STAGE 1
Saturday Venue: Puketapu School
Race Circuit: Puketapu hill sprints, Puketapu Road
Registration: from 12noon ($10 before racing starts, this covers all 3 stages.
NO MONEY, NO START)
Race briefing: before each set of grades start
Race start time: from 1pm
Fem at 1pm - G at 1:01pm
E at 1:50pm - F at 1:51pm
C at 2:40pm - D at 2:41pm
A at 3:30pm - B at 3:31pm
Race Starter: Ken MacKenzie
STAGES 2 & 3
Saturday Venue: Raukawa Hall
Race Circuit: Stage 1, Valley/Raukawa road race; Stage 2, Raukawa/Anaroa time trial Race briefing: before each set of grades start Race start time: from 9:30am for road race; from 1:50 for time trial Race Starter: Ken MacKenzie
The Tour is for RCC and CCHB members, and everyone must ride in their current grade.
The only exceptions are by prior agreement and any visitors accepted must ride in A grade.
Reminder: The tour does carry DOUBLE SERIES POINTS.
Full details in the attached flyer.
Riders are asked to please confirm their entry before 29 July. Email Ken at cycle@clear.net.nz
Click here to download the rules for this weekends club graded tour
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Grading Policy:
Members riding out of grade has been a point of contention in the club stretching back a considerable time. Previously there has been an understanding that if riders rode down a grade they would take no active part in that grade's race and ride at the rear of the bunch. Some riders did this but others have interfered with lower grades' racing by putting in attacks, pulling back breakaways etc. Some riders also seem to pick and choose which grade they will ride in depending on how much training they've been doing, whether the race is hilly etc.
Ramblers racing is almost all graded and it is unfair on the majority of our members who race week in, week out, in their right grade to have others regrading themselves as it suits them and affecting others' races. This practice also causes grief for those who give their time compiling results and the points table.
The committee has now adopted a grading policy and wishes to inform members that this policy is being implemented.
The main points are:
* Riders must remain in the grade they are in at the start of a series for the whole series. Except in exceptional circumstances, riding out of grade is not allowed.
* In case of injury or serious illness during a series, riders may apply to the club captain to ride down and if permission is given the member will be informed of any conditions.
* If a member wishes to be graded down they must apply to the club captain two weeks before the start of a new series.
* If a member rides in a lower grade without permission they will be automatically disqualified.
* The policy does not apply to riders riding up a grade.
The committee also acknowledges that the grading process has not been as clear as it could be and we will be working to improve this so that everyone knows where they stand, especially leading up to each new series. The policy will take effect for the upcoming Spring Series and will be available soon on the club website.
Ramblers racing is almost all graded and it is unfair on the majority of our members who race week in, week out, in their right grade to have others regrading themselves as it suits them and affecting others' races. This practice also causes grief for those who give their time compiling results and the points table.
The committee has now adopted a grading policy and wishes to inform members that this policy is being implemented.
The main points are:
* Riders must remain in the grade they are in at the start of a series for the whole series. Except in exceptional circumstances, riding out of grade is not allowed.
* In case of injury or serious illness during a series, riders may apply to the club captain to ride down and if permission is given the member will be informed of any conditions.
* If a member wishes to be graded down they must apply to the club captain two weeks before the start of a new series.
* If a member rides in a lower grade without permission they will be automatically disqualified.
* The policy does not apply to riders riding up a grade.
The committee also acknowledges that the grading process has not been as clear as it could be and we will be working to improve this so that everyone knows where they stand, especially leading up to each new series. The policy will take effect for the upcoming Spring Series and will be available soon on the club website.
Member feedback:
As the recent first marketing survey was aimed at helping build a snapshot of the club to produce the creative brief for the logo and uniform, it included some questions of a general nature. Later in the year the club will be reviewing its strategic plan but the committee did take note of a number of survey comments relating to how the club is seen by prospective or new members.
Basically while the club is generally seen as friendly once people are in it, assimilating into the club may not be easy and the feeling was that the club is not welcoming enough to new members. The committee was already aware that we needed to do more in this area but the feedback emphasised it.
The committee has decided to trial a new welcoming role in the Spring Series.
