Timaru cyclist Shane Archbold has won a kermesse circuit race in Belgium today as he prepares for the London Olympics.
Archbold, who will contest the omnium on the track in London, won the bunch sprint in the 118km circuit race in Herselt in northern Belgium.
His Olympic teammate Aaron Gate (Auckland) was third in the sprint with Myron Simpson (Auckland) 13th and London-bound pursuiter Westley Gough (Waipukurau) 18th in the under-23 race.
Other New Zealanders in the race include Alex Frame (Christchurch) 27th with Gough’s younger cousin Fraser Gough in 34th.
The New Zealand Olympic endurance track team will contest the Tour de Pays de Savoie starting on Thursday, a UCI 2.2 European Tour event over four days based in the French Alps. They have come off a track training block in Switzerland and following this block of road racing, will join up for their final track preparation camp in Bordeaux next month.
Results, Herselt Kermesse, Belgium, 118km:
Shane Archbold (NZL) 2:43.15, 1; Kevin Hoovels (BEL) same time,2, Aaron Gate (NZL) same time, 3. Also other New Zealanders: Myron Simpson 13, Westley Gough 18, Alex Frame 27, Fraser Gough 34.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Villumsen rides to time trial victory in Spain
New Zealand’s Olympic-hopeful cyclist Linda Villumsen grabbed her first time trial win of the season, winning the third stage of Emakumeen Euskal Bira in Spain today.
Posting a time of 18:21 over the 13.4km course, the silver medallist in the time trial at last year’s world championships and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, finished three seconds faster than her Green Edge-AIS teammate and world champion Judith Ardnt.
"It's difficult to make a plan for a time trial," said Villumsen in commenting on the undulating course. "You just go as fast as you can. I don't think about how other people will ride the course. It makes no difference. It only matters how I ride. I go as fast I can from start to finish."
Villumsen's win gave GreenEDGE-AIS a sought-after stage win, and Arndt's result leaves the team well-poised on the overall ahead of tomorrow's final stage.
Villumsen is hopeful of being named in the New Zealand team later this month for the London Olympics.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Posting a time of 18:21 over the 13.4km course, the silver medallist in the time trial at last year’s world championships and the 2010 Commonwealth Games, finished three seconds faster than her Green Edge-AIS teammate and world champion Judith Ardnt.
"It's difficult to make a plan for a time trial," said Villumsen in commenting on the undulating course. "You just go as fast as you can. I don't think about how other people will ride the course. It makes no difference. It only matters how I ride. I go as fast I can from start to finish."
Villumsen's win gave GreenEDGE-AIS a sought-after stage win, and Arndt's result leaves the team well-poised on the overall ahead of tomorrow's final stage.
Villumsen is hopeful of being named in the New Zealand team later this month for the London Olympics.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Disc, 808, 25 Degrees, Race mix in one hand, Double Shot Short Black in the other
You just know this shut is gonna be good
Greetings Ramblers.
(Hannah says “yal the best book for the road” Causing great confusion; alas she was merely reading something in Dutch as was not at all focused on the task at hand but we are now attentive and ready to contribute)
Just to spice things up a bit, we will take you through what will undoubtedly be yet another entertaining report of our week’s shenanigans, although this time we shall time warp and do it in reverse.
Yesterday our lives split once more. Ashleigh took herself off to Doetinchem, which is found very close to the border of Germany. A chance to time trial against some UCI names was worth much more than the 2 hours to get there and the trip proved a success. The weather was beautiful, the scenery was pristine and the atmosphere was like a carnival. Cafe tables lined the cobbled streets at the start and finish of the course, and convoys made continuous circulations, exciting the crowd. A 7th place was enough to keep a smile on the dial for the lonely commute home. But you should have seen the bike! A disc and an 808 from the Ruiter Dakkapellen team made the Scott Plasma beautiful beyond description. Particularly when adorned with race mix and double shot coffee. Bring it! Hannah decided a good idea would be a local criterium instead of a distant time trial. In her own words, “it did not go well.. dunno ae”. . The evening was then filled by the lovely neighbours who, after walking their dog invited us for tea
Saturday was a bit breezy, although a little quieter than previous days. In anticipation of the following day we went out for just one lone TT effort (Hannah had yet to decide she was riding the crit) concluding in an essentials trip to the supermarket. We also had the pleasure of introducing a nearly 80 year old lady to the joys of video calling, and essentially lost possession of my phone until sufficient data was used to deplete my credit completely. But at least you had a nice chat with your mummy, ae Coach. Hannah did an emergency phone card run, and returned with pancake ingredients and her finest culinary skills. Lunch was delicious.
As was dinner on Friday evening. The ‘8’ wind speed of the day seemed to stimulate enormous appetites. We got to ride all the way into Alkmaar, since Ashleigh had left her helmet behind after Wednesdays race, 20km of block Holland head wind, the 20 min return trip was significantly more pleasurable then the hour and a half there. That, and a few TT efforts and we were finished with being in the wind for the day. The evening was spent consuming cookies, tea and reading paperbacks. Thursday was thoroughly uneventful; a brief trip to the market, and a recovery ride was about all worth noting.
Wednesday was race day for Ashleigh, featuring in the attractive purple of the Ruiter kit. WAHOO! A 132k course, in the gentle slopes of the south. Ashleigh had a great day, finding herself at, on and off the front in the first 90ks. Something has clicked and she is a very happy camper for it. The weather was abysmal though, with the mud and dirt off the road leaving tattoo sock and glove lines that took several showers to remove. It even managed to find its way through race jerseys and base layers. It was enough to make Ashleigh sort it out and deal with the communal nakedness of the kleedkamers.
Tuesday was race preparation day, bike cleaning and the like. Ashleigh got to stay at the club rooms all aloney on her owney since the Team was leaving at 6.45am and she most certainly was not going to ride 20km before that time, bags and all! Luckily she had an escort to help carry all her gear in the form of Hanny; who incidentally clocked up 60kms from commuting alone. And that will bring us back to a wet and cold Monday. We fulfilled the training requirements of the day with the assistance of the trainer and a chair sturdy enough for box jumps. Some Skype dates and assignment progress completed the day.
That was our week. We hope you are all smiling and ka pai!
Ashleigh and Hannah
Greetings Ramblers.
(Hannah says “yal the best book for the road” Causing great confusion; alas she was merely reading something in Dutch as was not at all focused on the task at hand but we are now attentive and ready to contribute)
Just to spice things up a bit, we will take you through what will undoubtedly be yet another entertaining report of our week’s shenanigans, although this time we shall time warp and do it in reverse.
Yesterday our lives split once more. Ashleigh took herself off to Doetinchem, which is found very close to the border of Germany. A chance to time trial against some UCI names was worth much more than the 2 hours to get there and the trip proved a success. The weather was beautiful, the scenery was pristine and the atmosphere was like a carnival. Cafe tables lined the cobbled streets at the start and finish of the course, and convoys made continuous circulations, exciting the crowd. A 7th place was enough to keep a smile on the dial for the lonely commute home. But you should have seen the bike! A disc and an 808 from the Ruiter Dakkapellen team made the Scott Plasma beautiful beyond description. Particularly when adorned with race mix and double shot coffee. Bring it! Hannah decided a good idea would be a local criterium instead of a distant time trial. In her own words, “it did not go well.. dunno ae”. . The evening was then filled by the lovely neighbours who, after walking their dog invited us for tea
Saturday was a bit breezy, although a little quieter than previous days. In anticipation of the following day we went out for just one lone TT effort (Hannah had yet to decide she was riding the crit) concluding in an essentials trip to the supermarket. We also had the pleasure of introducing a nearly 80 year old lady to the joys of video calling, and essentially lost possession of my phone until sufficient data was used to deplete my credit completely. But at least you had a nice chat with your mummy, ae Coach. Hannah did an emergency phone card run, and returned with pancake ingredients and her finest culinary skills. Lunch was delicious.
As was dinner on Friday evening. The ‘8’ wind speed of the day seemed to stimulate enormous appetites. We got to ride all the way into Alkmaar, since Ashleigh had left her helmet behind after Wednesdays race, 20km of block Holland head wind, the 20 min return trip was significantly more pleasurable then the hour and a half there. That, and a few TT efforts and we were finished with being in the wind for the day. The evening was spent consuming cookies, tea and reading paperbacks. Thursday was thoroughly uneventful; a brief trip to the market, and a recovery ride was about all worth noting.
Wednesday was race day for Ashleigh, featuring in the attractive purple of the Ruiter kit. WAHOO! A 132k course, in the gentle slopes of the south. Ashleigh had a great day, finding herself at, on and off the front in the first 90ks. Something has clicked and she is a very happy camper for it. The weather was abysmal though, with the mud and dirt off the road leaving tattoo sock and glove lines that took several showers to remove. It even managed to find its way through race jerseys and base layers. It was enough to make Ashleigh sort it out and deal with the communal nakedness of the kleedkamers.
Tuesday was race preparation day, bike cleaning and the like. Ashleigh got to stay at the club rooms all aloney on her owney since the Team was leaving at 6.45am and she most certainly was not going to ride 20km before that time, bags and all! Luckily she had an escort to help carry all her gear in the form of Hanny; who incidentally clocked up 60kms from commuting alone. And that will bring us back to a wet and cold Monday. We fulfilled the training requirements of the day with the assistance of the trainer and a chair sturdy enough for box jumps. Some Skype dates and assignment progress completed the day.
That was our week. We hope you are all smiling and ka pai!
Ashleigh and Hannah
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Hastings Sunday Ride 10th June
Leaving Outside Rebel Sport Heretaunga Street Hastings 8:00am
Short Ride - Camp David and Return 60 km
Long Ride - Camp David, Otane, Argyll Road, Rawkawa, Bridge Pa 100km
Short Ride - Camp David and Return 60 km
Long Ride - Camp David, Otane, Argyll Road, Rawkawa, Bridge Pa 100km
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Saturday Racing, 9th June 2012
Circuit: Kereru Road RTN
A-D 50km
E-G 30km
Venue: Maraekakaho School
Race Briefing: 1:45pm
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Gavin Bush
G grade, please note this week will be a handicapped start again. This will make 3 races which have been run as handicaps, and this will be evaluated in the coming week. Your feedback would be appreciated.
A-D 50km
E-G 30km
Venue: Maraekakaho School
Race Briefing: 1:45pm
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Gavin Bush
G grade, please note this week will be a handicapped start again. This will make 3 races which have been run as handicaps, and this will be evaluated in the coming week. Your feedback would be appreciated.
Heretaunga Building Society Most Consistent Rider results - Autumn 2012 Series
The final race of the Autumn 2012 Heretaunga Building Society Most Consistent Rider series was held on 26 May 2012. During the series, every member receives one point for every Ramblers race they ride or volunteer/marshal at (including the Bike NZ Club Road Nationals).
At the and of the series, the leaders from each grade are as follows
13 points: David Marett (E grade)
12 points: Gavin Bush (C grade)
12 points: Craig Hill (C grade)
11 points: Jason Kelly (A grade)
11 points: Douglas McIntosh (A grade)
11 points: Andrew Townsend (A grade)
11 points: Lindsay Sheppard (B grade)
11 points: Kevin Hein (D grade)
11 points: Nicholas Kelly (G grade)
9 points: Dave Chote (F grade)
9 points: David Lingan (F grade)
9 points: David Marsh (F grade)
9 points: Bruce Strachan (F grade)
Each of these members will receive a certificate acknowledging their consistency for the series. After the completion of the Spring series each year, the clubs most consistent rider will be presented with the Heretaunga Building Society Trohpy and a 12 month term deposit for $250.00.
All members will carry forward their accumulated points from the previous series towards the final total for the annual trophy and prize.
Keep an eye on the weekly race results table to check who the Heretaunga Building Society MCR leaders are in each grade. Check out the RCC website for the full details of the award.
At the and of the series, the leaders from each grade are as follows
13 points: David Marett (E grade)
12 points: Gavin Bush (C grade)
12 points: Craig Hill (C grade)
11 points: Jason Kelly (A grade)
11 points: Douglas McIntosh (A grade)
11 points: Andrew Townsend (A grade)
11 points: Lindsay Sheppard (B grade)
11 points: Kevin Hein (D grade)
11 points: Nicholas Kelly (G grade)
9 points: Dave Chote (F grade)
9 points: David Lingan (F grade)
9 points: David Marsh (F grade)
9 points: Bruce Strachan (F grade)
Each of these members will receive a certificate acknowledging their consistency for the series. After the completion of the Spring series each year, the clubs most consistent rider will be presented with the Heretaunga Building Society Trohpy and a 12 month term deposit for $250.00.
All members will carry forward their accumulated points from the previous series towards the final total for the annual trophy and prize.
Keep an eye on the weekly race results table to check who the Heretaunga Building Society MCR leaders are in each grade. Check out the RCC website for the full details of the award.
CXHB Series Starts Soon!
CXHB is offering a 6 race regional series (see below), building on last years 4 events. One of our main focus's in Hawke's bay is the development of kids racing, called Bike-X. This is a free event for the kids, who last year all loved getting dirty in the mud!
June 17 - Blackbarn, HavelockNorth
July 8 - EIT Taradale (NZ Championships)
July 22 - Roy's Hill, Hastings
August 12 - BlackBarn, TukitukiValley, Havelock North
September 2 - Clearview Winery, Napier
September 16 - Chesterhope Park,Hastings
If you would like any more info please feel free to contact Dan cyclocrosshawkesbay@gmail.com
June 17 - Blackbarn, HavelockNorth
July 8 - EIT Taradale (NZ Championships)
July 22 - Roy's Hill, Hastings
August 12 - BlackBarn, TukitukiValley, Havelock North
September 2 - Clearview Winery, Napier
September 16 - Chesterhope Park,Hastings
If you would like any more info please feel free to contact Dan cyclocrosshawkesbay@gmail.com
Profiling Ramblers in RoadCyclingNZ
Sarah van Boheeman from RoadCyclingNZ has completed a club profile of Ramblers. This is now available and can find it here: http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/TeamTalk/club-feature-ramblers-cycling-club.html
Velodrome Proposal
Members may have noticed in the Tuesday 5th edition of HBToday, that a new proposal has been made to Hastings Council regarding the development of a velodrome, this time for an outdoor one. The article was mistaken in it's reference to Ramblers as having put the proposal forward.
Ramblers, as it always has been, is interested in the development of a velodrome in the Hawkes Bay region. However, this proposal has been developed by HB Velo, a separate entity to which Ramblers has had a long-term relationship with. HBVelo was the driving force in the last bid for an indoor velodrome. Ivan Aplin is a Rambler, but in this instance was speaking in his capacity as an executive member of the HB Velo committee.
Ramblers does, however, look forward to finding out how we can support HB Velo in the pursuit of a local velodrome.
Ramblers, as it always has been, is interested in the development of a velodrome in the Hawkes Bay region. However, this proposal has been developed by HB Velo, a separate entity to which Ramblers has had a long-term relationship with. HBVelo was the driving force in the last bid for an indoor velodrome. Ivan Aplin is a Rambler, but in this instance was speaking in his capacity as an executive member of the HB Velo committee.
Ramblers does, however, look forward to finding out how we can support HB Velo in the pursuit of a local velodrome.
Ramblin On is Going Online
To save the club a few dollars and a whole lot of volunteer time, Ramblin On will soon be available to all members as an e-book which offers us lots of benefits like having a full colour publication and we’re not restricted to the number of pages. Plus our members overseas will be able to access it.
If you would still like a printed version you can print it yourself or we will have a small number (around 20 or so) which will be at the races on Saturdays. First in first served.
So now its up to us all as members to make it what you want it to be. Send in your articles, news, tips for training, nutrition, product reviews, ads and anything else you would like to see to our editor davemarett@slingshot.co.nz.
Enjoy the new look coming soon!
If you would still like a printed version you can print it yourself or we will have a small number (around 20 or so) which will be at the races on Saturdays. First in first served.
