Double winning day for RaboDirect NZ cyclists in Australian Tour
BikeNZ’s leading under-23 riders have enjoyed double success in one of Australia’s leading events on the prestigious Tour of the Murray River in Australia today.
Auckland’s Myron Simpson took out this morning’s third stage criterium at Numurkah, two and a half hours north of Melbourne while fellow RaboDirect New Zealand teammate Aaron Gate took out the afternoon’s fourth stage over 82kms to nearby Nathalia.
The team, comprising BikeNZ’s leading under-23 endurance track riders, are completing a successful five month campaign in Europe, stopping off for a final event in Australia. BikeNZ has used the campaign as a build-up towards the track season as these riders push for selection in the team for the London Olympics.
The morning criterium was well set up on the tight 850km lap circuit, with Timaru’s Shane Archbold powering to the front with two corners remaining to lead-out Simpson for the comfortable win.
The afternoon stage was short but strong cross winds made it challenge. The expected break came with 10kms to go, with both Wes Gough and Gate making it safely into the small leading bunch. The Hawkes Bay rider showed his experience to lead the peloton into the formal corner to set things up for Gate to sprint clear, winning emphatically. He has pushed provisionally up to third place on general classification after four stages of the 850kms tour over eight days.
“It’s been a great day for the team,” said Director Sportif Gordon McCauley. “This morning’s stage was so tight that we knew we had to have both riders in front by the second to last corner and they did it well.
“The afternoon was brutal in the wind and we did well to get two up into the break that we knew would come and from there Wes was excellent and Gatey was much too good for them.”
Simpson said the team was in good spirits after the long campaign and pleased with their form.
“The boys were really good today. They got together with a few laps to go and the lead out was perfect,” said Simpson. “I didn’t have to beat up into the wind until the final 100m before the line. They just did it perfectly.
“This is our last road race as a team so we are keen to do well. Then we have a little bit of power work to do as a track-specific stuff for October.
“It’s been a long five months but we had a break in the middle and a good training camp so it was split up well with lots of really tough racing in different countries. We are all riding well and happy to get the results.”
Tomorrow is a 71km stage in the morning from Echuca to Kyabram and 30km criterium in the afternoon in Rochester.
For further information contact:
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
10 Medals: UCI Junior Track World Championships wrap
This time a week ago New Zealand’s top junior track cyclists were facing the competition of their life at the UCI Junior Track World Championships in Moscow.
The team came home with ten medals, a record for any BikeNZ team at this competition!
Click Here to read campaign wrap to find out how close the women’s team pursuit was to winning the bronze medal, and to find out what makes Stephanie McKenzie’s three medals even more impressive…
New Zealand will host the 2012 UCI Junior Track World Championships in Invercargill next August. Judging by the team’s recent success, this will be an event not to be missed!
www.juniorworlds2012.com
Sarah van Boheemen l Communications Executive l BikeNZ
The team came home with ten medals, a record for any BikeNZ team at this competition!
Click Here to read campaign wrap to find out how close the women’s team pursuit was to winning the bronze medal, and to find out what makes Stephanie McKenzie’s three medals even more impressive…
New Zealand will host the 2012 UCI Junior Track World Championships in Invercargill next August. Judging by the team’s recent success, this will be an event not to be missed!
www.juniorworlds2012.com
Sarah van Boheemen l Communications Executive l BikeNZ
Spring Race Program Now Posted
Click here http://www.ramblers.co.nz/files/Spring_2011.pdf to view the Spring Race series programme starting with this Saturdays Tuki Tuki Race.
Note the new "Gentle Annie" event.
Note the new "Gentle Annie" event.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Jeremy Yates wins stage in the Tour De Victory
Kiwi pro cyclist Jeremy Yates has broken a 7 year drought winning a stage in Europe, this time in the Tour of Victory. The New Zealand National Road Series Champion was racing the tour in Slovenia
Afterwards Yates dedicated the win to a lost friend."To the memory of Brenda Oliver. Ollie and his family and the boys at The Hub Cycle Centre in Hastings, who this week lost the iconic figure who has been a mother to us all. She was a corner stone of the cycling community in Hawkes Bay will be greatly missed by all who knew her."
