Hi everyone,
What an epic start to the year it has been with the New Year series of racing turning out to be totally awesome.
Kicking off with the prestigious Gore to Invercargill Classic on Thursday night – one of NZ’s oldest road classics – we had a strong field of 48 riders line up and our 75-year-old speedy veteran Barry Harcourt was determined to set a record sadly this did not come to fruition and it was Christchurch’s Brent Spencer that claimed the glory from a strong bunch finish. Congrats to all those who rode so well in great conditions. Read the report here
Then it was the ILT New Year Carnival action to enjoy – two nights of mega racing from under 13s to seniors – and some fierce battles across all events. We had some great articles featured including a double act of Green twins a welcome home tribute for Tom Sexton from his first NZ team World Cup, an international flavour with our Danish import Magnus and a sublime keirin finale from speedster Brad. Huge congrats to all those who rode so well over the events and took out the main races.
Finally it was the popular Ascot Park Hotel Criteriums on Sunday and Otago’s US-based rider Patrick Jones returned to defend his title and defend it he did! Again there was some exceptional racing on display and it has all been a great lead-in to the upcoming Elite and Under 19 Track Nationals in Cambridge from 10 – 13 February and then the Age Group Track Nationals from 9 – 13 March here at the SIT Zero Fees Velodrome.
Junior Skinsuits
Accordingly, can I please have all junior squad Age group riders who have not already organised their Southland skinsuit contact me to arrange sizing as it will be disastrous if we do not have enough to cover you all – could be birthday suits folks!
Cycle Surgery & Zookeepers Café Wednesday Worlds
Our popular weekly summer series of racing restarts again tomorrow night Wednesday 27 January with a 6pm assembly at Rimu School until the end of the end of the season this year due to major road works on the Tisbury circuit. So meet along from Rimu School – but keep the car park clear once school restarts. Entry is $5 and racing starts at 6.30pm.
Vital Signs Tour de Lakes
Spread the word and get your entries in now for this epic annual Easter fixture. Details are here
Next Club Meeting – Meet Mark the GM
The next general club meeting will be held on Monday 15 February at 6pm in the Sarah Ulmer Lounge. All welcome so spread the word. An agenda will be circulated nearer the time.
Corporate Pursuit Helpers
We are still very keen to hear from any willing people to help out with the organisation of this year’s Corporate Pursuit event. If you are keen to help in any manner please don’t hesitate to contact us thanks
Skinsuit Wanted
Cam Karwowski is desperately hoping someone can help him out with a Carbon Speedsuit for the Elite Track Nationals next month, please contact me office@cyclingsouth.org.nz or Cam directly if you can assist.
Billet Required
Auckland under 17 rider Renee Young is after billeting during the Age Group Track Nationals as she coming down on her own and her accommodation plans have fallen apart. She flies into Invercargill on Tuesday 8 and travels back on Monday 14 March. Her coach promises she is a nice girl, well organised and quite independent. The Auckland team is still finalising its plans so can’t assist with Renee’s early planning. If anyone at all could possibly help out please give me a yodel and I’ll put you in touch with her coach Lynn Murphy. Thank you.
Juniors Bike Gearing
There appears to have been some miscommunication around gearing that affected some of the racing at the weekend. Please take note of the information below and ensure that you/your child is riding on the right gearing. If you are unsure about this please talk to your coach.
For all riders the following gear restrictions apply:
- Roll out 7.93m for U19s (M&F).
- Roll out 7.00m for U17s (M&F).
- Roll out 6.00m for U15s.
- Roll out 5.60m for U13s.
Tour de Lakes
Spread the word and get your entries in now for this epic annual Easter fixture. Details are here
Some more great media out there again today too with our very talented and highly successful Strong brothers – Hayden and Corbin – featuring again today after both reaping rewards over the New Year series Read all about it
Finally, our sympathy goes out to Janice Milne, In Christchurch, following the loss of her husband, Bob, early on Saturday morning. Bob was a Cycling Southland stalwart and a Life Member who did an amazing job for many years fundraising for the centre along with many other roles. He was also a competitive rider in his time. We have passed on our condolences to Janice on behalf of the organisation.
Well that’s it from the team here so have a great week and remember school resumes next week – so will normality for many families.