So now its up to us all as members to make it what you want it to be. Send in your articles, news, tips for training, nutrition, product reviews, ads and anything else you would like to see to our editor davemarett@slingshot.co.nz.
Enjoy the new look coming soon!
RCC Club Winter Dinner
When: Saturday 21st July, 2012
Where: War Memorial Hall, Marine Parade, Napier
Time: from 6pm for drinks (buy your own at the bar) - 7pm buffet dinner ($40 per head)
Contact mark.pauline@vodafone.co.nz to confirm your booking and arrange payment.
Where: War Memorial Hall, Marine Parade, Napier
Time: from 6pm for drinks (buy your own at the bar) - 7pm buffet dinner ($40 per head)
Contact mark.pauline@vodafone.co.nz to confirm your booking and arrange payment.
Upcoming Events
17th June: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North
30th June: NZ Secondary Schools Indiviual Time Trials, Cambridge
1st July: NZ Secondary Schools Road Races, Cambridge
6th July: Ramblers Club Criterium, Marine Parade, Napier
6th – 8th July: Ride of Your Life Cycling Festival, Napier
8th July: Cyclocross National Championships, Napier
22nd July: CX, Roy’s Hill, Hastings
12th August: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North
August: Reiker 2 Day Tour, Timaru
16th September: GIANT R4 Cycle Ride
22nd – 23rd September: R & R Sport Tour, Otago
2nd September: CX, Clearview Winery, Napier
16th September: CX, Chesterhope, Hastings
30th September: Novice Tour of Manawatu
5th – 7th October: Yunca Junior Tour, Invercargill
14th October: Tour of the Bay, Hastings
4th November: Ibis Bike The Lake
30th June: NZ Secondary Schools Indiviual Time Trials, Cambridge
1st July: NZ Secondary Schools Road Races, Cambridge
6th July: Ramblers Club Criterium, Marine Parade, Napier
6th – 8th July: Ride of Your Life Cycling Festival, Napier
8th July: Cyclocross National Championships, Napier
22nd July: CX, Roy’s Hill, Hastings
12th August: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North
August: Reiker 2 Day Tour, Timaru
16th September: GIANT R4 Cycle Ride
22nd – 23rd September: R & R Sport Tour, Otago
2nd September: CX, Clearview Winery, Napier
16th September: CX, Chesterhope, Hastings
30th September: Novice Tour of Manawatu
5th – 7th October: Yunca Junior Tour, Invercargill
14th October: Tour of the Bay, Hastings
4th November: Ibis Bike The Lake
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Grant White Autobody C Grade Report – Autumn 2012 Craig Hill
C Grade Report that missed the press for the Ramblers Mag
The autumn series started with conditions that thankfully did not continue. A weather bomb had hit
and it was cold, wet with strong winds just for good measure. 25 riders in all turned up for the
shortened event, with C grade represented by four hardy souls battling for survival and line honours
with Gavin Bush piping Brett Hooker for the win.
March 10th had the grades split by age group for the Club Champs and providing good practice for
the Club Nationals to be raced in early May on the same courses.
Normal riding resumed on the 17th with a time trial on Maraetotora Road. With a warm afternoon
and favourable tail wind Stephen Snell blitzed the other 9 riders on the hilly 17km climb. His time,
34:19s, would have got 4th in B grade. 2nd place, Craig Hill, was nearly 3 minutes behind with the next
5 riders within a minute of each other a further minute back.
The weather was again kind for the next race, almost too kind, with temperatures up to 30c on the
67km Valley ‐ Raukawa circuit. The majority of the 15 starters stayed together on the 1st lap. 5 riders,
Stephen, Gavin, Craig, Trevor Ennor & Wayne Mote, made a break into the headwind early into the
second lap and working together managed to stay away until just after the Raukawa hall where they
were joined by Su Daniel & Allister Beets. The finish saw Stephen take 1st in a tight sprint from the
Yellow Jersey of Gavin with the next 4 crossing over the next 4s.
The end of March was celebrated with 2 laps of Tuki. Again the majority of the 11 starters managed
to stay together until the 2nd ascent of Coops hill despite several failed attempts to split the group on
Lawn Rd. Fouldsy rode hard into the brisk headwind on Raymond Rd as lead‐out while the pack
formed behind him. Stephen timed his ride perfectly to pip Craig on the line for 1st, Peter Weskett,
3rd, Su 4th. Stephen’s win was his 3rd in three weeks earning him promotion up to B grade.
April 7th saw a lucky 13 riders challenge the conditions and each other for Te Kura Rd honours. An
initially spirited outward leg didn’t drop many riders with the pack reforming after the big hill. The
damp road saw a few temper their descents but had to scamper to regain the comforts of the 8 man
pack. The sprint came midway into the last 500m with Allister crossing 1st ahead of Trevor and Su
with the next 4 no more than 2s behind.
Mid April was another practice on the Nationals course with 2 laps of Crownthorpe but with the
twist of being based at Pukehamoamoa School instead of Matapiro Hall. On the 1st lap Allister made
break on the hills on back side of the course which didn’t last too long before the group reassimilated
for the remainder of the lap. Any attempted breaks on the 2nd lap were swiftly closed
down. Gavin continued his new trend of the past few weeks of seeing what the race looks like from
the front. I, thinking the finish line was near the normal place for an Ohiti circuit, sprinted off, way
way too early, only to fade 100m out to be passed by the other 8 with Glen Yule ousting Gavin and
Lisa Atkins on the line (well I thought Gav needed the points).
21st April doubled as a practice for the Nationals Individual Time Trial in Waipawa. The second
smallest turnout for C grade, only beaten by the 1st race of the series with 4 riders, saw 5 embrace
the course on a beautiful 16 deg day. Overall honours going to Craig over Su then Gavin, who was
almost beaten by Dean Gough in his 1st race of the series, with Allister making sure we had all
finished safely coming in as sweep.
The end of April saw our biggest turnout, 23 starters including a couple of B graders there to test
their legs (Mike Garrity, & Captain Hillary), for the Swamp – Dump circuit. The weather threatened
to spoil the day with a cool shower just before the starter’s gun but desisted during the race. The
peloton stayed together until an attempted break by Craig & Su which was shut down smartly
followed by a determined break by Phoebe Treseder before the end of Springfield Rd. Pheobe
wasn’t caught till just before the Tavern and the pack, still 22 strong, reorganised ready for the uphill
sprint finish. A break down the left by Brett Hooker caught a few at the front by surprise and secured
his 1st win of the series over John Price and Stephen Salkeld who had the same finish time. The other
placing’s being well challenged for as well with 4th to 13th only separated by 4s.
The second interlude to the series was on May 5th with it being the 2nd day of the Road Races for the
Club Nationals at Crownthorpe. A big thank you to all the organisers, volunteers, spectators,
sponsors and competitors, well done all.
May 12th bought with it the challenge of a Criterium, a short 800m course with 4 left hand corners
and sprints for points every 5 minutes. The start saw Pheobe and Allister get a good break on the
other 7 only to be reeled in before the 1st sprint. Brett made a break immediately after the sprint
and stayed away to collect top points for the 2nd sprint with Gavin and David Barclay securing good
points throughout the event. Overall Phoebe cleaned up with wins in the last 3 sprints over David
and Gavin.
The penultimate race of the series had the added challenge of Whakapirau for riders to negotiate.
The pace went on from the start into a brisk headwind but most of the 15 starters only being split up
on the ascent of Whakapirau. Allister, Phoebe and Brett climbed away and made a 1 min break by
Torrens. The chasing bunch of Craig, Gavin, David McCullum, Fouldsy and Peter pursued in vein and
were spurred on by the sight of Brett, alone, after being dropped with 5k to go. Allister with more
power and higher gears took 1st over Phoebe, Brett 3rd 50s back then another minute until the 1st of
the chasing bunch crossed.
26th May – Camp David. This story has yet to unfold as the publishing deadline has won, but a tight
contest at the top of the table has Gavin 3 points clear of Craig with Su comfortably in 3rd.
The autumn series started with conditions that thankfully did not continue. A weather bomb had hit
and it was cold, wet with strong winds just for good measure. 25 riders in all turned up for the
shortened event, with C grade represented by four hardy souls battling for survival and line honours
with Gavin Bush piping Brett Hooker for the win.
March 10th had the grades split by age group for the Club Champs and providing good practice for
the Club Nationals to be raced in early May on the same courses.
Normal riding resumed on the 17th with a time trial on Maraetotora Road. With a warm afternoon
and favourable tail wind Stephen Snell blitzed the other 9 riders on the hilly 17km climb. His time,
34:19s, would have got 4th in B grade. 2nd place, Craig Hill, was nearly 3 minutes behind with the next
5 riders within a minute of each other a further minute back.
The weather was again kind for the next race, almost too kind, with temperatures up to 30c on the
67km Valley ‐ Raukawa circuit. The majority of the 15 starters stayed together on the 1st lap. 5 riders,
Stephen, Gavin, Craig, Trevor Ennor & Wayne Mote, made a break into the headwind early into the
second lap and working together managed to stay away until just after the Raukawa hall where they
were joined by Su Daniel & Allister Beets. The finish saw Stephen take 1st in a tight sprint from the
Yellow Jersey of Gavin with the next 4 crossing over the next 4s.
The end of March was celebrated with 2 laps of Tuki. Again the majority of the 11 starters managed
to stay together until the 2nd ascent of Coops hill despite several failed attempts to split the group on
Lawn Rd. Fouldsy rode hard into the brisk headwind on Raymond Rd as lead‐out while the pack
formed behind him. Stephen timed his ride perfectly to pip Craig on the line for 1st, Peter Weskett,
3rd, Su 4th. Stephen’s win was his 3rd in three weeks earning him promotion up to B grade.
April 7th saw a lucky 13 riders challenge the conditions and each other for Te Kura Rd honours. An
initially spirited outward leg didn’t drop many riders with the pack reforming after the big hill. The
damp road saw a few temper their descents but had to scamper to regain the comforts of the 8 man
pack. The sprint came midway into the last 500m with Allister crossing 1st ahead of Trevor and Su
with the next 4 no more than 2s behind.
Mid April was another practice on the Nationals course with 2 laps of Crownthorpe but with the
twist of being based at Pukehamoamoa School instead of Matapiro Hall. On the 1st lap Allister made
break on the hills on back side of the course which didn’t last too long before the group reassimilated
for the remainder of the lap. Any attempted breaks on the 2nd lap were swiftly closed
down. Gavin continued his new trend of the past few weeks of seeing what the race looks like from
the front. I, thinking the finish line was near the normal place for an Ohiti circuit, sprinted off, way
way too early, only to fade 100m out to be passed by the other 8 with Glen Yule ousting Gavin and
Lisa Atkins on the line (well I thought Gav needed the points).
21st April doubled as a practice for the Nationals Individual Time Trial in Waipawa. The second
smallest turnout for C grade, only beaten by the 1st race of the series with 4 riders, saw 5 embrace
the course on a beautiful 16 deg day. Overall honours going to Craig over Su then Gavin, who was
almost beaten by Dean Gough in his 1st race of the series, with Allister making sure we had all
finished safely coming in as sweep.
The end of April saw our biggest turnout, 23 starters including a couple of B graders there to test
their legs (Mike Garrity, & Captain Hillary), for the Swamp – Dump circuit. The weather threatened
to spoil the day with a cool shower just before the starter’s gun but desisted during the race. The
peloton stayed together until an attempted break by Craig & Su which was shut down smartly
followed by a determined break by Phoebe Treseder before the end of Springfield Rd. Pheobe
wasn’t caught till just before the Tavern and the pack, still 22 strong, reorganised ready for the uphill
sprint finish. A break down the left by Brett Hooker caught a few at the front by surprise and secured
his 1st win of the series over John Price and Stephen Salkeld who had the same finish time. The other
placing’s being well challenged for as well with 4th to 13th only separated by 4s.
The second interlude to the series was on May 5th with it being the 2nd day of the Road Races for the
Club Nationals at Crownthorpe. A big thank you to all the organisers, volunteers, spectators,
sponsors and competitors, well done all.
May 12th bought with it the challenge of a Criterium, a short 800m course with 4 left hand corners
and sprints for points every 5 minutes. The start saw Pheobe and Allister get a good break on the
other 7 only to be reeled in before the 1st sprint. Brett made a break immediately after the sprint
and stayed away to collect top points for the 2nd sprint with Gavin and David Barclay securing good
points throughout the event. Overall Phoebe cleaned up with wins in the last 3 sprints over David
and Gavin.
The penultimate race of the series had the added challenge of Whakapirau for riders to negotiate.
The pace went on from the start into a brisk headwind but most of the 15 starters only being split up
on the ascent of Whakapirau. Allister, Phoebe and Brett climbed away and made a 1 min break by
Torrens. The chasing bunch of Craig, Gavin, David McCullum, Fouldsy and Peter pursued in vein and
were spurred on by the sight of Brett, alone, after being dropped with 5k to go. Allister with more
power and higher gears took 1st over Phoebe, Brett 3rd 50s back then another minute until the 1st of
the chasing bunch crossed.
26th May – Camp David. This story has yet to unfold as the publishing deadline has won, but a tight
contest at the top of the table has Gavin 3 points clear of Craig with Su comfortably in 3rd.
A race, a day at the market, another race and some rain.
Greetings! How are you all? Well we hope, despite the chilly winter wind and (hopefully scarce) rain. How did the Naki treat those of you who went? And how was the battle for Saturday honours for those of you who didn’t? All our love for Holly, we check Facebook every day for your progress, good to see you smiling. Best wishes to you, and to Dave and Serpa. We wish you all quick and thorough recoveries.
We have seen yet another week pass us by like a frightened hedgehog in the night. We are growing so old so quickly and will soon return to the familiar faces and places, and all too familiar Apley Road circuit; which will be the first race of our return, just a few hours after touchdown. Woohoo! See you then.
We had a speedy crit on Monday, covering 80km in just 1hour 40. Not a bad speed considering there were 9 corners to be navigated each lap. Phew! There was of course the final lap pile up, which luckily Hannah and I avoided, along with the rest of the girls in the team. Aside from that we truely shone in out domestique roles, and it can be said no break got away without a Ruiter rider present from the start or bridged across at a murderous pace. They were very happy with our efforts, and we joyously rode home in celebration. Haha.
After a 25km warm up for yesterdays race, and a 25km cool down (missing my car like a lover across the sea) we went for a recovery ride along the picturesque coast on Tuesday, just to clock up some more miles. We had a bit of a late start after Ashleigh spent the majority of the morning “under the illusion that home isn’t half way around the world, and ruining the adventure” with skype. Apparently using video calling is cheating, and when we get home we will feel like we never left. Righto. At least while she was doing this it gave Hannah the chance to get her travel agent on and begin to plan our epic Tour de France adventures. We know that this will have you all jealous. But we will be sure to take lots of pictures to show you, so you can feel as though you were really there too. Today was also the resurrection of the core training sessions, after being a little slack we may have been caught in a vicious cycle of being scared since we had left it so long and not wanting to do it, so then leaving it longer, and being more scared. And so on and so forth. Not our smartest of moves, but smarter than Hannah’s question of the day “Hey Ash, can swans fly?”. Core must really have messed with her mind a little.
Thirty 30 sprints featured on the training menu for the day, and we devoured their deliciousness in the cold windy Wednesday afternoon. What else we did that day eludes us, it possibly involved some sort of deep revelations and inspirational aspirations. Thursday brought a downpour of rain and plummeting temperatures, continual hope that the weather would improve and procrastination prompted a rest day when we suddenly found the day drawing to a close and no chamois had been worn. We did however make many generous gift purchases at the market, a feat requiring a 30km commuter ride.
Friday we were feeling guilty for the lazy antics of the previous day and off we went for a 2 hour spin to warm and loosen the legs for tomorrows’ race. Hannah was keen to show me a new circuit she had found while I had been in the south a week before. Little did she realise, the new loop she had navigate and remembered was really a loop we have ridden a few times, but backwards. Bless her heart. We really do need to purchase more tea bags, her mentality and cognitive function appears to rapidly decline without the daily tea consumption. It has been a difficult tea-less week for her.