Full story and excellent commentary here: http://www.sportzhub.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12939
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Afterwards Yates dedicated the win to a lost friend."To the memory of Brenda Oliver. Ollie and his family and the boys at The Hub Cycle Centre in Hastings, who this week lost the iconic figure who has been a mother to us all. She was a corner stone of the cycling community in Hawkes Bay will be greatly missed by all who knew her."
Full story and excellent commentary here: http://www.sportzhub.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12939
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BikeNZ cyclist claims second Pro Tour stage victory in Europe
BikeNZ rider Jesse Sergent has won his second overall stage race victory on the pro tour when he took out the Tour International du Poitou-Charentes in France today.
The 23 year old from Feilding managed to finish safely in the peloton to retain his overall advantage on general classification for his Radioshack team in the five-stage tour.
The day was not without drama after Sergent punctured 15km from the finish but teammates Robbie Hunter and close friend and fellow Olympian Sam Bewley rode themselves to a standstill to get the leader back into the peloton on the final stage, a 171km super-fast stage to Poitiers. Teammate Yaroslav Popovych had given up his wheel with the Radioshack support car too far back to offer a quick change.
Sergent, the world champion silver medallist in the individual pursuit, set up the overall honours with a strong performance to claim the time trial yesterday. He is expected to play a central role in BikeNZ’s Olympic hopes on the track in London next year and his victory on the road today followed a win earlier in the season in the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen.
“What an incredible day,” said Sergent. “When I flatted everything looked over as the peloton was split in different parts at that moment and the team car was too far behind.
“With the support of Robbie Hunter and Sam Bewley who rode themselves ‘empty’ we managed to come back.”
Team Sky, taking advantage of the puncture, pushed second placed Alex Dowset into the lead on the road before Sergent responded. After getting back on to the leading bunch, another teammate Michal Kwiatkowski, who was second on general classification, abandoned his overall hopes to ensure the New Zealander to bridge up to the flying Sky attackers.
“My teammate brought me to that final climb and then I had to sprint as fast as possible to the line. Fortunately Dowsett could only take six seconds.”
“This victory was a nice collective performance,” said team director Dirk Demol.
“Afterwards we controlled the race and they did a perfect job. Then in the final 15km when Jesse flatted it was almost all of that work for nothing, but it all ended well.”
“I am especially glad that it all worked out as the team worked so hard,” said Sergent. “This was one of the fastest stages of this Tour and racing in France is always pretty tough. Attacks, attacks, attacks.”
Sergent will start on Monday (NZ time) in the Grand Prix de Plouay
Overall Classification Tour International du Poitou-Charentes:
Jesse Sergent (NZL, Team RadioShack) 15:14:40; 1; Alex Dowsett (Team Sky) at 18sec, 2; Michal Kwiatkowski (Team RadioShack) at 18s, 3.
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
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The 23 year old from Feilding managed to finish safely in the peloton to retain his overall advantage on general classification for his Radioshack team in the five-stage tour.
The day was not without drama after Sergent punctured 15km from the finish but teammates Robbie Hunter and close friend and fellow Olympian Sam Bewley rode themselves to a standstill to get the leader back into the peloton on the final stage, a 171km super-fast stage to Poitiers. Teammate Yaroslav Popovych had given up his wheel with the Radioshack support car too far back to offer a quick change.
Sergent, the world champion silver medallist in the individual pursuit, set up the overall honours with a strong performance to claim the time trial yesterday. He is expected to play a central role in BikeNZ’s Olympic hopes on the track in London next year and his victory on the road today followed a win earlier in the season in the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen.
“What an incredible day,” said Sergent. “When I flatted everything looked over as the peloton was split in different parts at that moment and the team car was too far behind.
“With the support of Robbie Hunter and Sam Bewley who rode themselves ‘empty’ we managed to come back.”