One duty person will be nominated each week to meet new members and help them with the registration process and all the little things we have learnt over time and now take for granted. This will be an active role as the person will be required to ride with a new member that day.
It is hoped to have a clearer introduction process so that any mentor riders will also be part of this process but in planned, rather than a piecemeal way.
A short role description will be drafted so that people will know what is expected of them in the role. Rob Oliver and Dave Marett will also be involved in this area of club life.
Basically while the club is generally seen as friendly once people are in it, assimilating into the club may not be easy and the feeling was that the club is not welcoming enough to new members. The committee was already aware that we needed to do more in this area but the feedback emphasised it.
The committee has decided to trial a new welcoming role in the Spring Series.
One duty person will be nominated each week to meet new members and help them with the registration process and all the little things we have learnt over time and now take for granted. This will be an active role as the person will be required to ride with a new member that day.
It is hoped to have a clearer introduction process so that any mentor riders will also be part of this process but in planned, rather than a piecemeal way.
A short role description will be drafted so that people will know what is expected of them in the role. Rob Oliver and Dave Marett will also be involved in this area of club life.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Saturday Race: Ohiti Road Time Trial
Venue and Race Circuit: Ohiti Road (same as the Thursday night Summer series).
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before 1:45) Race briefing: 1:50pm Race start time: from 2pm Race Starter: Rob Oliver
There is no need to pre-register for this Saturday’s time trial, just turn up in good time.
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before 1:45) Race briefing: 1:50pm Race start time: from 2pm Race Starter: Rob Oliver
There is no need to pre-register for this Saturday’s time trial, just turn up in good time.
“Wish It Were France” Club Graded Tour
Coming up the weekend after Le Tour de France finishes, we will hold our third club graded tour.
Entries are now open. Please email Ken at cycle@clear.net.nz with your name and race grade.
There are no medals yet (we are waiting for our new logo first). The tour does carry DOUBLE SERIES POINTS. More details online soon (and in the next eNews).
Entries are now open. Please email Ken at cycle@clear.net.nz with your name and race grade.
There are no medals yet (we are waiting for our new logo first). The tour does carry DOUBLE SERIES POINTS. More details online soon (and in the next eNews).
Fatality on Stock Road in Flaxmere – Can you assist the Police?
The Police are investigating a fatal car crash on stock road in Flaxmere on Friday afternoon. They are following a report that three bike riders were seen near the scene.
These riders could be potential witnesses to the crash.
If anyone has any information could they please contact Kent Gilmore, Traffic Department, Hastings Police.
These riders could be potential witnesses to the crash.
If anyone has any information could they please contact Kent Gilmore, Traffic Department, Hastings Police.
Hastings benefits with approximately $4 million from a $7 million Model Communities project aimed at getting more people cycling and walking.
Hastings and New Plymouth went up against 22 other cities to win the bid and Hastings will get $4.1m - $3.57m to invest in walking and cycling infrastructure and $518,000 for education.
It is envisaged that the cities will become “how to” models for the rest of New Zealand.
Hastings District Council worked closely with a number of agencies and community groups to make the bid a success.“Staff and our partners worked extremely hard on this visionary project and as a result we’ve been successful,” Mayor Yule says.
Paul McArdle from Bike On NZ (based in Hawkes Bay), who helped build bike tracks at St Mary's School in Hastings, says everybody wins when more people are walking and cycling. "There will be less traffic congestion, people will be healthier and Hawke’s Bay businesses will benefit from more cycling tourism. I have been extremely impressed by the dedication shown by HDC staff in winning this funding and the leadership shown by Mayor Lawrence Yule and Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers."
It is envisaged that the cities will become “how to” models for the rest of New Zealand.
Hastings District Council worked closely with a number of agencies and community groups to make the bid a success.“Staff and our partners worked extremely hard on this visionary project and as a result we’ve been successful,” Mayor Yule says.
Paul McArdle from Bike On NZ (based in Hawkes Bay), who helped build bike tracks at St Mary's School in Hastings, says everybody wins when more people are walking and cycling. "There will be less traffic congestion, people will be healthier and Hawke’s Bay businesses will benefit from more cycling tourism. I have been extremely impressed by the dedication shown by HDC staff in winning this funding and the leadership shown by Mayor Lawrence Yule and Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers."
