 riders and are ofter raced on very short tight circuits. They test your bike handling skills as the are raced at an average speed of around 45km/h. I'm getting my road legs back and starting to feel better and better and i'm aiming to get some results in these types of race's before i leave on the 1st of July.
Two weeks ago we spent a day in the Lab at the Leuven university doing Lactate and performance tests, I've attached a photo of me in the lab doing to test. We use tests like this to establish training zones and to get an idea on what needs tweaking or changing in your training programme.
I had a minor setback when i had a crash in a Kermesse in Beveren last week, i was mixing it up with in the bunch sprint which i don't usually do, there was a crash in front of me and i hit the deck at around 60km/h and landed hard on my hip, still clipped into my bike. I was fine, but i think really lucky didn't do anything serious as it was one of the bigger crashes I've had. I've a attached a photo of whats happens to a helmet in a crash like this! (Photo wasn't attached ed)
We start a big tour in three days time, its called the Tryptique Ardennais which is a tough three day tour, so for me its going to be an easy few days to lead into it. You can check out the NZ teams updates on http://www.ridestrong.org.nz/RS/blogs/bikenz_belgian_race_phase_2009/default.aspx-- there are usually updates after each race so check it out!
Westley Gough
Monday, May 4, 2009
Waikato BOP Open Road Cycling Half Distance Champs
WAIKATO BAY OF PLENTY OPEN
ROAD CYCLING HALF DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
PUKETURUA HALL – OLD TAUPO ROAD - SATURDAY 23RD MAY 2009
10.30 AM SHARP
Managers Meeting 9.45am
Elite /Under 23 Start by Hall on Old Taupo Road 10.30am 92km $10 entry
3x Old Taupo Road/Waotu Rd circuit
Finish before Hall on Old Taupo Road Rd
Under 19 Men Start by Hall on Old Taupo Road 10.35am 68km $10 entry
2x Old Taupo Road/Waotu Rd circuit
Finish before Hall on Old Taupo Road Rd
Masters Men 1,2 Start by Hall on Old Taupo Road 10.40am 68km $10 entry
2x Old Taupo Road/Waotu Rd circuit
Finish before Hall on Old Taupo Road Rd
Under 17 Boys & Girls Start by Hall on Old Taupo Road 10.45am 38km $5 entry
1x Old Taupo Road/ Waotu Rd circuit
– Separate races if numbers justify
Finish before Hall on Old Taupo Road Rd
_____________________________________________________________________
Under 15 Boys & Girls Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 10.30am 22km $5 entry
1x Huihuitaha Road/ Lake Arapuni Road. Finish where you start
Under 13 Boys & Girls Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 10.40am 9.5 km $5 entry
Out & back to top Huihuitaha Road. Finish where you start
Paracycling Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 10.45am 9.5 km $10 entry
Out & back to top Huihuitaha Road. Finish where you start
Masters,3,4 Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 11.00am 66k $10 entry
3x Huihuitaha Road/Lake Arapuni Road/Huihuitaha Rd. Finish where you start
Masters 5,6,7 & Women & Under 19 Women
Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 11.05am 44km $10 entry
– Women separate if numbers justify
2x Huihuitaha Road/Arapuni Road / Huihuitaha Road. Finish where you start
Entries To Graeme Bell P.O.Box 107 Tokoroa
Enquiries to gabell@xtra.co.nz
Entries close Monday May 18th at 5pm complete with cheque
Event times may be subject to minor changes & groups may be combined if numbers justify
Waikato BoP riders – centre or national licence. All others – national licence
This is a centre event - All riders please bring a plate for afternoon tea
THIS EVENT IS RUN BY THE CENTRE AND WILL NEED OFFICIALS AND MARSHALLS FROM
ALL PARTICIPATING CLUBS
ROAD CYCLING HALF DISTANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
PUKETURUA HALL – OLD TAUPO ROAD - SATURDAY 23RD MAY 2009
10.30 AM SHARP
Managers Meeting 9.45am
Elite /Under 23 Start by Hall on Old Taupo Road 10.30am 92km $10 entry
3x Old Taupo Road/Waotu Rd circuit
Finish before Hall on Old Taupo Road Rd
Under 19 Men Start by Hall on Old Taupo Road 10.35am 68km $10 entry
2x Old Taupo Road/Waotu Rd circuit
Finish before Hall on Old Taupo Road Rd
Masters Men 1,2 Start by Hall on Old Taupo Road 10.40am 68km $10 entry
2x Old Taupo Road/Waotu Rd circuit
Finish before Hall on Old Taupo Road Rd
Under 17 Boys & Girls Start by Hall on Old Taupo Road 10.45am 38km $5 entry
1x Old Taupo Road/ Waotu Rd circuit
– Separate races if numbers justify
Finish before Hall on Old Taupo Road Rd
_____________________________________________________________________
Under 15 Boys & Girls Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 10.30am 22km $5 entry
1x Huihuitaha Road/ Lake Arapuni Road. Finish where you start
Under 13 Boys & Girls Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 10.40am 9.5 km $5 entry
Out & back to top Huihuitaha Road. Finish where you start
Paracycling Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 10.45am 9.5 km $10 entry
Out & back to top Huihuitaha Road. Finish where you start
Masters,3,4 Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 11.00am 66k $10 entry
3x Huihuitaha Road/Lake Arapuni Road/Huihuitaha Rd. Finish where you start
Masters 5,6,7 & Women & Under 19 Women
Start behind Hall on Huihuitaha Road 11.05am 44km $10 entry
– Women separate if numbers justify
2x Huihuitaha Road/Arapuni Road / Huihuitaha Road. Finish where you start
Entries To Graeme Bell P.O.Box 107 Tokoroa
Enquiries to gabell@xtra.co.nz
Entries close Monday May 18th at 5pm complete with cheque
Event times may be subject to minor changes & groups may be combined if numbers justify
Waikato BoP riders – centre or national licence. All others – national licence
This is a centre event - All riders please bring a plate for afternoon tea
THIS EVENT IS RUN BY THE CENTRE AND WILL NEED OFFICIALS AND MARSHALLS FROM
ALL PARTICIPATING CLUBS
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Hastings Sunday Ride
Hi Folks -
Sorry new timetable not up yet - will get on web this week
Tommorow Sunday 3rd May
Short Ride - Rawkawa, Torrins Return Via Valley (60km)
Long Ride - Rawkawa, Torrins, Te onepu, Te Aute Trust, Middle (100km)
If the weather is real rubbish may bring long ride back via SH2
Sorry new timetable not up yet - will get on web this week
Tommorow Sunday 3rd May
Short Ride - Rawkawa, Torrins Return Via Valley (60km)
Long Ride - Rawkawa, Torrins, Te onepu, Te Aute Trust, Middle (100km)
If the weather is real rubbish may bring long ride back via SH2
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