Team Sky, taking advantage of the puncture, pushed second placed Alex Dowset into the lead on the road before Sergent responded. After getting back on to the leading bunch, another teammate Michal Kwiatkowski, who was second on general classification, abandoned his overall hopes to ensure the New Zealander to bridge up to the flying Sky attackers.
“My teammate brought me to that final climb and then I had to sprint as fast as possible to the line. Fortunately Dowsett could only take six seconds.”
“This victory was a nice collective performance,” said team director Dirk Demol.
“Afterwards we controlled the race and they did a perfect job. Then in the final 15km when Jesse flatted it was almost all of that work for nothing, but it all ended well.”
“I am especially glad that it all worked out as the team worked so hard,” said Sergent. “This was one of the fastest stages of this Tour and racing in France is always pretty tough. Attacks, attacks, attacks.”
Sergent will start on Monday (NZ time) in the Grand Prix de Plouay
Overall Classification Tour International du Poitou-Charentes:
Jesse Sergent (NZL, Team RadioShack) 15:14:40; 1; Alex Dowsett (Team Sky) at 18sec, 2; Michal Kwiatkowski (Team RadioShack) at 18s, 3.
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
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Friday, August 26, 2011
Memorial Ride 27th August – Saturday Race Cancelled
It is with heavy hearts that the committee wishes to inform Ramblers club members of the passing of Brenda Oliver.
Many of you will know Brenda from your visits to The Hub Cycle Centre, which she ran with husband Rob.
Brenda and Rob were the ones who initiated our Saturday racing as we know it; taking registrations, organising grades, doing briefings (and Rob still managing to race as well). Ever since they first became involved with Ramblers, Brenda and Rob have always been strong supporters of the club, it's members and the events we run.
As a mark of respect, the Glengary/Apley race this Saturday 27th August is cancelled. A memorial ride, one lap of Apley, will be held instead. We invite you to join us.
Please meet at Puketapu School at the usual time and the memorial ride will begin at 2pm.
Tea, coffee, milo and biscuits will be available after the ride.
No race fee will be charged, however, gold coin donations for the Oliver family will be gratefully received. A start list will be available to sign, which will be given to the Oliver family.
Our thoughts are with Rob, and his family at this very sad time.
Winter Series
As tomorrow was to be the final race of the winter series and it is now cancelled in lieu of the memorial for Brenda Oliver, points in the Winter Series will stand as effective from last week’s race, 20th August. We are sure grades will understand given the circumstances.
Congratulations to the grade winners. We know you look forward to the start of the summer series next week. Remember to see Club Captain, Hilary, if you wish to change grades.
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Many of you will know Brenda from your visits to The Hub Cycle Centre, which she ran with husband Rob.
Brenda and Rob were the ones who initiated our Saturday racing as we know it; taking registrations, organising grades, doing briefings (and Rob still managing to race as well). Ever since they first became involved with Ramblers, Brenda and Rob have always been strong supporters of the club, it's members and the events we run.
As a mark of respect, the Glengary/Apley race this Saturday 27th August is cancelled. A memorial ride, one lap of Apley, will be held instead. We invite you to join us.
Please meet at Puketapu School at the usual time and the memorial ride will begin at 2pm.
Tea, coffee, milo and biscuits will be available after the ride.
No race fee will be charged, however, gold coin donations for the Oliver family will be gratefully received. A start list will be available to sign, which will be given to the Oliver family.
Our thoughts are with Rob, and his family at this very sad time.
Winter Series
As tomorrow was to be the final race of the winter series and it is now cancelled in lieu of the memorial for Brenda Oliver, points in the Winter Series will stand as effective from last week’s race, 20th August. We are sure grades will understand given the circumstances.
Congratulations to the grade winners. We know you look forward to the start of the summer series next week. Remember to see Club Captain, Hilary, if you wish to change grades.