Benefits of cycling outweigh the risks, new research confirms
A new study carried out by researchers at the University of Utrecht has confirmed that the individual health benefits of cycling outweigh the safety risks.
For individuals who shift from car to bicycle, it is estimated the beneficial effects of increased physical activity are substantially larger (3 - 14 months
gained) than the potential mortality effect of increased inhaled air pollution doses (0.8 - 40 days lost) and the increase in traffic accidents (5 - 9 days lost).
Societal benefits are even larger due to a modest reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and traffic accidents.
The research is published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives and can be freely downloaded here: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info:doi/10.1289/ehp.0901747
For individuals who shift from car to bicycle, it is estimated the beneficial effects of increased physical activity are substantially larger (3 - 14 months
gained) than the potential mortality effect of increased inhaled air pollution doses (0.8 - 40 days lost) and the increase in traffic accidents (5 - 9 days lost).
Societal benefits are even larger due to a modest reduction in air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and traffic accidents.
The research is published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives and can be freely downloaded here: http://ehp03.niehs.nih.gov/article/info:doi/10.1289/ehp.0901747
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Ramblers at the TDF
Our tour is made up of 35 riders and 5 guides/mechanics/psychotherapists from Adventure Travel.
3 of these are ozzies as the OZ trip was fully booked. 8 of us are from Hawke’s Bay and another group of 10 from the Kapiti coast some of who we had met previously. Within the larger group we have two NZ champions amongst us! We are really getting on well and meeting some really nice people.
Approx 10 of the tour group are non riding participants who have an optional programme that includes seeing the sights, shopping and watching the tour. Every day we ride there are different options for riding: from “easier” (Latte) through to very difficult for the more talented (Espresso).
Day 6 Monday, July 19TdF Stage 15: Pamier>Luchon Well... yesterday we had a chance to test our hill legs and for our Latte group which included Elaine and Peter today as well as ourselves it was a ride to the top of Col des Ares a category two climb, which involved a 13 km climb to a KOM prime. Our coach took us nearer the course first, then we rode through panoramic farming landscapes and fields of sunflowers to Aspet, stopping for a Cafe au lait before setting for the ascent of the col. At the bottom our guide told us we had 30 minutes to climb the col before the gendarmes closed the road! No pressure!
The experience is something hard to describe: Climbing a col lined with thousands of people all cheering us on in a multitude of languages, riding over messages freshly painted on the road that support the favourites of the spectators, passing and being passed by stronger riders from all around the world – including many of our ozzie cousins is incredible. We received numerous applause and encouragement from the crowd and wearing NZ cycling gear certainly helped.
We even have had some French kids chanting the haka; I didn’t dare try to see if they were doing the actions.
While the Col was long, it was consistent and with the encouragement we all made it to the top. For a small number of the group (especially my wife) this was a huge achievement. The number of other riders on the course has increased considerably and we even met 2 other Hawke’s Bay people from different tour groups.
Upon arrival at the top of the Col we claimed a position to watch the tour come through in 3 hours time. Our spot was excellent on the bank just past the KOM in a lovely setting in the shade of the trees. There was even a bar in the field nearby! We were told to be well prepared with warm gear to put on as it can get very cold at the top, but we had a beautiful day, and we relaxed soaking up the atmosphere until the “caravan” (Parade) come through and then eventually the riders. The caravan throws out a multitude of give aways: from sunhats to lollies, cycling tops to newspapers. No chance of missing the riders, as the number of bikes and cars coming through before hand and the noise of the crowd and helicopters give plenty of warning.
They riders finally came though and it was on our bikes again and we followed them down the other side of the Col, not as fast as the riders, preferring to opt for safety first. Then back to our bus to head for Lourdes where we will be based for four nights, while the tour climbs the Pyrenees.
Day 7 Tuesday, July 20 TdF Stage 16: Luchon>Pau A quiet day with a number choosing to have a rest day or take a short 15 km ride up the valley towards the Pyrenees in surprisingly warm weather along a bike path to Ageles Garzost where race riders will descend from Col du Tourmalet before pointing their machines uphill again. The path was a former train route and is a tar sealed scenic pathway and hosts hundreds of cyclists for the day.