Saturday- Race in ijssimuilden (or something similar). We had a 125km classic today, what fun! 160 starters, a course beginning in a shopping centre and then completely structured on dykes and pathways. The directions from the team manager where simply “make it into the first fan”, which is what they call an echelon here; but when there is only room for 12 of you since the roads are so narrow, those where very very hard instructions to follow. Ashleigh got herself into about group 6 with another Ruiter rider, 2 others made group 3, one spent all day in no man’s land, another crashed out and we all enjoyed the comforting love that only Chocomel can bring you post race. The race also went through ‘Kampen’ which for Hannah van (from) Kampen, was even more exciting than Kempen.
And finally here we are, wrapped up warm on another winters day in summer, after a bit of a 2 man Sunday bunch this morning The glorious stream of weather we have had, has been enough to build the tan lines once more and leave the body expecting heat. Although sadly it has been punctured by all too frequent overcast days, all to similar to the cold winter days of NZ. At least the forecast looks up! Bring it!
Send us your Tour de France must dos! Or inspirational ideas.
Ashleigh and Hannah
We have seen yet another week pass us by like a frightened hedgehog in the night. We are growing so old so quickly and will soon return to the familiar faces and places, and all too familiar Apley Road circuit; which will be the first race of our return, just a few hours after touchdown. Woohoo! See you then.
We had a speedy crit on Monday, covering 80km in just 1hour 40. Not a bad speed considering there were 9 corners to be navigated each lap. Phew! There was of course the final lap pile up, which luckily Hannah and I avoided, along with the rest of the girls in the team. Aside from that we truely shone in out domestique roles, and it can be said no break got away without a Ruiter rider present from the start or bridged across at a murderous pace. They were very happy with our efforts, and we joyously rode home in celebration. Haha.
After a 25km warm up for yesterdays race, and a 25km cool down (missing my car like a lover across the sea) we went for a recovery ride along the picturesque coast on Tuesday, just to clock up some more miles. We had a bit of a late start after Ashleigh spent the majority of the morning “under the illusion that home isn’t half way around the world, and ruining the adventure” with skype. Apparently using video calling is cheating, and when we get home we will feel like we never left. Righto. At least while she was doing this it gave Hannah the chance to get her travel agent on and begin to plan our epic Tour de France adventures. We know that this will have you all jealous. But we will be sure to take lots of pictures to show you, so you can feel as though you were really there too. Today was also the resurrection of the core training sessions, after being a little slack we may have been caught in a vicious cycle of being scared since we had left it so long and not wanting to do it, so then leaving it longer, and being more scared. And so on and so forth. Not our smartest of moves, but smarter than Hannah’s question of the day “Hey Ash, can swans fly?”. Core must really have messed with her mind a little.
Thirty 30 sprints featured on the training menu for the day, and we devoured their deliciousness in the cold windy Wednesday afternoon. What else we did that day eludes us, it possibly involved some sort of deep revelations and inspirational aspirations. Thursday brought a downpour of rain and plummeting temperatures, continual hope that the weather would improve and procrastination prompted a rest day when we suddenly found the day drawing to a close and no chamois had been worn. We did however make many generous gift purchases at the market, a feat requiring a 30km commuter ride.
Friday we were feeling guilty for the lazy antics of the previous day and off we went for a 2 hour spin to warm and loosen the legs for tomorrows’ race. Hannah was keen to show me a new circuit she had found while I had been in the south a week before. Little did she realise, the new loop she had navigate and remembered was really a loop we have ridden a few times, but backwards. Bless her heart. We really do need to purchase more tea bags, her mentality and cognitive function appears to rapidly decline without the daily tea consumption. It has been a difficult tea-less week for her.
Saturday- Race in ijssimuilden (or something similar). We had a 125km classic today, what fun! 160 starters, a course beginning in a shopping centre and then completely structured on dykes and pathways. The directions from the team manager where simply “make it into the first fan”, which is what they call an echelon here; but when there is only room for 12 of you since the roads are so narrow, those where very very hard instructions to follow. Ashleigh got herself into about group 6 with another Ruiter rider, 2 others made group 3, one spent all day in no man’s land, another crashed out and we all enjoyed the comforting love that only Chocomel can bring you post race. The race also went through ‘Kampen’ which for Hannah van (from) Kampen, was even more exciting than Kempen.
And finally here we are, wrapped up warm on another winters day in summer, after a bit of a 2 man Sunday bunch this morning The glorious stream of weather we have had, has been enough to build the tan lines once more and leave the body expecting heat. Although sadly it has been punctured by all too frequent overcast days, all to similar to the cold winter days of NZ. At least the forecast looks up! Bring it!
Send us your Tour de France must dos! Or inspirational ideas.
Ashleigh and Hannah
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Hastings Sunday Ride June 3rd
Leaving outside Rebel Sport Heretaunga Street Hastings 8:00am
Short Ride: Bridge Pa, Raukawa Road, Torrins Hill and Return 50km
Long Ride : Bridge Pa, Raukawa Road, Torrins Hill, Te Onepu Road, Te Aute Trust Road returning via Middle Road 90km
Short Ride: Bridge Pa, Raukawa Road, Torrins Hill and Return 50km
Long Ride : Bridge Pa, Raukawa Road, Torrins Hill, Te Onepu Road, Te Aute Trust Road returning via Middle Road 90km
Ramblers Feature in Road Cycling Mag
Click to see Ramblers Feature http://www.roadcycling.co.nz/TeamTalk/club-feature-ramblers-cycling-club.html
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Saturday Racing, 2nd June 2012
Circuit: Apley Circuit
A-E 2 laps
F 1 lap
G 1 lap (handicapped start)
Venue: Puketapu School
Race Briefing: 1:45pm
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Helen Mackenzie
Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895
A-E 2 laps
F 1 lap
G 1 lap (handicapped start)
Venue: Puketapu School
Race Briefing: 1:45pm
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Helen Mackenzie
Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895
Race Protocol
Please note that we will be having race briefings 5 minutes earlier at 1:45pm. Please ensure you are there, even if you have ‘heard it all before’. It is vital for compliance issues that all riders are briefed prior to every race we hold.
Due to ongoing issues with dropped riders, it is now required that dropped riders do NOT join other grades – even to just ‘sit on the back’. If you have been dropped, you may not join other grades. Instead, you must ride back to the venue on your own, or with other dropped riders.
Do NOT cross the white line – just to scoot around someone, just to “see”, just because... You are jeopardising everyone elses’s chance at being able to continue using the roads in the way we currently do.
Due to ongoing issues with dropped riders, it is now required that dropped riders do NOT join other grades – even to just ‘sit on the back’. If you have been dropped, you may not join other grades. Instead, you must ride back to the venue on your own, or with other dropped riders.
Do NOT cross the white line – just to scoot around someone, just to “see”, just because... You are jeopardising everyone elses’s chance at being able to continue using the roads in the way we currently do.
Ramblers Riders in a Bad Way
Last weekend was a tragic weekend for two Ramblers families.
On Saturday, Dave Joyce and Sirpa Lajunan, were hit from behind by a vehicle on Poihipi Road near Taupo. Both received significant injuries, and Sirpa has five damaged vertabrae which will need surgery. Dave and Sirpa used to own Revolution Bikes, and their son, Sean, rode through our ranks as a junior. Our warmest thoughts are with Dave and Sirpa as they face this life-altering challenge, and with Sean as he supports his parents.
On Sunday, the Taradale Clock Tower bunch were out for their usual training ride when two bicylces connected. Sadly, this resulted in up and coming junior, Holly Atkins, being air-lifted to Hastings Memorial Hospital with head and pelvis injuries. Holly has been in tremendous form this year, and our love and thoughts are with her as she faces this huge set-back. We are also thinking of her family, sister Lisa and parents Carolynne and Philip, as they support her through her recovery.
On Saturday, Dave Joyce and Sirpa Lajunan, were hit from behind by a vehicle on Poihipi Road near Taupo. Both received significant injuries, and Sirpa has five damaged vertabrae which will need surgery. Dave and Sirpa used to own Revolution Bikes, and their son, Sean, rode through our ranks as a junior. Our warmest thoughts are with Dave and Sirpa as they face this life-altering challenge, and with Sean as he supports his parents.
On Sunday, the Taradale Clock Tower bunch were out for their usual training ride when two bicylces connected. Sadly, this resulted in up and coming junior, Holly Atkins, being air-lifted to Hastings Memorial Hospital with head and pelvis injuries. Holly has been in tremendous form this year, and our love and thoughts are with her as she faces this huge set-back. We are also thinking of her family, sister Lisa and parents Carolynne and Philip, as they support her through her recovery.
Cyclocross Training
Sunday 3 June, 9am Eit Carpark
Last training session before the first cyclocross race of the year to be held at Blackbarn Sunday, June 17.
Sessions will run for approx 2hrs including skills sessions, remount/dismount practice, race pace efforts, carrying methods etc.
Last training session before the first cyclocross race of the year to be held at Blackbarn Sunday, June 17.
Sessions will run for approx 2hrs including skills sessions, remount/dismount practice, race pace efforts, carrying methods etc.
Carl Paton wants Guinea-Pigs
“I am looking for A-C grade riders (must be able to complete a 25km road TT in under 40minutes) who are willing to commit to 4 lab training sessions over a 4-5 week period. Sessions require the rider to complete a laboratory based computer simulated hilly 20km Time trial lasting between 35-40 minutes (depending on fitness of course). Each testing session takes around 90 minutes including preparation and warm up. You will receive feedback on performance and muscle balance and pedalling technique.”
Anyone interested should contact Carl Paton at EIT or cpaton@eit.ac.nz
Anyone interested should contact Carl Paton at EIT or cpaton@eit.ac.nz
Reminder: NZ Secondary Schools Championships
These dates for this event are 30th June for the time trial and 1st July for the road races. If you are interested in participating, please contact your school or the Event Organiser, Sandra Carter 021 477 686 or mscarter@xtra.co.nz
Entries close Monday 18th June 2012.
Entries close Monday 18th June 2012.
RCC Club Winter Dinner
When: Saturday 21st July, 2012
Where: War Memorial Hall, Marine Parade, Napier
Time: from 6pm for drinks (buy your own at the bar) - 7pm buffet dinner ($40 per head)
Guest Speaker: Gordon MacAuley
Contact mark.pauline@vodafone.co.nz to confirm your booking and arrange payment.
Where: War Memorial Hall, Marine Parade, Napier
Time: from 6pm for drinks (buy your own at the bar) - 7pm buffet dinner ($40 per head)
Guest Speaker: Gordon MacAuley
Contact mark.pauline@vodafone.co.nz to confirm your booking and arrange payment.
Upcoming Events
17th June: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North
30th June: NZ Secondary Schools Indiviual Time Trials, Cambridge
1st July: NZ Secondary Schools Road Races, Cambridge
6th July: Ramblers Club Criterium, Marine Parade, Napier
6th – 8th July: Ride of Your Life Cycling Festival, Napier
8th July: Cyclocross National Championships, Napier
22nd July: CX, Roy’s Hill, Hastings
12th August: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North
August: Reiker 2 Day Tour, Timaru
16th Septemeber: GIANT R4 Cycle Ride
22nd – 23rd September: R & R Sport Tour, Otago
2nd September: Clearview Winery, Napier
16th September: CX, Chesterhope, Hastings
30th September: Novice Tour of Manawatu
5th – 7th October: Yunca Junior Tour, Invercargill
14th October: Tour of the Bay, Hastings
4th November: Ibis Bike The Lake
30th June: NZ Secondary Schools Indiviual Time Trials, Cambridge
1st July: NZ Secondary Schools Road Races, Cambridge
6th July: Ramblers Club Criterium, Marine Parade, Napier
6th – 8th July: Ride of Your Life Cycling Festival, Napier
8th July: Cyclocross National Championships, Napier
22nd July: CX, Roy’s Hill, Hastings
12th August: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North
August: Reiker 2 Day Tour, Timaru
16th Septemeber: GIANT R4 Cycle Ride
22nd – 23rd September: R & R Sport Tour, Otago
2nd September: Clearview Winery, Napier
16th September: CX, Chesterhope, Hastings
30th September: Novice Tour of Manawatu
5th – 7th October: Yunca Junior Tour, Invercargill
14th October: Tour of the Bay, Hastings
4th November: Ibis Bike The Lake
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
THE CHESTERHOPE MAGPIE RETURNS
Readers may recall that in the last issue of Ramblin On, I wrote an article about the ‘Chesterhope Magpie’ aka Ramblers Chairman Gavin Bush. Unknown to me, at least until I received my copy of the magazine (which is about to go electronic), Roy Van Panhuys had also written an article about the Chesterhope Magpie just before his untimely death.
That was rather ironic, but as soon as I read Roy’s story, I knew his creation needed to live on, and indeed he does.You see the Chesterhope Magpie (‘Chepie’ for short) has been at it again. He can’t help himself. He sees something and he picks it up and he runs off with it, or on this occasion, walks off with it.
As you will see from the accompanying photo, the object that drew his attention this time was a large red cone. It is not clear what he does with them, or how many he has stored away, but during the recent National Club Championships hosted by Ramblers, Chepie could be seen carting off red cones every day.
Acting like an investigative reporter, I tailed Chepie for the four days of the Nationals. I took several hundred photos, which are on the Ramblers website, as a decoy. If Chepie thought I was taking photos, supposedly for Ramblers and Bike NZ, he would not suspect I was spying, I mean, checking on him. And so it came to pass. The photos were taken and downloaded by Steve Watson for all to enjoy, using something he calls Picasso, or whatever. Some of the ITT photos are upside down, just for artistic flare. Actually I have no explanation for this other than the fact investigative reporting can sometimes turn your world upside down.
But let’s get back to the main story. It has now been confirmed that Chepie engaged the help of Chepie 2 (real name Ken McKenzie) and Chepie 3 (real name Brett Hooker). Chepie 2 and Chepie 3 were also seen gathering red cones and other objects as well, such as microphones, clipboards, walkie talkies and so on during the Nationals.
Not everyone will appreciate Chepies, but in fact the club owes these three Chepies, and several helpers they swooped on during the Nationals, for organizing and running an event that can only be described as a resounding success and something special. These Chepies have brought a lot of credit to Ramblers, which Bike NZ has publicly recognized. The photos of the Nationals are testimony to the magnitude of the event these guys were in charge of, and so the finding of my undercover investigation is that they are deservedly the first recipients of the Roy Van Panhuys Chesterhope Magpie trophy, awarded to those who pick something up and run with it successfully. So congratulations Gavin, Ken and Brett, for a job well done. I am sure Roy would have been one of the first to say so.Now if only I could remember where I put that trophy…..
That was rather ironic, but as soon as I read Roy’s story, I knew his creation needed to live on, and indeed he does.You see the Chesterhope Magpie (‘Chepie’ for short) has been at it again. He can’t help himself. He sees something and he picks it up and he runs off with it, or on this occasion, walks off with it.
As you will see from the accompanying photo, the object that drew his attention this time was a large red cone. It is not clear what he does with them, or how many he has stored away, but during the recent National Club Championships hosted by Ramblers, Chepie could be seen carting off red cones every day.
Acting like an investigative reporter, I tailed Chepie for the four days of the Nationals. I took several hundred photos, which are on the Ramblers website, as a decoy. If Chepie thought I was taking photos, supposedly for Ramblers and Bike NZ, he would not suspect I was spying, I mean, checking on him. And so it came to pass. The photos were taken and downloaded by Steve Watson for all to enjoy, using something he calls Picasso, or whatever. Some of the ITT photos are upside down, just for artistic flare. Actually I have no explanation for this other than the fact investigative reporting can sometimes turn your world upside down.