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Fraser Gough and Jeremy Vennell Make Worlds Teams
Tour de France star Julian Dean has been named among a long list squad to be considered for selection for next month’s UCI World Road Cycling Championships in Copenhagen.
BikeNZ have named five elite men from which a maximum three spots are available for the road race, over 17 laps and 266kms of a mostly flat course that is expected to suit the sprinters.
Dean, the two-time national champion, completed his seventh Tours de France this year earning a spot on the final podium with his Garmin Cervelo emerging as leading team.
The rest of the long list squad in elite men comprises Pro Tour riders Greg Henderson (Team Sky) and Jesse Sergent (Radioshack), and Pro Continental cyclists Jack Bauer (Endura Racing) and Jeremy Vennell (Team Bissell).
There are two places also available for the time trial.
Two-time world champion medallist Linda Villumsen (AA Drink-Leontien.nl), the Swedish-based pro tour team, is the only rider currently nominated for the elite women.
Four riders have also been selected for the Men’s Under-23 squad with three spots available for the road race, with two places open for the time trial.
“We are delighted that Julian Dean has put his hand up for selection for the World Championships. The course at Copenhagen should suit Julian’s sprinting skills,” said Bike NZ’s Road Director Sportif, Andy Reid.
“There has been plenty of interest from riders to be considered for selection for the World Championships. Obviously we expect that Julian will be the leader of this team and we will be looking at the make-up of the other riders to provide the best possible support for Julian.
“We have taken into consideration performances during the year, athlete’s access to high level competition in the build up to the world championships and riders’ current form.”
Reid said with the BikeNZ female endurance track cyclists not considered, as they prepare towards their campaign for Olympic track selection, Villumsen was the standout in the women’s ranks.
“Linda has won a bronze medal in the time trial at each of the last two world championships and is performing week in and week out at the highest level in Europe.
“Several other leading candidates like Rushlee Buchanan, Jo Kiesanowski and Alison Shanks are all involved in the track programme while the national road champion, Cath Cheatley is still recovering from injury.
“We have two riders competing in the Holland Ladies Tour and we will evaluate their form next week to determine if they are riding at a level that could provide support for Linda.”
The four riders named in the long list squad for under-23 selection include James Williamson (Pure Black, Alexandra), George Bennett (Trek Livestrong, Nelson), Tom David (UCS Crabbe Performance, Auckland) and Jason Christie (NZ U23, Ashburton).
“We have three spots available for the road race and two for the time trial for the Under-23s and will make a final selection for the time trial following the UCI 1.2 category Chrono Champenois in France in two weeks as a final guide.
“Overall we believe we will have strong representation for the World Championships when we confirm the final line-ups at pre race registration.”
The long list squads are: Elite men (3 road, 2 time trial available): Julian Dean Garmin Cervelo), Greg Henderson (Team Sky), Jack Bauer (Endura Racing), Jesse Sergent (Radioshack), Jeremy Vennell (Team Bissell).
Elite women (3 road, 2 time trial available): Linda Villumsen (AA Drink-Leontien.nl). (one or two riders may be added).
U23 Men (3 Road, 2 time trial available): James Williamson (Pure Black, Alexandra), George Bennett (Trek Livestrong, Nelson), Jason Christie (NZ U23, Ashburton), Tom David (UCS Crabbe Performance, Auckland)
Confirmed team for Junior Under-19, men: James Oram (Auckland, road and time trial), Fraser Gough (Havelock North, road and time trial), Dion Smith (Auckland, road), Alex Frame (Christchurch, road), Hayden McCormick (Te Awamutu, road).
Junior women: Georgia Williams (Auckland, time trial and road), Sophie Williamson (Alexandra, road).
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
- Posted using BlogPress
BikeNZ have named five elite men from which a maximum three spots are available for the road race, over 17 laps and 266kms of a mostly flat course that is expected to suit the sprinters.
Dean, the two-time national champion, completed his seventh Tours de France this year earning a spot on the final podium with his Garmin Cervelo emerging as leading team.