We have a relaxing time having coffee and then lunch while waiting for the start of the caravan to come, and then choose to ride back to Lourdes to watch the stage on TV.
We also have a chance to look around Lourdes. Lourdes is a small market town lying in the foothills of the Pyrenees, famous for the Marian apparitions of Our Lady of Lourdes that are reported to have occurred in 1858 to Bernadette Soubirous. Today Lourdes has a population of around 15,000 but is able to take in some 5,000,000 pilgrims and tourists every season. With about 270 hotels, Lourdes has the second greatest number of hotels per square kilometre in France after Paris.
The town of Lourdes is chocka block with shops selling religious trinkets to commemorate the pilgrim’s visits.
We walked around until 11pm and there were hundreds of people walking, shopping and eating at this hour.
Au Revoir from
Ivan
Monday, July 19, 2010
Lotto Ticket Winner this week
Congrats to Tong Too (Port of Napier) winning this weeks Super Lucky Dip Lotto Ticket with bonus number 36
1 draw remaining - Good Luck
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Hastings Sunday Group Ride (18 July)
Due to the cancellation of the Tour de France breakfast the Sunday ride will now depart Rebel Sport Hastings go St Georges Rd, Middle road, Camp David return for the short ride, continue on to Kahuranakei for the long ride and the masochists can add on Tuki Tuki or Karakau Beach (20km ret). Leaving at 8:00am and hopefully enjoying a coffee in Havelock North on return. Look out for a new programme later in week.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Saturday Race: Dudley Hawke Memorial Handicap
Venue: Bridge Pa School
Race Circuit: Dudley Hawke Memorial circuit
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before 1:45) Race briefing: 1:50pm Race start time: from 2pm Race Starter: Tony Hartley
Race Circuit: Dudley Hawke Memorial circuit
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before 1:45) Race briefing: 1:50pm Race start time: from 2pm Race Starter: Tony Hartley
Outward Bound Scholarship: Congratulations Ashleigh
BikeNZ and Outward Bound announced a renewed partnership this week and Outward Bound is once again offering scholarships to talented young riders to attend their self development courses. These courses offer the chance for under 19 riders to push their inner limits and develop their bodies and minds thru a variety of challenges in one of the most awesome terrains in New Zealand, the Marlborough Sounds.
Congratulations to our own Ashleigh Neave who received one of the two full scholarships (both went to road cyclists).
Four partial scholarships were awarded to mountain-bikers. Three went to Auckland, but one came to promising local U19, Madeline Taylor.
BikeNZ CEO Kieran Turner sees the scholarships benefitting the whole person not just the athlete. “Becoming a good bike rider involves more than just being able to ride fast. To make it to the top you need to have a huge amount of passion and drive and be able to fend for yourself and deal with adversity, especially when travelling overseas. The Outward Bound courses are a fantastic way to help our young athletes develop resilience and life skills that will not only help them to become better bike riders but help them throughout all aspects of their lives.”
Congratulations to our own Ashleigh Neave who received one of the two full scholarships (both went to road cyclists).
Four partial scholarships were awarded to mountain-bikers. Three went to Auckland, but one came to promising local U19, Madeline Taylor.
BikeNZ CEO Kieran Turner sees the scholarships benefitting the whole person not just the athlete. “Becoming a good bike rider involves more than just being able to ride fast. To make it to the top you need to have a huge amount of passion and drive and be able to fend for yourself and deal with adversity, especially when travelling overseas. The Outward Bound courses are a fantastic way to help our young athletes develop resilience and life skills that will not only help them to become better bike riders but help them throughout all aspects of their lives.”
Cancelled -Tour de France Breakfast, Sunday 18th July
Unfortunately there were not enough people confirmed this year, so the breakfast has been cancelled. We really appreciate the support from those members who were able to commit to this and hopefully you will be able to find somewhere else to watch this stage.
Event: Deco Decanted Bicycle Belles Parade
Date: Saturday 17th July 2010, 10.30am to 11.30am approx (gold coin entry)
Venue: Rendezvous at the Hawke’s Bay Club, Browning Street, Napier The ride will proceed regardless of weather.
Contact: Bike Hawke’s Bay, Cycling Development Officer Vicki Butterworth, Phone:
8459333, info@bikehb.co.nz or visit www.bikehb.co.nz
Venue: Rendezvous at the Hawke’s Bay Club, Browning Street, Napier The ride will proceed regardless of weather.