But let’s get back to the main story. It has now been confirmed that Chepie engaged the help of Chepie 2 (real name Ken McKenzie) and Chepie 3 (real name Brett Hooker). Chepie 2 and Chepie 3 were also seen gathering red cones and other objects as well, such as microphones, clipboards, walkie talkies and so on during the Nationals.
Not everyone will appreciate Chepies, but in fact the club owes these three Chepies, and several helpers they swooped on during the Nationals, for organizing and running an event that can only be described as a resounding success and something special. These Chepies have brought a lot of credit to Ramblers, which Bike NZ has publicly recognized. The photos of the Nationals are testimony to the magnitude of the event these guys were in charge of, and so the finding of my undercover investigation is that they are deservedly the first recipients of the Roy Van Panhuys Chesterhope Magpie trophy, awarded to those who pick something up and run with it successfully. So congratulations Gavin, Ken and Brett, for a job well done. I am sure Roy would have been one of the first to say so.Now if only I could remember where I put that trophy…..
Monday, May 28, 2012
Best wishes for speedy recovery Holly
Our thoughts are with Holly Atkins and Family as Holly recovers from bad crash at Whana Whana on Sunday ride.
Ashleigh and Hannah's adventures continue:
The invention of the house, sun shiney days and Rockstars.
First off we would like to send our love and prayers to Holly Atkins and her family. We hope you heal well, and quickly! We are thinking of you, let us know if any Euro goodies can help. xxx
So another week has passed us by, how time flies when you’re having fun!
Monday certainly provided its fair amount of fun, after a bit of a lazy morning we hit up some 30/30s. We found a new way to play this game where one rider goes and the other waits, and then as they finish their effort the second rider jumps. It’s a pretty neat game of Cat and Mouse, or sometimes Leap Frog. (Depending on who has the legs). We pick the mouse through the very fair method of paper scissors rock. Of course. J We then had a lazy evening lying in the garden, stretching and gossiping away, as per usual. We took ourselves on an adventure on Tuesday, using the number system to find a new training loop around the lake of Amstelmeer. It’s such a nice circuit, and actual takes us away from the traffic lights and confused tourists for a while. Believe it or not! Why has no body shown us this before?? The highlight of the day was a very philosophical Hannah talking about how everything has been invented by someone “you know, it’s crazy how at some point everything has been invented, even, like, houses”. Ahh, han, you don’t think that maybe people started in caves, and then add to them and they made mud huts with sticks and things and eventually there were houses? It really was a golden moment.
We let loose our inner rockstars on Wednesday, riding to a town just outside of Amsterdam for a crit. We went via Harleem so to avoid having to actually navigate through A’dam itself, and clocked up a nice 85km pre race. The race itself was awesome, a fairly long round at 2.2km, with 80 or so riders of mixed age, ability and gender. It was all on from the gun and Ashleigh managed to slip herself into the first move, lasting about 4 laps before they were shut down. After that it was all about staying up the front of the race, and with one or two laps excluded, we were very successful. At one point a break went and Ashleigh jumped across to a wheel in no mans land, on seeing this, the real nice guy swung across the road and left her in the gutter, jumping across on his own. Well! When Ashleigh also finally made it across on her own, guess who lost his spot in the echelon! Ha! Yea, that’s right, don’t mess with us. Hannah practised her leg speed, having cable issues restrict her gears. Because of this and, some miscommunication the lead out failed at the end of the race; but at least Ashleigh got to have the result instead. We won just enough to top our funds up for a train ticket home. sweet! A brief shower and some muchies and we were whizzing our way home in cheerful, if somewhat sleepy, spirits.
We had to part ways on Thursday. L Such trauma called for a Vodafone top up so we could send each other many txts while we were apart. Ashleigh was off for the ParkHotel Valkenburg Hill Classic, in Limburg. She got to drive the team bus, a very sweaty experience! Stress levels were maxed! And spend the night in our team sponsor hotel, very flashy indeed, 5 course meal included. Hannah had her bicycle fixed and had a wee wander around the shops. Going for some intervals in the evening.
Friday was race day! Yahooo! I was warned about Dutch girls not being able to climb, that they would stop on the steep hills because they were scared. Righto. Be. Up. The. Front. I managed to be there for the first 20k or so; we had a 35km loop followed by four 12 km loops. The first loop covered about 5 “big” climbs, big by Dutch standards and the little loop took us up two bergs, meaning “mountains”. They were only about 1/1.5 km long but at 22% in parts they certainly took their toll on the bunch. Any way long story short, I let myself slip too far down the bunch between two of the climbs on the big loop, trying to get past 160 riders on a road as wide as a driveway is pretty difficult, and I once again found myself in a bunch too far from the front, and pulled out on the 2nd little loop. Rats. Things are improving though, particularly confidence in the bunch, so I’m generally pretty happy. Besides, how far up the bunch can you hope to be when you are on the start line next to Emma Poole and Mariana Vos? Haha. One day I’ll be there. Hannah got to enjoy the sunshine at her own pace, going for a ride with a friend back in the north.
Saturday we got up and got on the bikes, getting home from training around 9, to be fair it was a pretty easy, very short recovery ride. One of those guilt free effortless days.. ahhh. Bliss. We then donned summer dresses, because we could, and went for a walk in the direction of the beach. A browse through the shops saw us purchase a kite for 2 euro, which we then attempted to fly in the Dutch wind. Quite a challenge that one. Eventually we managed to get Bert into the air, very brief as it may have been. He soon plummet with great speed towards the ground. Bert now needs fixing. Sunday was very much a repeat of Saturday, except instead of flying a kite up to the highest heights we lazed on the beach getting a head start on those tan lines, and even went swimming in the sea.
Race day again today, although we don’t start until 2.30 and so don’t leave until 12.30.
Dooi!
Ashleigh and Hannah
First off we would like to send our love and prayers to Holly Atkins and her family. We hope you heal well, and quickly! We are thinking of you, let us know if any Euro goodies can help. xxx
So another week has passed us by, how time flies when you’re having fun!
Monday certainly provided its fair amount of fun, after a bit of a lazy morning we hit up some 30/30s. We found a new way to play this game where one rider goes and the other waits, and then as they finish their effort the second rider jumps. It’s a pretty neat game of Cat and Mouse, or sometimes Leap Frog. (Depending on who has the legs). We pick the mouse through the very fair method of paper scissors rock. Of course. J We then had a lazy evening lying in the garden, stretching and gossiping away, as per usual. We took ourselves on an adventure on Tuesday, using the number system to find a new training loop around the lake of Amstelmeer. It’s such a nice circuit, and actual takes us away from the traffic lights and confused tourists for a while. Believe it or not! Why has no body shown us this before?? The highlight of the day was a very philosophical Hannah talking about how everything has been invented by someone “you know, it’s crazy how at some point everything has been invented, even, like, houses”. Ahh, han, you don’t think that maybe people started in caves, and then add to them and they made mud huts with sticks and things and eventually there were houses? It really was a golden moment.
We let loose our inner rockstars on Wednesday, riding to a town just outside of Amsterdam for a crit. We went via Harleem so to avoid having to actually navigate through A’dam itself, and clocked up a nice 85km pre race. The race itself was awesome, a fairly long round at 2.2km, with 80 or so riders of mixed age, ability and gender. It was all on from the gun and Ashleigh managed to slip herself into the first move, lasting about 4 laps before they were shut down. After that it was all about staying up the front of the race, and with one or two laps excluded, we were very successful. At one point a break went and Ashleigh jumped across to a wheel in no mans land, on seeing this, the real nice guy swung across the road and left her in the gutter, jumping across on his own. Well! When Ashleigh also finally made it across on her own, guess who lost his spot in the echelon! Ha! Yea, that’s right, don’t mess with us. Hannah practised her leg speed, having cable issues restrict her gears. Because of this and, some miscommunication the lead out failed at the end of the race; but at least Ashleigh got to have the result instead. We won just enough to top our funds up for a train ticket home. sweet! A brief shower and some muchies and we were whizzing our way home in cheerful, if somewhat sleepy, spirits.
We had to part ways on Thursday. L Such trauma called for a Vodafone top up so we could send each other many txts while we were apart. Ashleigh was off for the ParkHotel Valkenburg Hill Classic, in Limburg. She got to drive the team bus, a very sweaty experience! Stress levels were maxed! And spend the night in our team sponsor hotel, very flashy indeed, 5 course meal included. Hannah had her bicycle fixed and had a wee wander around the shops. Going for some intervals in the evening.
Friday was race day! Yahooo! I was warned about Dutch girls not being able to climb, that they would stop on the steep hills because they were scared. Righto. Be. Up. The. Front. I managed to be there for the first 20k or so; we had a 35km loop followed by four 12 km loops. The first loop covered about 5 “big” climbs, big by Dutch standards and the little loop took us up two bergs, meaning “mountains”. They were only about 1/1.5 km long but at 22% in parts they certainly took their toll on the bunch. Any way long story short, I let myself slip too far down the bunch between two of the climbs on the big loop, trying to get past 160 riders on a road as wide as a driveway is pretty difficult, and I once again found myself in a bunch too far from the front, and pulled out on the 2nd little loop. Rats. Things are improving though, particularly confidence in the bunch, so I’m generally pretty happy. Besides, how far up the bunch can you hope to be when you are on the start line next to Emma Poole and Mariana Vos? Haha. One day I’ll be there. Hannah got to enjoy the sunshine at her own pace, going for a ride with a friend back in the north.
Saturday we got up and got on the bikes, getting home from training around 9, to be fair it was a pretty easy, very short recovery ride. One of those guilt free effortless days.. ahhh. Bliss. We then donned summer dresses, because we could, and went for a walk in the direction of the beach. A browse through the shops saw us purchase a kite for 2 euro, which we then attempted to fly in the Dutch wind. Quite a challenge that one. Eventually we managed to get Bert into the air, very brief as it may have been. He soon plummet with great speed towards the ground. Bert now needs fixing. Sunday was very much a repeat of Saturday, except instead of flying a kite up to the highest heights we lazed on the beach getting a head start on those tan lines, and even went swimming in the sea.
Race day again today, although we don’t start until 2.30 and so don’t leave until 12.30.
Dooi!
Ashleigh and Hannah
Winter Race Programme Now Posted
Check out the winter Programme starting with Apley circuit this weekend
http://www.ramblers.co.nz/BlogFiles/Winterraceprogramme2012.pdf
http://www.ramblers.co.nz/BlogFiles/Winterraceprogramme2012.pdf
Napier Sunday Ride Winter Progamme
New Sunday Ride programme for Napier leaving from Taradale Clock Tower has been posted
Click Here for details : http://www.ramblers.co.nz/programme-sunday.asp
Click Here for Programme http://www.ramblers.co.nz/BlogFiles/NapierWinter.pdf
Click Here for details : http://www.ramblers.co.nz/programme-sunday.asp
Click Here for Programme http://www.ramblers.co.nz/BlogFiles/NapierWinter.pdf
An Post Ras Tour of Ireland – Final Wrap
Southland cyclist Pieter Bulling finished on the podium for the under-23 category when the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland finished at Skerries, north of Dublin today.
Bulling, part of the BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 team, finished third overall in the under-23 class after the eighth and final stage over 139kms of lumpy terrain to Skerries.
He finished in the peloton with a large bunch of 70 riders fighting out a sprint finish, won by last year’s overall champion Gediminas Bagdonas (An Post Sean Kelly). Frenchman Nicholas Baldo (Atlas Jakroo) finished in the bunch to become the winner of the 60th edition of the famous race.
Bulling got some excellent help from teammate Taylor Gunman who went with a chasing group to reel in the break by Irishman Sean Downey (An Post Sean Kelly) who was a potential threat to the under-23 hierarchy.
The lead stretched to two minutes over the first two climbs but as Gunman and the others dropped off, the peloton reeled them all in on the closing two laps of the 14km circuit at Skerries to ensure a sprint finish.
The best of the kiwis was Cameron Karwowski who featured in the sprint in 12th place with Bulling 22nd and Scott Creighton 50th but all with the same time as the winner, while Gunman finished 2m11sec down after his exertions.
There was little time to relax for the BikeNZ-PBR Under-23 endurance team, who packed to fly out to USA today where they will be based in Trexlertown in Pennsylvania for some further road and track racing and training.
Results, An Post Ras tour of Ireland, stage 8, 140km: Gediminas Bagdonas (LTU, An Post Sean Kelly) 3:15.56, 1; Sam Bennett (IRL, An Post Sean Kelly) same time, 2; Marcin Bialoblocki (POL, Britain Giordana Racing) same time, 3. Also New Zealanders: Cameron Karwowski same time, 12, Piet Bulling same time, 22; Scott Creighton same time, 50; Taylor Gunman at 2:11, 82.
Overall: Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Atlas Jakroo) 26:55.57, 1; Thomas Rostollan (FRA, Aix En Provence) at 13sec, 2; Martin Hunal (CZE, AC Sparta) at 17sec, 3. Also New Zealanders: Bulling at5:23, 25; Gunman at 12:07, 38; Creighton at 21:37, 50; Karwowski at 21:45, 51.
Under-23: Richard Handley (GBR, Rapha Condor Sharp) 26:56.15, 1; Lasse Hansen (DEN, Blue Water) at 4:18, 2; Bulling at 5:08, 3.
Credit: Sportsfile.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Bulling, part of the BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 team, finished third overall in the under-23 class after the eighth and final stage over 139kms of lumpy terrain to Skerries.
He finished in the peloton with a large bunch of 70 riders fighting out a sprint finish, won by last year’s overall champion Gediminas Bagdonas (An Post Sean Kelly). Frenchman Nicholas Baldo (Atlas Jakroo) finished in the bunch to become the winner of the 60th edition of the famous race.
CAPTION: Auckland’s Taylor Gunman (second from right), part of the BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 team, away in the break in the final stage of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland that finished at Skerries today.
Bulling got some excellent help from teammate Taylor Gunman who went with a chasing group to reel in the break by Irishman Sean Downey (An Post Sean Kelly) who was a potential threat to the under-23 hierarchy.
The lead stretched to two minutes over the first two climbs but as Gunman and the others dropped off, the peloton reeled them all in on the closing two laps of the 14km circuit at Skerries to ensure a sprint finish.
The best of the kiwis was Cameron Karwowski who featured in the sprint in 12th place with Bulling 22nd and Scott Creighton 50th but all with the same time as the winner, while Gunman finished 2m11sec down after his exertions.
There was little time to relax for the BikeNZ-PBR Under-23 endurance team, who packed to fly out to USA today where they will be based in Trexlertown in Pennsylvania for some further road and track racing and training.
Results, An Post Ras tour of Ireland, stage 8, 140km: Gediminas Bagdonas (LTU, An Post Sean Kelly) 3:15.56, 1; Sam Bennett (IRL, An Post Sean Kelly) same time, 2; Marcin Bialoblocki (POL, Britain Giordana Racing) same time, 3. Also New Zealanders: Cameron Karwowski same time, 12, Piet Bulling same time, 22; Scott Creighton same time, 50; Taylor Gunman at 2:11, 82.
Overall: Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Atlas Jakroo) 26:55.57, 1; Thomas Rostollan (FRA, Aix En Provence) at 13sec, 2; Martin Hunal (CZE, AC Sparta) at 17sec, 3. Also New Zealanders: Bulling at5:23, 25; Gunman at 12:07, 38; Creighton at 21:37, 50; Karwowski at 21:45, 51.
Under-23: Richard Handley (GBR, Rapha Condor Sharp) 26:56.15, 1; Lasse Hansen (DEN, Blue Water) at 4:18, 2; Bulling at 5:08, 3.
Credit: Sportsfile.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Olympic-bound Sergent finishes Giro on the podium
Olympic cyclist Jesse Sergent finished his first Grand Tour with a podium placing in the individual time trial in the final stage of the Giro d’Italia in Milan today.
Sergent, riding for his Radioshack Nissan Trek team, was third in the test, shorted to 28.2km because of road works.