The rest of the long list squad in elite men comprises Pro Tour riders Greg Henderson (Team Sky) and Jesse Sergent (Radioshack), and Pro Continental cyclists Jack Bauer (Endura Racing) and Jeremy Vennell (Team Bissell).
There are two places also available for the time trial.
Two-time world champion medallist Linda Villumsen (AA Drink-Leontien.nl), the Swedish-based pro tour team, is the only rider currently nominated for the elite women.
Four riders have also been selected for the Men’s Under-23 squad with three spots available for the road race, with two places open for the time trial.
“We are delighted that Julian Dean has put his hand up for selection for the World Championships. The course at Copenhagen should suit Julian’s sprinting skills,” said Bike NZ’s Road Director Sportif, Andy Reid.
“There has been plenty of interest from riders to be considered for selection for the World Championships. Obviously we expect that Julian will be the leader of this team and we will be looking at the make-up of the other riders to provide the best possible support for Julian.
“We have taken into consideration performances during the year, athlete’s access to high level competition in the build up to the world championships and riders’ current form.”
Reid said with the BikeNZ female endurance track cyclists not considered, as they prepare towards their campaign for Olympic track selection, Villumsen was the standout in the women’s ranks.
“Linda has won a bronze medal in the time trial at each of the last two world championships and is performing week in and week out at the highest level in Europe.
“Several other leading candidates like Rushlee Buchanan, Jo Kiesanowski and Alison Shanks are all involved in the track programme while the national road champion, Cath Cheatley is still recovering from injury.
“We have two riders competing in the Holland Ladies Tour and we will evaluate their form next week to determine if they are riding at a level that could provide support for Linda.”
The four riders named in the long list squad for under-23 selection include James Williamson (Pure Black, Alexandra), George Bennett (Trek Livestrong, Nelson), Tom David (UCS Crabbe Performance, Auckland) and Jason Christie (NZ U23, Ashburton).
“We have three spots available for the road race and two for the time trial for the Under-23s and will make a final selection for the time trial following the UCI 1.2 category Chrono Champenois in France in two weeks as a final guide.
“Overall we believe we will have strong representation for the World Championships when we confirm the final line-ups at pre race registration.”
The long list squads are: Elite men (3 road, 2 time trial available): Julian Dean Garmin Cervelo), Greg Henderson (Team Sky), Jack Bauer (Endura Racing), Jesse Sergent (Radioshack), Jeremy Vennell (Team Bissell).
Elite women (3 road, 2 time trial available): Linda Villumsen (AA Drink-Leontien.nl). (one or two riders may be added).
U23 Men (3 Road, 2 time trial available): James Williamson (Pure Black, Alexandra), George Bennett (Trek Livestrong, Nelson), Jason Christie (NZ U23, Ashburton), Tom David (UCS Crabbe Performance, Auckland)
Confirmed team for Junior Under-19, men: James Oram (Auckland, road and time trial), Fraser Gough (Havelock North, road and time trial), Dion Smith (Auckland, road), Alex Frame (Christchurch, road), Hayden McCormick (Te Awamutu, road).
Junior women: Georgia Williams (Auckland, time trial and road), Sophie Williamson (Alexandra, road).
IAN HEPENSTALL
Media Liaison, BikeNZ High Performance
Sports Media NZ Ltd
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Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Saturday Racing: 27th August 2011
Race Circuit: Apley/Glengary/Puketitiri Roads circuit
Distances: A-D 57km; E-G - 33km
Venue: Puketapu School
Registration: 1pm
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Dylan Stewart
Race Day Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895
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Distances: A-D 57km; E-G - 33km
Venue: Puketapu School
Registration: 1pm
Race start time: 2pm
Race Starter: Dylan Stewart
Race Day Emergency Phone: 027 426 6895
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Race Fees: Come on people...
Almost every week Ramblers event fees are down... We rely on your honesty and integrity to make sure you pay your race fee ($3 per Saturday). Paying us in foreign coin, in play counters or old milk tokens is not helpful.