Contact: Bike Hawke’s Bay, Cycling Development Officer Vicki Butterworth, Phone:
8459333, info@bikehb.co.nz or visit www.bikehb.co.nz
Marketing Survey
Thank you to all those who completed this survey. Your comments, feedback and suggestions are proving invaluable as the Marketing and Communications sub-committee progress this initiative.
Team Time Trial Nationals
More information including course maps have been added to the BikeNZ webpage. To view:http://www.bikenz.org.nz/Article.aspx?ID=4795
Commissaire’s Course
BikeNZ will be running two national level commissaire courses this year. For more information on commissairing:http://www.bikenz.org.nz/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=5455
Road and Track Commissaires Course: one weekend late August, in either Auckland or Christchurch depending on demand
MTB Commissaires Course: 20-21st November, Rotorua
To register your interest, please email Sarah (sarahvb@bikenz.org.nz) by thus Friday 16th July. If you are registering for the road and track course please indicate your venue preference.
Road and Track Commissaires Course: one weekend late August, in either Auckland or Christchurch depending on demand
MTB Commissaires Course: 20-21st November, Rotorua
To register your interest, please email Sarah (sarahvb@bikenz.org.nz) by thus Friday 16th July. If you are registering for the road and track course please indicate your venue preference.
NPS: Hudson Gavin Martin Auckland 1000 Race
This race is part of the National Points Series.
Date Sunday 22nd Aug 2010
Discipline Road Race (prize money race)
Auckland’s major race and the 6th event in the National Points Series is being held in August at Karaka, Auckland. Registration is from 9.30am.
For the entry form and full details: http://www.cyclingnz.com/cnz5_events.php?n=2204
Date Sunday 22nd Aug 2010
Discipline Road Race (prize money race)
Auckland’s major race and the 6th event in the National Points Series is being held in August at Karaka, Auckland. Registration is from 9.30am.
For the entry form and full details: http://www.cyclingnz.com/cnz5_events.php?n=2204
Monday, July 12, 2010
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
This Saturday Race Details…
Venue: Puketapu School
Race Circuit: Swamp/Omaranui/Swamp/Dump
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before 1:45)
Race briefing: 1:50pm
Race Starter: Mark Coombe
Grade Mentor: Jason Stent
Race Circuit: Swamp/Omaranui/Swamp/Dump
Registration: from 1pm (pay your $3 and be registered before 1:45)
Race briefing: 1:50pm
Race Starter: Mark Coombe
Grade Mentor: Jason Stent
Tour de France Breakfast, Sunday 18th July
At this point, there are not enough people who have confirmed attendance and the breakfast may be cancelled.
Your ticket covers coffee, croissant and pastries, and you get to watch stage 12 on the big screen in the Lady Pettigrew Theatre, upstairs in the PG Arena, Taradale. This will be followed by a Sunday training ride, so bring your bike.
Please confirm your attendance to this by Friday July 9th for catering purposes.
If you have any questions please contact: Vicki Butterworth info@bikehb.co.nz
Flyer available here
Your ticket covers coffee, croissant and pastries, and you get to watch stage 12 on the big screen in the Lady Pettigrew Theatre, upstairs in the PG Arena, Taradale. This will be followed by a Sunday training ride, so bring your bike.
Please confirm your attendance to this by Friday July 9th for catering purposes.
If you have any questions please contact: Vicki Butterworth info@bikehb.co.nz
Flyer available here
Marketing Survey
A reminder that the deadline for your feedback is 9 July 2010.
Remember that if you include your name with your feedback you go in the draw for a free (new!) club jersey!
If you have any questions in the meantime please contact:
Gavin Scoble - gavin.scoble@xtra.co.nz
Su Daniel - whereru_su@hotmail.com
Remember that if you include your name with your feedback you go in the draw for a free (new!) club jersey!
If you have any questions in the meantime please contact:
Gavin Scoble - gavin.scoble@xtra.co.nz
Su Daniel - whereru_su@hotmail.com
Deco Decanted Weekend: Bicycle Belles Parade
Celebrate Deco Decanted Weekend and join the Parade. Join us for a promenade of bicycles. Frockers Welcome........Old bikes and tweeds a must!