Sergent was fastest of the early starters and the first rider to go under the 34 minute barrier. He held that time for a considerable period until edged out by Sky’s Geraint Thomas by 14 seconds.
Like Sergent, the Welshman will now move attentions to the track to prepare for July’s London Olympics.
Course specialist Marco Pinotti (ITA, BMC Racing) proved the best coming home in 33:06, more than 30 seconds faster than Thomas. The Italian won the time trial in 2006 and was second fastest for the past two years.
Sergent, 23, said his first Giro was a massive experience.
“This was my first Grand Tour and it was hard,” Sergent said. “There was a lot of climbing. Me in the mountains…I am a big guy. Never in my life have I ridden such climbs. It was all pretty new for me, but it will make me stronger.
“Now first of all I look forward to my recovery and then I begin my preparation for the Olympic Games and the team pursuit for New Zealand.
“It was a great job from Jesse,” said team director Dirk Demol. “This was his first Grand Tour and these three weeks were so hard. It’s great what he did. Jesse is the future of cycling.”
The BikeNZ endurance track riders are all competing and training on the roads in Europe and will go into camp at the famed velodrome in Bordeaux late next month.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Sergent, riding for his Radioshack Nissan Trek team, was third in the test, shorted to 28.2km because of road works.
Sergent was fastest of the early starters and the first rider to go under the 34 minute barrier. He held that time for a considerable period until edged out by Sky’s Geraint Thomas by 14 seconds.
Like Sergent, the Welshman will now move attentions to the track to prepare for July’s London Olympics.
Course specialist Marco Pinotti (ITA, BMC Racing) proved the best coming home in 33:06, more than 30 seconds faster than Thomas. The Italian won the time trial in 2006 and was second fastest for the past two years.
Sergent, 23, said his first Giro was a massive experience.
“This was my first Grand Tour and it was hard,” Sergent said. “There was a lot of climbing. Me in the mountains…I am a big guy. Never in my life have I ridden such climbs. It was all pretty new for me, but it will make me stronger.
“Now first of all I look forward to my recovery and then I begin my preparation for the Olympic Games and the team pursuit for New Zealand.
“It was a great job from Jesse,” said team director Dirk Demol. “This was his first Grand Tour and these three weeks were so hard. It’s great what he did. Jesse is the future of cycling.”
The BikeNZ endurance track riders are all competing and training on the roads in Europe and will go into camp at the famed velodrome in Bordeaux late next month.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Thoughts are with David Joyce and Sirpa Lajunen and family.
Our thoughts and best wishes for a speedy recovery to former Ramblers David Joyce and Sirpa Lajunen who were airlifted to Waikato Hospital after being struck by a 4WD on Poihipi Rd just after 3pm on Friday. Both underwent surgery yesterday. Sirpa has serious injuries with possible shattered vertebrae.
http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/news/taupo-cycling-couples-horror-smash/1395091/
http://www.rotoruadailypost.co.nz/news/taupo-cycling-couples-horror-smash/1395091/
An Post Ras Tour of Ireland – NZ Wrap Stage 7
The BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 team all finished in the peloton on the penultimate stage of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today.
The four cyclists finished in the main bunch after two riders skipped clear in the final 10kms to claim the major honours, won by Lasse Hansen (DEN), who is second overall in the under-23 battle.
Top kiwi hope Pieter Bulling and the hard working Scott Creighton were nvolved in crashes in the final 10kms of the 161km stage from Donegal to Cootehill. Both riders managed to get back on to the bunch with Bulling remaining in third place in the Under-23 best rider category.
CAPTION: The hard working Scott Creighton in action in the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland. Credit: Sportsfile.
The two-man attack went just before the New Zealand team’s planned assault and they missed the opportunity to bridge across to the leading pair.
Cameron Karwowski was the best of the team today in 11th place, again prominent in the bunch sprint with the peloton finishing just 12 seconds behind the winner.
Frenchman Nicolas Baldo (Atlas Jakroo) retained his overall lead with Bulling best placed of the team in 26th place, 5m26s down on the yellow jersey.
Tomorrow’s final stage is 139kms with five category three climbs before finishing with a two lap circuit in the now traditional finish at Skerries, on the east coast north of Dublin.
Results, An Post Ras Tour of Ireland, stage 7, 161km Donegal to Cootehill: lasse Hansen (DEN, Blue Water) 4L13.21, 1; Kai Exner (GER, Bike Aid) at 7 sec, 2; Sam Bennett (IEL) An Post Sean Kelly) at 12 sec, 3. Also New Zealanders: Cameron Karwowski at 12 sec, 11; Taylor gunman same time, 41; Scott Creighton same time, 69; Piet Bulling same time, 89.
General classification after 7 stages: Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Atlas Jakroo) 23:40.01, 1; Thomas Rostollan (FRA) Aix En Provence) at 13 sec, 2; Martin Hunai (CZE, AC Sparta) at 17 sec, 3. Also: Bulling at 5:26, 26; Gunman at 9:56, 35; Creighton at 21:37, 51; Karwowski at 21:45, 52.
Under-23: Richard Handley (GBR) 23:40.19, 1; Hansen at 4:18, 2; Bulling at 5:08, 3. Also: Gunman at 9:38, 8.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
The four cyclists finished in the main bunch after two riders skipped clear in the final 10kms to claim the major honours, won by Lasse Hansen (DEN), who is second overall in the under-23 battle.
Top kiwi hope Pieter Bulling and the hard working Scott Creighton were nvolved in crashes in the final 10kms of the 161km stage from Donegal to Cootehill. Both riders managed to get back on to the bunch with Bulling remaining in third place in the Under-23 best rider category.
CAPTION: The hard working Scott Creighton in action in the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland. Credit: Sportsfile.
The two-man attack went just before the New Zealand team’s planned assault and they missed the opportunity to bridge across to the leading pair.
Cameron Karwowski was the best of the team today in 11th place, again prominent in the bunch sprint with the peloton finishing just 12 seconds behind the winner.
Frenchman Nicolas Baldo (Atlas Jakroo) retained his overall lead with Bulling best placed of the team in 26th place, 5m26s down on the yellow jersey.
Tomorrow’s final stage is 139kms with five category three climbs before finishing with a two lap circuit in the now traditional finish at Skerries, on the east coast north of Dublin.
Results, An Post Ras Tour of Ireland, stage 7, 161km Donegal to Cootehill: lasse Hansen (DEN, Blue Water) 4L13.21, 1; Kai Exner (GER, Bike Aid) at 7 sec, 2; Sam Bennett (IEL) An Post Sean Kelly) at 12 sec, 3. Also New Zealanders: Cameron Karwowski at 12 sec, 11; Taylor gunman same time, 41; Scott Creighton same time, 69; Piet Bulling same time, 89.
General classification after 7 stages: Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Atlas Jakroo) 23:40.01, 1; Thomas Rostollan (FRA) Aix En Provence) at 13 sec, 2; Martin Hunai (CZE, AC Sparta) at 17 sec, 3. Also: Bulling at 5:26, 26; Gunman at 9:56, 35; Creighton at 21:37, 51; Karwowski at 21:45, 52.
Under-23: Richard Handley (GBR) 23:40.19, 1; Hansen at 4:18, 2; Bulling at 5:08, 3. Also: Gunman at 9:38, 8.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Saturday, May 26, 2012
An Post Ras Tour of Ireland – NZ Wrap Stage 6
Invercargill cyclist Pieter Bulling moved into contention for the Under-23 podium after a strong performance in stage six of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland.
Bulling and fellow BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 teammate Taylor Gunman finished in a select lead group after the gruelling 134km stage from Bunrana to the west coast fishing port of Killybegs, which featured with several category one and two climbs.
Yellow jersey holder Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Atlas Jakroo) rode clear with a late attack to win the stage from a 30-strong bunch just 10 seconds back where the kiwis were prominent, finishing 11th and 12th respectively in the sprint finish.
CAPTION: Hamilton’s Scott Creighton tackles a climb in the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland. Credit: Sportsfile.
Bulling has now moved to third on overall classification in the Under-23 class, 5:08 off the leader Richard Handley and is 27th overall at 5:26 down on the leader. He gained six places in the under-23 today, while Gunman is seventh in the under-23 race and 36th overall.
The summer turned out in force today with temperatures topping at 30C deg which added to the challenge of the telling climbs, with the field splintered after a fast first hour covering 48kms followed by a tough category two ascent.
Southland’s Cameron Karwowski lost time with a mechanical issue, requiring a bike change, and was supported by Scott Creighton while Bulling and Gunman rode powerfully to go with the select group that went clear off the front
Bulling dropped off the group with 15kms to go but after 10kms of hard solo riding, he managed to ride back on to the peloton and received a lead-out from Gunman in the sprint. The kiwis were later relegated to outside the top 10 but enjoyed a strong performance.
Meanwhile Auckland’s Dion Smith, who broke his wrist and radius in a stage 3 crash, joined coach Daniel Healey in the team car today following recovery from surgery.
Tomorrow’s penultimate stage is 161kms from Donegal moving south and inland towards Dublin to finish at Cootehill featuring two categorised climbs.
Results An Post Ras Tour of Ireland Stage 6, Buncrana to Killybegs, 134km: Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Atlas Jakroo) 3:06.44, 1; Krister Hagen (NOR) at 10sec, 2; Adam Armstrong (IRL) same time 3. Also New Zealanders: Piet Bulling st 11; Taylor Gunman st 12; Scott Creighton at 13:18, 74; Cameron Karwowski, st 75.
Overall classification after 6 stages: Baldo 19:26.28, 1; Thomas Rostollan (FRA, Aix En Provence) at 13sec, 2; Martin Hunal (CZE, AC Sparta) at 17s, 3. Also New Zealanders: Bulling at 5:26, 27; Gunman at 9:56, 36; Creighton at 21.37, 53; Karwowski at 21.45, 54.
Under-23: Richard Handley (GBR) 19:26.46, 1; Lasse Hansen (DEN) at 4:30, 2; Bulling at 5:08, 3. Also: Gunman at 9:38, 7.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Bulling and fellow BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 teammate Taylor Gunman finished in a select lead group after the gruelling 134km stage from Bunrana to the west coast fishing port of Killybegs, which featured with several category one and two climbs.
Yellow jersey holder Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Atlas Jakroo) rode clear with a late attack to win the stage from a 30-strong bunch just 10 seconds back where the kiwis were prominent, finishing 11th and 12th respectively in the sprint finish.
CAPTION: Hamilton’s Scott Creighton tackles a climb in the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland. Credit: Sportsfile.
Bulling has now moved to third on overall classification in the Under-23 class, 5:08 off the leader Richard Handley and is 27th overall at 5:26 down on the leader. He gained six places in the under-23 today, while Gunman is seventh in the under-23 race and 36th overall.
The summer turned out in force today with temperatures topping at 30C deg which added to the challenge of the telling climbs, with the field splintered after a fast first hour covering 48kms followed by a tough category two ascent.
Southland’s Cameron Karwowski lost time with a mechanical issue, requiring a bike change, and was supported by Scott Creighton while Bulling and Gunman rode powerfully to go with the select group that went clear off the front
Bulling dropped off the group with 15kms to go but after 10kms of hard solo riding, he managed to ride back on to the peloton and received a lead-out from Gunman in the sprint. The kiwis were later relegated to outside the top 10 but enjoyed a strong performance.
Meanwhile Auckland’s Dion Smith, who broke his wrist and radius in a stage 3 crash, joined coach Daniel Healey in the team car today following recovery from surgery.
Tomorrow’s penultimate stage is 161kms from Donegal moving south and inland towards Dublin to finish at Cootehill featuring two categorised climbs.
Results An Post Ras Tour of Ireland Stage 6, Buncrana to Killybegs, 134km: Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Atlas Jakroo) 3:06.44, 1; Krister Hagen (NOR) at 10sec, 2; Adam Armstrong (IRL) same time 3. Also New Zealanders: Piet Bulling st 11; Taylor Gunman st 12; Scott Creighton at 13:18, 74; Cameron Karwowski, st 75.
Overall classification after 6 stages: Baldo 19:26.28, 1; Thomas Rostollan (FRA, Aix En Provence) at 13sec, 2; Martin Hunal (CZE, AC Sparta) at 17s, 3. Also New Zealanders: Bulling at 5:26, 27; Gunman at 9:56, 36; Creighton at 21.37, 53; Karwowski at 21.45, 54.
Under-23: Richard Handley (GBR) 19:26.46, 1; Lasse Hansen (DEN) at 4:30, 2; Bulling at 5:08, 3. Also: Gunman at 9:38, 7.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Friday, May 25, 2012
An Post Ras Tour of Ireland – Stage 5 NZ Wrap
The big climbs caught out the young New Zealand cycling team on stage five of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today.
Today’s route from Bundoran to Buncrana in the north west of Ireland was earmarked as the most challenging and punishing stage in recent Rás history with five categorised climbs, including the category one backbreaking ascent of Mamore Gap, the steepest road climb in the country.
Ironically the best of the BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 team was the sprint specialist Piet Bulling (Invercargill) who managed his way over the climbs to finish in the second bunch 1min 56sec down on stage winner Thomas Rostollan (FRA, Aix En Provence) on a day when the major professional team asserted their authority.
It allowed compatriot Nicolas Baldo (Switzerland Jakroo) to take over the tour leader’s yellow jersey just three seconds clear of Rostollan.
Main kiwi hope Cameron Karwowski struggled today after some strong support work from Taylor Gunman and Scott Creighton, who went on to finish mid-pack, 6m 26s down with Karwowski two minutes further back.
Bulling has moved to the best placed of the team in 38th place on general classification, 5m16s down on the leader and ninth in the under-23 category.
There is no respite in tomorrow’s 134km sixth stage which comprises four tough climbs of category one and two class through to the fishing town of Killybegs on the north west coast.
Results, stage 5 Bundoran to Buncrana, 149km: Thomas Rostollan (FRA, Aix En Provence) 3:31.28, 1’ Martin Hunal (CZE) at 9sec, 2; Jonathan Fumeaux (SUI) same time, 3. Also New Zealanders: Piet Bulling at 1:56, 27; Taylor Gunman at 6:26, 64; Scott Creighton same time, 66; Cameron Karwowski at 8:30, 74.
General Classification after 5 stages: Nicolas Baldo (FRa, Switzerland Jakroo) 16:19.44, 1; Rostollan at 3 sec, 2; Hunal at 7s, 3. Also: Bulling at 5:16, 38; Creighton at 8:19, 48; Karwowski at 8:27, 49; Gunman at 9:46, 51.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Today’s route from Bundoran to Buncrana in the north west of Ireland was earmarked as the most challenging and punishing stage in recent Rás history with five categorised climbs, including the category one backbreaking ascent of Mamore Gap, the steepest road climb in the country.
CAPTION: Scott Creighton leads a small bunch with Taylor Gunman (far left) on one of the big climbs on stage five of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today. Credit: Sportsfile.
Ironically the best of the BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 team was the sprint specialist Piet Bulling (Invercargill) who managed his way over the climbs to finish in the second bunch 1min 56sec down on stage winner Thomas Rostollan (FRA, Aix En Provence) on a day when the major professional team asserted their authority.
It allowed compatriot Nicolas Baldo (Switzerland Jakroo) to take over the tour leader’s yellow jersey just three seconds clear of Rostollan.
Main kiwi hope Cameron Karwowski struggled today after some strong support work from Taylor Gunman and Scott Creighton, who went on to finish mid-pack, 6m 26s down with Karwowski two minutes further back.
Bulling has moved to the best placed of the team in 38th place on general classification, 5m16s down on the leader and ninth in the under-23 category.
There is no respite in tomorrow’s 134km sixth stage which comprises four tough climbs of category one and two class through to the fishing town of Killybegs on the north west coast.
Results, stage 5 Bundoran to Buncrana, 149km: Thomas Rostollan (FRA, Aix En Provence) 3:31.28, 1’ Martin Hunal (CZE) at 9sec, 2; Jonathan Fumeaux (SUI) same time, 3. Also New Zealanders: Piet Bulling at 1:56, 27; Taylor Gunman at 6:26, 64; Scott Creighton same time, 66; Cameron Karwowski at 8:30, 74.