If you are wondering what your race fee is for – it contributes towards afternoon tea, venue hire and timing/results. Race fees do not always cover all race costs, and for every dollar we are short, that is less money available to assist riders in other ways.
Please pay your $3 each week – it’s not much for several healthy hours of entertainment, and a cuppa as well.
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If you are wondering what your race fee is for – it contributes towards afternoon tea, venue hire and timing/results. Race fees do not always cover all race costs, and for every dollar we are short, that is less money available to assist riders in other ways.
Please pay your $3 each week – it’s not much for several healthy hours of entertainment, and a cuppa as well.
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Ramblin On – Deadline Looms!
A reminder that the deadline for articles is this Sunday (28 August). Please email articles, reports and anything else for the magazine through to Dave davemarett@paradise.net.nz
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Grand Final CXHB: Chesterhope Park, Hastings
CXHB ‘s last race of the inaugural series is this coming Sunday.
Go to http://cxhb.blogspot.com/ for the link to access a map to Pakowhai Country Park (riverside of stock bank via Farndon Road).
Entry fee: $10 (A and B grade)
Kids Race - free
There are cash prizes for overall series winners and some great prizes to be won.
Children will be racing for series medals and spot prizes up for grabs.
There will be a BBQ on the go from 11am well also have a few refreshments.
CXHB have had several out-of-towners racing, so if you know of someone coming for the event, encourage them to come on Saturday and join RCC for the Glengary Race. If you can put up someone for the night, let Andrew know so he can pass on your generous offer if needed.
For further information, or to offer a bed to a cycling visitor, email blackpeloton@gmail.com
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Go to http://cxhb.blogspot.com/ for the link to access a map to Pakowhai Country Park (riverside of stock bank via Farndon Road).
Entry fee: $10 (A and B grade)
Kids Race - free
There are cash prizes for overall series winners and some great prizes to be won.
Children will be racing for series medals and spot prizes up for grabs.
There will be a BBQ on the go from 11am well also have a few refreshments.
CXHB have had several out-of-towners racing, so if you know of someone coming for the event, encourage them to come on Saturday and join RCC for the Glengary Race. If you can put up someone for the night, let Andrew know so he can pass on your generous offer if needed.
For further information, or to offer a bed to a cycling visitor, email blackpeloton@gmail.com
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Congratulations Fraser Gough
Last week a special eNews informed you that Fraser and his team mates claimed a bronze medal in the Team Pursuit at the Junior Track Worlds. He topped this off two days later with a silver medal in the Madison with team-mate Alex Frame.
Fraser is back to Belgium for a few weeks of road training, before heading to the Road Junior Worlds in Copenhagen next month.
If you wish to follow Fraser’s exploits, go to http://frasergough.blogspot.com/
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Fraser is back to Belgium for a few weeks of road training, before heading to the Road Junior Worlds in Copenhagen next month.
If you wish to follow Fraser’s exploits, go to http://frasergough.blogspot.com/
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Taupo-Napier Race
Would you like to be part of this iconic race on 24th September? Some event crew are still needed. Please contact Event Manager, Owen Cleverton owenandkim@xtra.co.nz if you can help out.
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Part of an Organised Team?
John McKenzie at NZ RoadCyclist magazine is trying to gather information for an article on all organised cycling teams across the country. If you are part of one, or know someone who is, please email John with the following information;
team name,
250 words about the team (where from, what racing do, goals how formed when formed),
team roster,
biggest successes,
sponsors and
one image/picture.
Email John at john@enthuse.co.nz
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team name,
250 words about the team (where from, what racing do, goals how formed when formed),
team roster,
biggest successes,
sponsors and
one image/picture.
Email John at john@enthuse.co.nz
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Club Uniform: Order NOW
You have had plenty of opportunities now to see how stylish our new uniform looks, so if you want to get new kit (or add more items to your cycling wardrobe) it’s not too late to place an order. Please email Deb info@ramblers.co.nz with the item, size and quantity required so she can add your order to the list.
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