Event: Deco Decanted Bicycle Belles Parade
Date: Saturday 17th July 2010, 10.30am to 11.30am approx (gold coin entry)
Venue: Rendezvous at the Hawke’s Bay Club, Browning Street, Napier
Course: Cyclists and their cycling machines will congregate at the HB Club on Browning Street at 10.30am. At 11.00am the parade will be the led out by a vintage truck, bikes and pedestrians will follow with vintage cars at the rear. The parade will proceed in orderly fashion along Hastings Street, down Emerson Street, finishing just outside Whitcoulls Bookshop. We encourage you to bring your bike, tweeds and enjoy the opportunity to partake in an official deco parade. This is a social and fun ride for anyone with an old bike!
Contingency plan for rain: The ride will proceed regardless of weather; bring a brolly if not sure. Bicycle Belle Events have been introduced to develop a cycling culture in Hawke’s Bay encouraging the restoration of old bicycles, to assist in preserving the history of cycling.
Contact: Bike Hawke’s Bay, Cycling Development Officer Vicki Butterworth, info@bikehb.co.nz Phone: 8459333 or visit www.bikehb.co.nz
Event: Deco Decanted Bicycle Belles Parade
Date: Saturday 17th July 2010, 10.30am to 11.30am approx (gold coin entry)
Venue: Rendezvous at the Hawke’s Bay Club, Browning Street, Napier
Course: Cyclists and their cycling machines will congregate at the HB Club on Browning Street at 10.30am. At 11.00am the parade will be the led out by a vintage truck, bikes and pedestrians will follow with vintage cars at the rear. The parade will proceed in orderly fashion along Hastings Street, down Emerson Street, finishing just outside Whitcoulls Bookshop. We encourage you to bring your bike, tweeds and enjoy the opportunity to partake in an official deco parade. This is a social and fun ride for anyone with an old bike!
Contingency plan for rain: The ride will proceed regardless of weather; bring a brolly if not sure. Bicycle Belle Events have been introduced to develop a cycling culture in Hawke’s Bay encouraging the restoration of old bicycles, to assist in preserving the history of cycling.
Contact: Bike Hawke’s Bay, Cycling Development Officer Vicki Butterworth, info@bikehb.co.nz Phone: 8459333 or visit www.bikehb.co.nz
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
North Island Secondary Schools
Lindisfarne Boys team had a good day out in the Junior Boys Team Time trial with only a couple of days practice and a 4 man team (5 allowed) of James Lochhead, William Green, Ben Ross and upcoming E Grade rider Ben Paterson to get 10th place in a 41 team event. This race is hotly contested by the big Auckland and Hamilton schools who are well equipped and well drilled.
The road race event was marred by fog and limited to a street circuit race which meant for hairy racing on the damp roads. The class of all our riders was evident with few getting dropped in big fields that were reduced to a third of their size in a lot of the races. Megan Watson, Logan Bean, James Lochhead, William Green, Ben Ross, Mike Garrity, Corban Mason-Smith, Phoebe Treseder finished in the front bunches with Ben Paterson, Noah Mason-Smith, Karl Linley, Amanda Jamieson, Molly Shepherd and Kirsten Findlay all finishing strongly.
Full Results here
The road race event was marred by fog and limited to a street circuit race which meant for hairy racing on the damp roads. The class of all our riders was evident with few getting dropped in big fields that were reduced to a third of their size in a lot of the races. Megan Watson, Logan Bean, James Lochhead, William Green, Ben Ross, Mike Garrity, Corban Mason-Smith, Phoebe Treseder finished in the front bunches with Ben Paterson, Noah Mason-Smith, Karl Linley, Amanda Jamieson, Molly Shepherd and Kirsten Findlay all finishing strongly.
Full Results here
Regan Gough wins U15 Boys in 2010 DBR Canberra Junior Tour
Congratulations to Regan Gough for taking the honours in this prestigious Junior Tour
For full New Zealand placings :
http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/Results/canberra-junior-and-womens-tour-2010-results.html
For full New Zealand placings :
http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/Results/canberra-junior-and-womens-tour-2010-results.html
Grey fox takes this weeks Lotto
Congrats to Ian Fraser winning this weeks Super Triple Dip Lotto Ticket with bonus number 40
Letter form Ashleigh - Canberra Kowalski Tour
For those that are interested here is a quick run down of my latest racing, Here in warm (cough) Canberra. This weekend hosted the Kowalski tour. There were 4 stages and it proved to be a very eventful tour.