General Classification after 5 stages: Nicolas Baldo (FRa, Switzerland Jakroo) 16:19.44, 1; Rostollan at 3 sec, 2; Hunal at 7s, 3. Also: Bulling at 5:16, 38; Creighton at 8:19, 48; Karwowski at 8:27, 49; Gunman at 9:46, 51.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Hastings Sunday Ride
Leaving 8:00 am outside Rebel Sports Heretaunga Street Hastings
Long Ride : Omahu Road, Swamp Road , Dartmoor Road End of Seal and Return via Apley, Church, Meannee , Pakowhai - 70km
Short Ride - Omahu Road, Swamp, Pukeatpu return via Meannee 45km
Long Ride : Omahu Road, Swamp Road , Dartmoor Road End of Seal and Return via Apley, Church, Meannee , Pakowhai - 70km
Short Ride - Omahu Road, Swamp, Pukeatpu return via Meannee 45km
Saturday Racing, 26th May
Circuit: A-F Camp David RTN
G Blind Road RTN
Venue: Arohanui Centre
Race start time: 2:00 pm
Race Starter: Brett Hooker
Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895
G Blind Road RTN
Venue: Arohanui Centre
Race start time: 2:00 pm
Race Starter: Brett Hooker
Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895
Transponder Reminder
We have introduced a new sytem for timing and you must swipe your transponder before each race to ensure you are entered in the race-day database.
Transponders do not work while in the back pocket of your cycle jersey. If you wish your transponder to register your result, ensure that your tag is attached correctly to the front fork of your bicycle.
Transponders do not work while in the back pocket of your cycle jersey. If you wish your transponder to register your result, ensure that your tag is attached correctly to the front fork of your bicycle.
Ramblers Committee 2012/2013
Congratulations to the following Ramblers who are continuing on the committee, or who have joined committee for the year.
Your committee members are Gavin Bush (Chair), Brett Hooker (Deputy Chair), Mark Coombe (Treasurer), Su Daniel, Hilary Green, Adrienne Heney, Dean Hepburn, Craig Hill, Don Kennedy, Helen MacKenzie, Ken MacKenzie, Dylan Stewart and Dan Warren.
Many thanks to Rob Oliver for his time who has stepped off the committee, and thank you in anticipation to the incumbent committee.
Your committee members are Gavin Bush (Chair), Brett Hooker (Deputy Chair), Mark Coombe (Treasurer), Su Daniel, Hilary Green, Adrienne Heney, Dean Hepburn, Craig Hill, Don Kennedy, Helen MacKenzie, Ken MacKenzie, Dylan Stewart and Dan Warren.
Many thanks to Rob Oliver for his time who has stepped off the committee, and thank you in anticipation to the incumbent committee.
Ramblin’ On
Please send your articles, photographs, letters, thumbs up/down and other items to Editor Dave before 27 May. Dave’s email is davemarett@slingshot.co.nz
Ramblin’ On Goes Online
RCC is trialling our magazine in eBook format. Ramblin' On magazine will be available as an eBook as well as being published as usual in hard copy. Links to the eBook version of the next edition will be available on the RCC website and facebook page.
Triple T: Support Tama, T and Terry in the USO Bike Ride
Support our Ramblers Riders - T Taufale, Tama McGrath and Terry Papworth who are finalists in the Toyota Believe Scholarship. In order to be contenders for the $3000 scholarship, T, Terry and Tama must try to get as many votes as possible. For more information, copy and paste this link into your web-browser http://www.believe.co.nz/
You can go to this website for more information about the USO Bike Ride http://www.afolattalofa.co.nz
You can go to this website for more information about the USO Bike Ride http://www.afolattalofa.co.nz
Cyclocross Training
When: 9am, Sunday 3rd June
Where: EIT Carpark
This training is to assist riders in their preparation for the up-coming CXHB series, NZ series and National Champs. The session will run for approximately 2hrs and will include skills training, remount/dismount practice, race pace efforts and carrying methods.
Where: EIT Carpark
This training is to assist riders in their preparation for the up-coming CXHB series, NZ series and National Champs. The session will run for approximately 2hrs and will include skills training, remount/dismount practice, race pace efforts and carrying methods.
The Flying Scotsman – What is Graeme Obree Up To Now?
Graeme Obree, the Scottish cyclist, is building a bike dreamt up in the bath, designed on the back of a scrap of wallpaper, constructed in part from an old saucepan and put together on the kitchen tableon which he hopes to smash the world speed record and reach 100mph. For more details, go to the UK Telegraph.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9248769/The-100mph-bike-designed-in-the-bath-and-made-from-an-old-saucepan.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9248769/The-100mph-bike-designed-in-the-bath-and-made-from-an-old-saucepan.html
BikeNZ Licences
A number of members have either not received their BikeNZ licences or have received licences with incorrect details. If this has happened to you please send the details of the problem to Deb at info@ramblers.co.nz so that she can follow this up with BikeNZ on your behalf.
NZ Secondary Schools Championships
The dates for this event are 30th June for the time trial and 1st July for the road races. If you are interested in participating, please contact your school or the Event Organiser, Sandra Carter 021 477 686 or mscarter@xtra.co.nz
Entries close Monday 18th June 2012.
Entries close Monday 18th June 2012.
ClubKit
All the jerseys and skin suits have sold. The remaining items available are:
Medium Vest ($85)
Small Leg Warmers ($40)
Medium Leg Warmers ($40)
Shoe Covers ($30)
Caps ($20)
Drink Bottles ($5)
Medium Vest ($85)
Small Leg Warmers ($40)
Medium Leg Warmers ($40)
Shoe Covers ($30)
Caps ($20)
Drink Bottles ($5)
Upcoming Events
17th June: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North
30th June: NZ Secondary Schools Indiviual Time Trials, Cambridge
1st July: NZ Secondary Schools Road Races, Cambridge
6th July: Ramblers Club Criterium, Marine Parade, Napier
6th – 8th July: Ride of Your Life Cycling Festival, Napier
8th July: Cyclocross National Championships, Napier
22nd July: CX, Roy’s Hill, Hastings
12th August: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North
August: Reiker 2 Day Tour, Timaru
16th Septemeber: GIANT R4 Cycle Ride
22nd – 23rd September: R & R Sport Tour, Otago
2nd September: CX, Clearview Winery, Napier
16th September: CX, Chesterhope, Hastings
30th September: Novice Tour of Manawatu
5th – 7th October: Yunca Junior Tour, Invercargill
14th October: Tour of the Bay, Hastings
4th November: Ibis Bike The Lake
Stay safe, stay upright and keep ramblin’!
30th June: NZ Secondary Schools Indiviual Time Trials, Cambridge
1st July: NZ Secondary Schools Road Races, Cambridge
6th July: Ramblers Club Criterium, Marine Parade, Napier
6th – 8th July: Ride of Your Life Cycling Festival, Napier
8th July: Cyclocross National Championships, Napier
22nd July: CX, Roy’s Hill, Hastings
12th August: CX, Blackbarn, Havelock North
August: Reiker 2 Day Tour, Timaru
16th Septemeber: GIANT R4 Cycle Ride
22nd – 23rd September: R & R Sport Tour, Otago
2nd September: CX, Clearview Winery, Napier
16th September: CX, Chesterhope, Hastings
30th September: Novice Tour of Manawatu
5th – 7th October: Yunca Junior Tour, Invercargill
14th October: Tour of the Bay, Hastings
4th November: Ibis Bike The Lake
Stay safe, stay upright and keep ramblin’!
Here comes the sun, do de do de. And so on. - Ashleigh and Hannah
Monday we awoke to a beautiful day, which we spent murdering the most beautiful flowers once more. Still packing a sad from her consecutive late nights, which were her own fault, Ashleigh didn’t get on the bike aside from the 10km of commuter riding. Hannah went off on her own, and also came home with the groceries for the week, what a good girl she is. Tuesday proved another beautiful day, although a few dark clouds hung in the sky. As Murphy’s Law would have it, after sweating it out in rain jackets for several hours with no downpour, Ashleigh finally took hers off and got soaked. Brill. Post work we psyched ourselves up and battled through a session of 30 thirty sprints dispersed by box jumps. Any one coached by Ivar will understand the pain of such a session.
Wednesday was the second to last day ever in the flowers. Freedom was so close. Yet so far away. We got through the day planning how we would spend this unexpected income. It will certainly be the best spent money. Ever. Luckily the sunshine and the flowers kept our spirits high and we were soon off soaking up the sun, and working on the tan lines, for a few hours that evening.
GLORIOUS GLORIOUS FREEEEEDDDDDOOOOOOOOOM! Breathe it in! Of course, we choose to arise early today also to experience the tractor pulling show! They told us it was a competition between guys to see who could pull a tractor the farthest/ fastest. Haha funny joke, good one guys. Apparently that would be ridiculous here, who on earth would have a competition like that?? Ahhhh, in NZ we would? We had actually gotten up early to watch tractors in various weight categories pull things over various distances. The excitement! We could hardly contain ourselves, and left as soon as we got hungry; so not much time was spent there. But we did take some fun photos. After some extensive snacking, perhaps not a wise move, we went to light up the nifty 5km circuit we have found with some 5/10/15 efforts. By the time we picked ourselves up off the floor and showered it was dinner time.
Friday we were free again and decided to use our new found freedom by scoping out a new base circuit since there wasn’t much go go left in the tank. We may have ridden the hundy or so Ks on two coffees and a bakery stop.
We got to go to Friesland on Saturday for a national race. Mother Nature turned on yet another stunner day and I think we were the only ones not complaining about the heat. The people here just keep getting weirder. We had a bit of a giggle when we made comment about a gender check on one oft the riders, she pretty, ah, masculine, turns out its because she was in fact once a man.. that’s one way to get better results I suppose. The race was the old mistake and learning experience routine.
Sunday we lost 2 hours of our lives by going to see “The Dictator” at the cinema since the weather had packed in and was totally shitehause. We did meet some rowers who were chilling there before a race they had that afternoon. They weren’t eating because they had a weigh-in in an hours time, and the y enthusiastically told us that they lose a few kilos pre race day by consuming nothing but fruit and quark. Mmmmmm. Each to their own. In the highly unlikely event we aver take up a weight class sport, we’ll remember that.
And would you look at that
That’s us for another week.
Wednesday was the second to last day ever in the flowers. Freedom was so close. Yet so far away. We got through the day planning how we would spend this unexpected income. It will certainly be the best spent money. Ever. Luckily the sunshine and the flowers kept our spirits high and we were soon off soaking up the sun, and working on the tan lines, for a few hours that evening.
GLORIOUS GLORIOUS FREEEEEDDDDDOOOOOOOOOM! Breathe it in! Of course, we choose to arise early today also to experience the tractor pulling show! They told us it was a competition between guys to see who could pull a tractor the farthest/ fastest. Haha funny joke, good one guys. Apparently that would be ridiculous here, who on earth would have a competition like that?? Ahhhh, in NZ we would? We had actually gotten up early to watch tractors in various weight categories pull things over various distances. The excitement! We could hardly contain ourselves, and left as soon as we got hungry; so not much time was spent there. But we did take some fun photos. After some extensive snacking, perhaps not a wise move, we went to light up the nifty 5km circuit we have found with some 5/10/15 efforts. By the time we picked ourselves up off the floor and showered it was dinner time.
Friday we were free again and decided to use our new found freedom by scoping out a new base circuit since there wasn’t much go go left in the tank. We may have ridden the hundy or so Ks on two coffees and a bakery stop.
We got to go to Friesland on Saturday for a national race. Mother Nature turned on yet another stunner day and I think we were the only ones not complaining about the heat. The people here just keep getting weirder. We had a bit of a giggle when we made comment about a gender check on one oft the riders, she pretty, ah, masculine, turns out its because she was in fact once a man.. that’s one way to get better results I suppose. The race was the old mistake and learning experience routine.
Sunday we lost 2 hours of our lives by going to see “The Dictator” at the cinema since the weather had packed in and was totally shitehause. We did meet some rowers who were chilling there before a race they had that afternoon. They weren’t eating because they had a weigh-in in an hours time, and the y enthusiastically told us that they lose a few kilos pre race day by consuming nothing but fruit and quark. Mmmmmm. Each to their own. In the highly unlikely event we aver take up a weight class sport, we’ll remember that.
And would you look at that
That’s us for another week.
An Post Ras Tour of Ireland – NZ Wrap Stage 4
Southland cyclist Cameron Karwowski finished in the peloton to retain his challenge on the under-23 honours midway through the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today.
Karwowski finished with the bunch in 17th place, nine seconds down on the winner in the challenging 135km fourth stage to Bundoran on the north-west coast of Ireland.
He leads the BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing national under-23 team although today’s expected benign stage proved anything but as the attacks were plenty from the gun, as Piet Bulling, Scott Creighton and Taylor Gunman covered the potential breaks.
Karwowski pushed hard for the break with 15kms remaining along with the yellow jersey of Pirmin Lang (SUI) and two other general classification contenders, as they chased down the solo break away in the New Zealander’s push for the lead in the under-23 honours.
The teams of the key challengers not in that break ramped up the chase with sufficient fury to split open the peloton, and they eventually reeled in the kiwi’s brave move. He tried again with 5km remaining but after expending all reserves had to be content to finish in the peloton.
Denmark’s Mark Pedersen took out the sprint from opening stage winner Marcin Bialoblocki although there is no change in the general classification with Lang leading but on the same time to British riders James Moss and Richard Handley and just six seconds separating the leading five riders.
Karwowski is in third place in the under-23 battle and 14th overall, 28 seconds from the yellow jersey with the remaining BikeNZ-PBR trio showing good strength to finish in the peloton and jump up the placings on general classification.
Meanwhile Auckland’s Dion Smith, injured in a crash on yesterday’s tough stage, has successfully undergone an operation after breaking his wrist and radius.
Tomorrow’s fifth stage is a 149kms to the far north town of Buncrana on the Inishowen peninsula with five climbs including a category one test 13kms from the finish.
Results, stage 4, 135km Westport to Burdoran: Mark Pedersen (DEN, Blue Water Racing) 2:55.36, 1; Marcin Bialoblocki (POL, Britain Giordana) same time, 2; Remi Sarreboubee (FRA, Aix en provence) at 2 sec, 3. Also New Zealanders: Cameron Karwowski at 9sec, 17; Piet Bulling at 15s, 17; Taylor Gunman same time, 33; Scott Creighton at 1:58, 73.
General classification after 4 stages: Pirmin Lang (SUI, Jakaroo) 12:47.45, 1; Richard Handley (GBR, Rapha Condor) st, 2; James Moss (GBR, Britain Giordana) same time, 3; Also: Karwowski at 28s, 14, Creighton at 2:24, 41; Bulling at 3:51, 52; Gunman st, 54.
Under-23 overall: Handley 12:47.45, 1; M Pedersen (BWC) at 19sec, 2 Karwowski at 28s, 3.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Karwowski finished with the bunch in 17th place, nine seconds down on the winner in the challenging 135km fourth stage to Bundoran on the north-west coast of Ireland.
He leads the BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing national under-23 team although today’s expected benign stage proved anything but as the attacks were plenty from the gun, as Piet Bulling, Scott Creighton and Taylor Gunman covered the potential breaks.
CAPTION: Taylor Gunman (North Harbour) and Piet Bulling (Invercargill) in action for the BikeNZ-PBR Under-23 team in the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland. Credit: Sportsfile.
Karwowski pushed hard for the break with 15kms remaining along with the yellow jersey of Pirmin Lang (SUI) and two other general classification contenders, as they chased down the solo break away in the New Zealander’s push for the lead in the under-23 honours.
The teams of the key challengers not in that break ramped up the chase with sufficient fury to split open the peloton, and they eventually reeled in the kiwi’s brave move. He tried again with 5km remaining but after expending all reserves had to be content to finish in the peloton.
Denmark’s Mark Pedersen took out the sprint from opening stage winner Marcin Bialoblocki although there is no change in the general classification with Lang leading but on the same time to British riders James Moss and Richard Handley and just six seconds separating the leading five riders.
Karwowski is in third place in the under-23 battle and 14th overall, 28 seconds from the yellow jersey with the remaining BikeNZ-PBR trio showing good strength to finish in the peloton and jump up the placings on general classification.
Meanwhile Auckland’s Dion Smith, injured in a crash on yesterday’s tough stage, has successfully undergone an operation after breaking his wrist and radius.
Tomorrow’s fifth stage is a 149kms to the far north town of Buncrana on the Inishowen peninsula with five climbs including a category one test 13kms from the finish.
Results, stage 4, 135km Westport to Burdoran: Mark Pedersen (DEN, Blue Water Racing) 2:55.36, 1; Marcin Bialoblocki (POL, Britain Giordana) same time, 2; Remi Sarreboubee (FRA, Aix en provence) at 2 sec, 3. Also New Zealanders: Cameron Karwowski at 9sec, 17; Piet Bulling at 15s, 17; Taylor Gunman same time, 33; Scott Creighton at 1:58, 73.
General classification after 4 stages: Pirmin Lang (SUI, Jakaroo) 12:47.45, 1; Richard Handley (GBR, Rapha Condor) st, 2; James Moss (GBR, Britain Giordana) same time, 3; Also: Karwowski at 28s, 14, Creighton at 2:24, 41; Bulling at 3:51, 52; Gunman st, 54.
Under-23 overall: Handley 12:47.45, 1; M Pedersen (BWC) at 19sec, 2 Karwowski at 28s, 3.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Has something been missing from your life? -Ashleigh and Hannah
Has something been missing from your life? Have you been feeling empty? Are you yearning for something you just cannot seem to find?? We have the answer; you have been having Ashleigh and Hannah blog withdrawals, but never fear! We are back in business.
We will be back to finish this soon, we have been distracted by the male swimmers at the European Championships..
Ok, you now have our full attention again.
Jokes, that was the semi-final, there are more semi-naked men for the finals now
Ok, where were we..
Monday was yet another day in the fields, although by now we could see the light. We had just three days to go.. We were begining to celebrate already. We finished the day with a beautiful base ride in the evening, concluding at a late night cafe where we enjoyed Hannahs’ last Hot Chocolate as an 18year old.
That night saw Secret Squirrel business as Ashleigh filled the bedroom, lounge and kitchen with balloons. They even has faces, everyone was at the party. She also ‘prepared’ a cake, if you count artistically arranging various cupcakes as cake preparing. Haha. There were of course also candles, a card, chocolate and presents. Oh! And how could we forget the home made JELLYTIP!!
Tuesday was of course filled with celebrations early morning. Then we went off high on ice cream and chocolate and cake into the flower fields once more. It was a somewhat shortened day when the Boss told us we could be done for the day when we reached a certain point in the flowers, needless to say we hit the NOS button and rocket through the work to finish in just 4 hours. Sweet deal. We even did some intervals before evening celebrations began. Aren’t we good! After a private bus trip we found ourselves at an Italian Pizzeria before welcoming a friend of Hannah’s fresh from Switzerland. Perfect timing on his behalf.
Wednesday was a bit more of a gentle day as we entertained our guest and recovered from what may have been a late night before. We got to play the role of the locals and toured the most beautiful road in Holland, the Belkmerweg, and of course the local coffee attractions. We then winged our way to Amsterdam (on the train, which funnily enough has a very similar affect to being on a boat for Hannah sometimes, entertaining for the rest of us at least).There was of course the tour of the touristy things followed by the shopping spree after our delightful pay package. It was a bit of a pathetic spree on the spending front, but we did enjoy trying everything on and parading around before making our selective purchases (from the bargain bin).
Thursday we had another day of recuperation; while Ashleigh tackled more of a particularly large assignment which she had done particularly little of up to this point. We cannot really recall how Han spent her day, it must have been very productive though and surely she made some kind of big step in her life that day. We also had the experience of the “Sand Hill Training”, never again. We went because then we could say that we had been and that we did not want to go again. That, and they also bribed us into giving it ago by saying we could go camel riding in exchange for our efforts. Who wouldn’t want to go run up and down a very big sand dune when a camel ride was on the cards? Haha. WE ARE GOING TO RIDE SOME CAMELS. Heck yeah!
Friday we awoke to the news that there was no more work for us! Very exciting, but then again it meant that we had to delete some of the ways we had spent our money in our heads, because we weren’t going to earn it. Training on Friday was harsh, we decided that after so much walking, running in the sand dunes and a few late nights the best thing to do would be a 3 hour base ride with a 15 second spring every 3 mins. Thanks Carl Paton for that one, you put ideas in Ivar’s head
We will be back to finish this soon, we have been distracted by the male swimmers at the European Championships..
Ok, you now have our full attention again.
Jokes, that was the semi-final, there are more semi-naked men for the finals now
Ok, where were we..
Monday was yet another day in the fields, although by now we could see the light. We had just three days to go.. We were begining to celebrate already. We finished the day with a beautiful base ride in the evening, concluding at a late night cafe where we enjoyed Hannahs’ last Hot Chocolate as an 18year old.
That night saw Secret Squirrel business as Ashleigh filled the bedroom, lounge and kitchen with balloons. They even has faces, everyone was at the party. She also ‘prepared’ a cake, if you count artistically arranging various cupcakes as cake preparing. Haha. There were of course also candles, a card, chocolate and presents. Oh! And how could we forget the home made JELLYTIP!!
Tuesday was of course filled with celebrations early morning. Then we went off high on ice cream and chocolate and cake into the flower fields once more. It was a somewhat shortened day when the Boss told us we could be done for the day when we reached a certain point in the flowers, needless to say we hit the NOS button and rocket through the work to finish in just 4 hours. Sweet deal. We even did some intervals before evening celebrations began. Aren’t we good! After a private bus trip we found ourselves at an Italian Pizzeria before welcoming a friend of Hannah’s fresh from Switzerland. Perfect timing on his behalf.
Wednesday was a bit more of a gentle day as we entertained our guest and recovered from what may have been a late night before. We got to play the role of the locals and toured the most beautiful road in Holland, the Belkmerweg, and of course the local coffee attractions. We then winged our way to Amsterdam (on the train, which funnily enough has a very similar affect to being on a boat for Hannah sometimes, entertaining for the rest of us at least).There was of course the tour of the touristy things followed by the shopping spree after our delightful pay package. It was a bit of a pathetic spree on the spending front, but we did enjoy trying everything on and parading around before making our selective purchases (from the bargain bin).
Thursday we had another day of recuperation; while Ashleigh tackled more of a particularly large assignment which she had done particularly little of up to this point. We cannot really recall how Han spent her day, it must have been very productive though and surely she made some kind of big step in her life that day. We also had the experience of the “Sand Hill Training”, never again. We went because then we could say that we had been and that we did not want to go again. That, and they also bribed us into giving it ago by saying we could go camel riding in exchange for our efforts. Who wouldn’t want to go run up and down a very big sand dune when a camel ride was on the cards? Haha. WE ARE GOING TO RIDE SOME CAMELS. Heck yeah!
Friday we awoke to the news that there was no more work for us! Very exciting, but then again it meant that we had to delete some of the ways we had spent our money in our heads, because we weren’t going to earn it. Training on Friday was harsh, we decided that after so much walking, running in the sand dunes and a few late nights the best thing to do would be a 3 hour base ride with a 15 second spring every 3 mins. Thanks Carl Paton for that one, you put ideas in Ivar’s head
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
An Post Ras Tour of Ireland – Stage 3 NZ Wrap
New Zealand cyclist Cameron Karwowski was pipped for a place on the podium in a frantic final sprint on a dramatic stage three of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today.
Karwowski, supported strongly by his BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 teammates today in the lumpy 144km stage to Westport, positioned himself well for the sprint, finishing in fourth place in a photo finish.
It was a day of drama with a number of bad crashes, including one which ended the tour for teenage Auckland rider Dion Smith who broke his arm and wrist. He will spend the night in Gallway Hospital before surgery tomorrow.
After riding patiently at the back of the peloton and when they were eventually reunited, The An Post Sean Kelly riders attacked aggressively as a group with seven kilometres to go. Karwowski responded in the elite group of 28 riders and positioned himself well for the final sprint.
“It was a fantastic performance from Cameron and another outstanding effort from the team to support him on what was a demanding day,” said coach Dan Healey. “The climbs were difficult and there were so many bad crashes. It is a real shame for Dion who was really enjoying a strong tour.”
Karwowski moved to second place on the overall classification for under-23 riders, and is in 12th place on overall classification, 28 seconds down on leader Pirman Lang (Switzerland) who finished in the peloton to retain the yellow jersey despite trialling the leaders by over two minutes at one point.
Of the other BikeNZ-PBR riders, Scott Creighton was 35th finishing in the second bunch seven seconds behind the leading group after a strong supporting role. Piet Bulling and Taylor Gunman were in the pack 3m17s down with the team reduced to four riders.
Today’s 145 kilometre stage from Gort to Westport proved testing with three late climbs in quick succession and the first category one climb of the eight day event.
Tomorrow’s fourth stage is mostly flat over 135km to Bundoran.
Results, An Post Ras Tour of Ireland, stage 3 Gort to Westport, 144km: Gediminas(LTU, An Post Sean Kelly) 3:09.03, 1; Marcin Bialoblocki (POL, Britain Giordana) same time, 2; Roy Eefting (NED, Koga) st, 3; Cameron Karwowski (NZL) 4. Also New Zealanders: Scott Creighton at 7 secs, 35; Piet Bulling at 3:17, 83; Taylor Gunman st, 85.
General classification after 3 stages: Pirmin Lang (SUI) 9:52.00, 1; James Moss (GBR) same time, 2; Richard Handley (GBR) st, 3. Also: Karwowski at 28s, 12, Creighton at 35s, 40; Bulling at 3:45, 69; Gunman st, 70.
Under-23 overall: Handley 9:52.00, 1; Karwowski at 28s, 2; M Pedersen (BWC) st, 3.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Karwowski, supported strongly by his BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 teammates today in the lumpy 144km stage to Westport, positioned himself well for the sprint, finishing in fourth place in a photo finish.
It was a day of drama with a number of bad crashes, including one which ended the tour for teenage Auckland rider Dion Smith who broke his arm and wrist. He will spend the night in Gallway Hospital before surgery tomorrow.
CAPTION: Auckland’s Dion Smith riding in the bunch before he was caught in a crash on the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland. (Credit: Sportsfile.)
Reigning champion Gediminas Bagdonas (An Post Sean Kelly Team) claimed the win just ahead of opening stage winner Marcin Bialoblocki (Britain Girodana) after he recovered from a crash and with the help of teammates, rode back on to the peloton over the final 40kms.After riding patiently at the back of the peloton and when they were eventually reunited, The An Post Sean Kelly riders attacked aggressively as a group with seven kilometres to go. Karwowski responded in the elite group of 28 riders and positioned himself well for the final sprint.
“It was a fantastic performance from Cameron and another outstanding effort from the team to support him on what was a demanding day,” said coach Dan Healey. “The climbs were difficult and there were so many bad crashes. It is a real shame for Dion who was really enjoying a strong tour.”
Karwowski moved to second place on the overall classification for under-23 riders, and is in 12th place on overall classification, 28 seconds down on leader Pirman Lang (Switzerland) who finished in the peloton to retain the yellow jersey despite trialling the leaders by over two minutes at one point.
Of the other BikeNZ-PBR riders, Scott Creighton was 35th finishing in the second bunch seven seconds behind the leading group after a strong supporting role. Piet Bulling and Taylor Gunman were in the pack 3m17s down with the team reduced to four riders.
Today’s 145 kilometre stage from Gort to Westport proved testing with three late climbs in quick succession and the first category one climb of the eight day event.
Tomorrow’s fourth stage is mostly flat over 135km to Bundoran.
Results, An Post Ras Tour of Ireland, stage 3 Gort to Westport, 144km: Gediminas(LTU, An Post Sean Kelly) 3:09.03, 1; Marcin Bialoblocki (POL, Britain Giordana) same time, 2; Roy Eefting (NED, Koga) st, 3; Cameron Karwowski (NZL) 4. Also New Zealanders: Scott Creighton at 7 secs, 35; Piet Bulling at 3:17, 83; Taylor Gunman st, 85.
General classification after 3 stages: Pirmin Lang (SUI) 9:52.00, 1; James Moss (GBR) same time, 2; Richard Handley (GBR) st, 3. Also: Karwowski at 28s, 12, Creighton at 35s, 40; Bulling at 3:45, 69; Gunman st, 70.
Under-23 overall: Handley 9:52.00, 1; Karwowski at 28s, 2; M Pedersen (BWC) st, 3.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Olympic cyclist joins Orica-GreenEdge team
Olympic-bound cyclist Sam Bewley has joined Orica-GreenEDGE upon the departure of Australian icon, Robbie McEwen.
Bewley, 24, will represent New Zealand in the team pursuit in the 2012 London Olympics before switching his focus 100 percent to a road career. He raced for two years with RadioShack and spent the first half of this season focussing on his track racing with the BikeNZ track team.
"I'm excited to be part of an Australian team," said Bewley. "I'm not Australian of course, but New Zealand and Australia are pretty united when it comes to sport unless we're competing against one another. Even then, it's a friendly rivalry. I'm really happy to be part of a team from the Southern Hemisphere that's racing in Europe."
Bewley has wasted no time in beginning his career with the team, making his debut tonight (NZ time) in the Bayern Rundfahrt in Germany. He returns to the track in the build-up to the Olympics before rejoining the team for additional road racing in August.
"We weren't able to sign Sam until Robbie retired because we were maxed out on numbers," explained Sports Director Matt White. "This ended up working out well for both Sam and the team because of Sam's track schedule. He has a lot of potential on the road when he's able to fully concentrate on road racing, and we're looking forward to helping him develop his complete potential. We've signed him for this and the next season, and while we won't see him much this year, he'll be with us full-time on the road in 2013."
Bewley calls a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the 2008 Beijing Olympics his career highlight.
"Most of my highlights are on the track as that's where I have put my energy," Bewley said.
"The Olympic medal in Beijing stands out the most. I haven't gotten a real highlight on the road yet, but I'm happy to join a team where I think that's a real possibility."
Without much road racing in his legs, Bewley expects Bayern Rundfahrt to be a personal challenge.
"It's going to be a shock to the system racing at this level," he said. "I'm here to get some racing in my legs and make a good impression to my new teammates and staff. I'll work as hard as I can for the team. We have some strong riders here on the hunt for stage wins. I'll support their goals wherever I can."
Bewley will rejoin the BikeNZ track team when they go into their final track preparation camp later next month.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Bewley, 24, will represent New Zealand in the team pursuit in the 2012 London Olympics before switching his focus 100 percent to a road career. He raced for two years with RadioShack and spent the first half of this season focussing on his track racing with the BikeNZ track team.
"I'm excited to be part of an Australian team," said Bewley. "I'm not Australian of course, but New Zealand and Australia are pretty united when it comes to sport unless we're competing against one another. Even then, it's a friendly rivalry. I'm really happy to be part of a team from the Southern Hemisphere that's racing in Europe."
Bewley has wasted no time in beginning his career with the team, making his debut tonight (NZ time) in the Bayern Rundfahrt in Germany. He returns to the track in the build-up to the Olympics before rejoining the team for additional road racing in August.
"We weren't able to sign Sam until Robbie retired because we were maxed out on numbers," explained Sports Director Matt White. "This ended up working out well for both Sam and the team because of Sam's track schedule. He has a lot of potential on the road when he's able to fully concentrate on road racing, and we're looking forward to helping him develop his complete potential. We've signed him for this and the next season, and while we won't see him much this year, he'll be with us full-time on the road in 2013."