Racing kicked off with a 15km individual tt, which was not my best performance to say the least. In my defence though I was one of perhaps only 4 riders to not be riding a tt bike or aero bars. I rode a road bike as is due to weight issues with luggage. many of the other nz crew paid to bring two bikes or had parents come over with them, but life goes on. :-) I finished mid field any way
The second stage was a short but not very sweet road race, a sharp little course. As we had a nz girl in a top 5 spot i rode to protect her. shutting down the attacks from the aussies and keeping her out of the wind. we had a turn around around a cone however which saw me collected by a crazy australian and leaving the derailleur unhappy and the hip a bit bruised. all was well though until my chain jammed at the bottom of the last big climb of the day.. I was sadly left behind by the break away bunch as i tried to get it fixed, luckily though they then went the wrong way further up the course (rider responsibility to know the course!) and i found myself in contention again, finishing with the front.
Stage three was a criterium, my most hated of races. I did however put out what was labelled a stunner performance, so that was a buzz. :-) I was enlisted to look after Georgia again and keep her in touch with the bunch, it all went fairly well.
The last stage this morning was unbelievably cold, I made the novice mistake of not wearing enough layers thinking it would soon heat up, we dropped deeper and deeper into the valley however where the frost looked like snow, all over red rover. I did my job of taking Georgia through the technical decent and into the break up the constant long climb on the other side, through the turn and back again. it was the next Queen of the Mountains climb that saw me wave good bye to the sizable break and enjoy the hunt for kangaroos through the foggy scenery for the last leg of the race. As the weather heated up I began to find my mojo again, only to laugh out loud when the course turned and dived back into the depths of the fog. We live and we learn though.
All and all it was a successful weekend though, I did my job in protecting Georgia and her spot in the general classification.
Time to move on to 25+ degrees. hello Holland!!
Ash
Racing kicked off with a 15km individual tt, which was not my best performance to say the least. In my defence though I was one of perhaps only 4 riders to not be riding a tt bike or aero bars. I rode a road bike as is due to weight issues with luggage. many of the other nz crew paid to bring two bikes or had parents come over with them, but life goes on. :-) I finished mid field any way
The second stage was a short but not very sweet road race, a sharp little course. As we had a nz girl in a top 5 spot i rode to protect her. shutting down the attacks from the aussies and keeping her out of the wind. we had a turn around around a cone however which saw me collected by a crazy australian and leaving the derailleur unhappy and the hip a bit bruised. all was well though until my chain jammed at the bottom of the last big climb of the day.. I was sadly left behind by the break away bunch as i tried to get it fixed, luckily though they then went the wrong way further up the course (rider responsibility to know the course!) and i found myself in contention again, finishing with the front.
Stage three was a criterium, my most hated of races. I did however put out what was labelled a stunner performance, so that was a buzz. :-) I was enlisted to look after Georgia again and keep her in touch with the bunch, it all went fairly well.
The last stage this morning was unbelievably cold, I made the novice mistake of not wearing enough layers thinking it would soon heat up, we dropped deeper and deeper into the valley however where the frost looked like snow, all over red rover. I did my job of taking Georgia through the technical decent and into the break up the constant long climb on the other side, through the turn and back again. it was the next Queen of the Mountains climb that saw me wave good bye to the sizable break and enjoy the hunt for kangaroos through the foggy scenery for the last leg of the race. As the weather heated up I began to find my mojo again, only to laugh out loud when the course turned and dived back into the depths of the fog. We live and we learn though.
All and all it was a successful weekend though, I did my job in protecting Georgia and her spot in the general classification.
Time to move on to 25+ degrees. hello Holland!!
Ash
Friday, July 2, 2010
SKY TV TDF Coverage
From Ridestrong: Sky and AvantiPlus have come to the party once again this year and all 20 stages will be live, along with extensive hightlights on Sky Sport.
Click Here
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