Bewley calls a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the 2008 Beijing Olympics his career highlight.
"Most of my highlights are on the track as that's where I have put my energy," Bewley said.
"The Olympic medal in Beijing stands out the most. I haven't gotten a real highlight on the road yet, but I'm happy to join a team where I think that's a real possibility."
Without much road racing in his legs, Bewley expects Bayern Rundfahrt to be a personal challenge.
"It's going to be a shock to the system racing at this level," he said. "I'm here to get some racing in my legs and make a good impression to my new teammates and staff. I'll work as hard as I can for the team. We have some strong riders here on the hunt for stage wins. I'll support their goals wherever I can."
Bewley will rejoin the BikeNZ track team when they go into their final track preparation camp later next month.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
An Post Ras Tour of Ireland - Stage two wrap
New Zealand riders finished in the peloton as the break got away on the second stage of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today.
The BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing Under-23 national team all featured in the peloton in the 158km stage from Kilkenny to the west coast in Gort, which featured three category climbs.
CAPTION: Piet Bulling shares the early lead in the peloton on stage two of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today. Photo credit: Sportsfile.
A seven-strong break went clear at the 50km mark and worked their way to three minutes before the peloton sprang into life. But they left their move too late, closing to within 28 seconds of the leading seven, with Switzerland’s Pirmin Lang taking the sprint and the leader’s yellow jersey.
Cameron Karwowski and Piet Bulling led the way for the New Zealanders at the sharp end of the bunch sprint with Taylor Gunman, Dion Smith and Scott Creighton also safely in the 60-strong peloton.
Karwowski and Bulling are 21st and 22nd respectively on general classification at 28 seconds down on Lang, and they are fifth and sixth respectively in the under-23 competition.
“The boys rode their guts out today and really rode well as a unit,” said coach Dan Healey. “The attacks came from the gun and our guys did a great job covering the breaks, and taking much of the responsibility to do so.
“The plan was to send someone up the road on the first decisive climb at 50km before we could execute, the break crept off the front.
“The team looked after eachother well and worked so hard but for no tangible reward in the results.”
Tomorrow’s third stage is 145kms from Gort to Westport with three categorised climbs including the category one climb at Maumtrasna 40kms from the finish.
The BikeNZ-PBR team is currently eighth in the team classification.
Results, stage 2, An Post Ras, 158km Kilkenny to Gort: Pirmin Lang (SUI) 3:33.47, 1; Dale Appelby (Britain East) same time, 2; James Moss (GBR Giordara) same time, 3. Also New Zelaanders: Cameron Karwowski at 28s, 17; Piet Bulling same time, 18; Taylor Gunman st, 37; Dion Smith st, 41, Scott Creighton st, 56.
General classification after two stage: Lang 6:2.57, 1; Appleby same time, 2; Moss same time, 3. New Zealanders: Karwowski at 28s, 21; Bulling same time 22; Smith st, 38; Gunman st, 43; Creighton st, 64.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Jeremy Vennell Most aggressive Rider Tour of California
Robert Gesink (Rabobank) may have won the Tour but Ramblers member Jeremey Vennel (Bissell Pro Racing) having a great year took the Exergy Most Aggressive Jersey; Kiwis Josh Atkins and George Bennett riding with Lance Armstrongs Bontrager Livestrong development squad also featured during the stages.
exerpt from http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/news/press/Robert-Gesink-of-Rabobank-Cycling-Team-wins-2012-Amgen-Tour-of-California---RadioShack-Nissan-Trek-wraps-up-Team-Competition.html
"Meanwhile, RadioShack-Nissan-Trek took the overall team competition; Sagan won the Visit California Sprint Jersey; Canada's Sebastian Salas of team Optum Powered by Kelly Benefit Strategies won the Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey; the Netherlands' Wilco Kelderman of Rabobank won the Rabobank Best Young Rider Jersey; New Zealand's Jeremy Vennell of Bissell Pro Cycling won the Exergy Most Aggressive Jersey; while Australian Robbie McEwen, who announced earlier this year that the 2012 Amgen Tour of California would be his last professional race, won the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey."
exerpt from http://www.amgentourofcalifornia.com/news/press/Robert-Gesink-of-Rabobank-Cycling-Team-wins-2012-Amgen-Tour-of-California---RadioShack-Nissan-Trek-wraps-up-Team-Competition.html
"Meanwhile, RadioShack-Nissan-Trek took the overall team competition; Sagan won the Visit California Sprint Jersey; Canada's Sebastian Salas of team Optum Powered by Kelly Benefit Strategies won the Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey; the Netherlands' Wilco Kelderman of Rabobank won the Rabobank Best Young Rider Jersey; New Zealand's Jeremy Vennell of Bissell Pro Cycling won the Exergy Most Aggressive Jersey; while Australian Robbie McEwen, who announced earlier this year that the 2012 Amgen Tour of California would be his last professional race, won the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey."
Monday, May 21, 2012
Olympian on podium in European road time trial. (Westley 4th)
Olympic cyclist Aaron Gate has finished third in the individual time trial on the fourth stage of the Fleche du Sud in Luxembourg today.
He pipped fellow London Olympic track teammate Westley Gough for the final place on the podium after a strong performance in the 14.88km time trial in the UCI Europe Tour event.
Gate clocked 21:28 to be 26 seconds behind the winner, local rider Bob Jungels, riding for the Leopard Trek team. The kiwi was only 38/100ths of a second from second placed Adam Phelan (Drapac) while Gough was timed at 21:39 in fourth.
New Zealand’s Olympic endurance track team have begun their track racing phase in Europe in preparations for London with coach Tim Carswell satisfied with the performances.
“This is just the second stage race of this European racing block and all the guys are finding their road form after the World Track Championship in Australia,” Carswell said.
“Seeing results like this is encouraging and all a step in the right direction for the Olympics.
“Competing on the road in Europe is always challenging with strong fields in almost all races at this level.”
Today’s time trial course from Tetange to Rumelange was challenging with two steep climbs. Of the other New Zealanders in the BikeNZ squad, omnium rider Shane Archbold was 17th, Myron Simpson 25th and Alex Frame 35th while Marc Ryan withdrew earlier in the tour suffering from the flu.
Jungels is the leader on overall classification going in the final stage with Gough the best placed of the New Zealanders in 11th overall. The Luxembourg rider won the 2010 Junior World Time Trial and has been in outstanding form this year including second in the Nations Cup at the La Cote Picarde.
The Fleche du Sud is a five day stage race with previous winners including pro tour stars Andy Schleck (LUX) in 2004 and Geraint Thomas (GBR) in 2006.
Results, Fleche de Sud, Luxembourg, stage 3 time trial 14.88km: Bob Jungels (LUX) 21.02, 1; Adam Phelan (AUS) at 25s, 2; Aaron Gate (NZL) at 26s, 3. Also New Zealanders: Westley Gough at 37s, 4; Shane Archbold at 1:13, 17; Myron Simpson at 1:22, 25; Alex Frame at 1:38, 35.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
CAPTION: Aaron Gate
He pipped fellow London Olympic track teammate Westley Gough for the final place on the podium after a strong performance in the 14.88km time trial in the UCI Europe Tour event.
Gate clocked 21:28 to be 26 seconds behind the winner, local rider Bob Jungels, riding for the Leopard Trek team. The kiwi was only 38/100ths of a second from second placed Adam Phelan (Drapac) while Gough was timed at 21:39 in fourth.
New Zealand’s Olympic endurance track team have begun their track racing phase in Europe in preparations for London with coach Tim Carswell satisfied with the performances.
“This is just the second stage race of this European racing block and all the guys are finding their road form after the World Track Championship in Australia,” Carswell said.
“Seeing results like this is encouraging and all a step in the right direction for the Olympics.
“Competing on the road in Europe is always challenging with strong fields in almost all races at this level.”
Today’s time trial course from Tetange to Rumelange was challenging with two steep climbs. Of the other New Zealanders in the BikeNZ squad, omnium rider Shane Archbold was 17th, Myron Simpson 25th and Alex Frame 35th while Marc Ryan withdrew earlier in the tour suffering from the flu.
Jungels is the leader on overall classification going in the final stage with Gough the best placed of the New Zealanders in 11th overall. The Luxembourg rider won the 2010 Junior World Time Trial and has been in outstanding form this year including second in the Nations Cup at the La Cote Picarde.
The Fleche du Sud is a five day stage race with previous winners including pro tour stars Andy Schleck (LUX) in 2004 and Geraint Thomas (GBR) in 2006.
Results, Fleche de Sud, Luxembourg, stage 3 time trial 14.88km: Bob Jungels (LUX) 21.02, 1; Adam Phelan (AUS) at 25s, 2; Aaron Gate (NZL) at 26s, 3. Also New Zealanders: Westley Gough at 37s, 4; Shane Archbold at 1:13, 17; Myron Simpson at 1:22, 25; Alex Frame at 1:38, 35.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Youthful line-up tackle 60th Ras Tour of Ireland
With an average age under 20 years, a youthful BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing team will take on their ultimate test that will sort the men from the boys in the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland starting on Sunday.
The five-strong group will take on 34 teams of hardened professionals and promising amateurs in the eight day tour covering 1168kms and 28 categorised climbs to the north and west of Ireland to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the race.
The BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing team is Cameron Karwowski, Alex Frame, Taylor Gunman, Scott Creighton and Dion Smith.
New Zealand has enjoyed some success over the last three years in the event with Myron Simpson winning a stage, Aaron Gate taking the under-23 honours and Shane Archbold first on points in 2011.
It is a much younger group just starting out on their international cycling lives that will tackle a tour that includes four former race winners including last year’s champion Gediminas Bagdonas (LTU) who will again ride for the An Post Sean Kelly Team.
The five-strong group will take on 34 teams of hardened professionals and promising amateurs in the eight day tour covering 1168kms and 28 categorised climbs to the north and west of Ireland to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the race.
The BikeNZ-Pure Black Racing team is Cameron Karwowski, Alex Frame, Taylor Gunman, Scott Creighton and Dion Smith.
New Zealand has enjoyed some success over the last three years in the event with Myron Simpson winning a stage, Aaron Gate taking the under-23 honours and Shane Archbold first on points in 2011.
It is a much younger group just starting out on their international cycling lives that will tackle a tour that includes four former race winners including last year’s champion Gediminas Bagdonas (LTU) who will again ride for the An Post Sean Kelly Team.
Caption: Cameron Karwowski in action in a Nations Cup Under-23 race in Europe. Credit: BikeNZ
Southland-based Cameron Karwowski is the only rider back from last year’s BikeNZ line-up and comes in with real expectation.
“It is very similar to the Tour of Southland at home,” Karwowski said. “It’s my second time riding this tour and I hope with my current form and experience from the race that I can pull off a stage win.
“I will be keeping my eye on the under-23 jersey too.”
Twenty-one year old Taylor Gunman said the group are motivated to complete their European campaign in style.
“It would be great to have a good run at the Tour of Ireland as our last race for the block. A result will be a great way to finish things off and show that a programme like this can really work.”
The 2.2 category rated Tour has attracted a number of international teams alongside New Zealand including teams from Denmark, Norway, Taiwan, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, German as well as a number of British and Irish teams.
As well as Bagdonas there are a number of strong international riders including three other former winners, while hopes of a local triumph are high from the likes of Martyn Irvine, who will represent Ireland in the omnium at the London Olympics.
Race director Dermot Dignam said the course is one of the toughest in many years.
“It is a route that is probably leaning more towards the climber than the all rounder,” said Dignam. "There is something tough in store every single day.”
The action begins on Sunday (local time) with a 147 km stage from Dunboyne to Kilkenny, the southern-most part of this year’s race.
The tour stages are:
Stage 1, Sunday May 20th: Dunboyne – Kilkenny, 147kms
Stage 2, Monday May 21st: Kilkenny – Gort, 158kms
Stage 3, Tuesday May 22nd: Gort – Westport, 145kms
Stage 4, Wednesday May 23rd: Westport – Bundoran, 135kms
Stage 5, Thursday May 24th: Bundoran – Buncrana, 149kms
Stage 6, Friday May 25th: Buncrana – Killybegs, 134kms
Stage 7, Saturday May 26th: Donegal - Cootehill, 161kms
Stage 8, Sunday May 27th: Cootehill – Skerries, 139kms
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Karwowski leads NZ under-23 team home in Ras Tour of Ireland opener
The New Zealand-Pure Black Racing cycling team all finished safely in the peloton on the opening stage of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today.
Poland’s Martin Bialoblocki (Britain Gordana Racing) edged out Denmark’s Jacob Nielsen (Denmark Blue Water) in the sprint finish after a late four-strong breakaway in the 147km opening stage from Dunboyne near Dublin south to Kilkenny with three categorised climbs.
There were three breaks during the mostly flat stage but none managed to put any serious time into the 100-strong peloton until a group of four went clear by 30 seconds with just 10kms remaining. While the peloton roared into life the quartet managed to hang on as Marcin Bialoblocki (Poland, Britain Giordana) took out the sprint with the pack just four seconds behind.
Southland’s Cameron Karwowski positioned himself well to be fourth across the line in the bunch sprint and eighth on the stage, with fellow Southlander Piet Bulling 13th and the rest of the BikeNZ-PBR under-23 team all safely home in the peloton.
“I wasn’t expecting the break to get away, but when we did I tried to save my legs and thankfully I took the win,” said Bialoblocki. “I’ll try to keep the yellow jersey now but it will be very hard with another seven days of racing ahead.”
Tomorrow’s second of eight stages is 158kms west to Gort near Galway, a mostly flat stage with one categorised climb on a stage that could present a breakaway opportunity.
Results, An Post Ras, stage 1, 147km Dunboyne to Kelkenny: Marcin Bialoblocki (POL, Britain Giordana) 3:09.04, 1; Jacob Nielsen (DEN, Denmark Blue Water) same time, 2; Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Switzerland Atlas) at 2sec, 3. Also New Zealanders: Cameron Karwowski at 6sec, 8; Piet Bulling same time, 13; Dion Smith st, 47; Taylor Gunman st, 56; Scott Creighton st, 88.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
CAPTION: Poland’s Marcin Bialoblocki celebrates the opening stage win in the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland at Kilkenny today.
Poland’s Martin Bialoblocki (Britain Gordana Racing) edged out Denmark’s Jacob Nielsen (Denmark Blue Water) in the sprint finish after a late four-strong breakaway in the 147km opening stage from Dunboyne near Dublin south to Kilkenny with three categorised climbs.
There were three breaks during the mostly flat stage but none managed to put any serious time into the 100-strong peloton until a group of four went clear by 30 seconds with just 10kms remaining. While the peloton roared into life the quartet managed to hang on as Marcin Bialoblocki (Poland, Britain Giordana) took out the sprint with the pack just four seconds behind.
Southland’s Cameron Karwowski positioned himself well to be fourth across the line in the bunch sprint and eighth on the stage, with fellow Southlander Piet Bulling 13th and the rest of the BikeNZ-PBR under-23 team all safely home in the peloton.
“I wasn’t expecting the break to get away, but when we did I tried to save my legs and thankfully I took the win,” said Bialoblocki. “I’ll try to keep the yellow jersey now but it will be very hard with another seven days of racing ahead.”
Tomorrow’s second of eight stages is 158kms west to Gort near Galway, a mostly flat stage with one categorised climb on a stage that could present a breakaway opportunity.
Results, An Post Ras, stage 1, 147km Dunboyne to Kelkenny: Marcin Bialoblocki (POL, Britain Giordana) 3:09.04, 1; Jacob Nielsen (DEN, Denmark Blue Water) same time, 2; Nicolas Baldo (FRA, Switzerland Atlas) at 2sec, 3. Also New Zealanders: Cameron Karwowski at 6sec, 8; Piet Bulling same time, 13; Dion Smith st, 47; Taylor Gunman st, 56; Scott Creighton st, 88.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
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