Hi folks,
Well our Age Group and U19 Omnium track team start heading off to Cambridge to do battle in the second and final stage of the National Points Shield retention this weekend, so a huge good luck and ride fast and safely to you all! Waikato-Bay of Plenty are currently one point ahead and with a team that is 81 riders strong versus our 35 riders – it will be a tough fight to retain the shield for a 10th consecutive year. But anything’s possible so all the very best to our crew. We know you will do us proud and all the hard work you have put in over recent months will not be wasted. The event runs from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 March.
Coaching course
Cycling NZ is holding a coaching course in Wanaka on March 24-26. Cycling Southland will pay for the course - upon successful completion of the qualification. However, you will have to sort your own place to stay up there.
It will run from 6pm to 8pm on the Friday evening and 8.30am to 4.30pm on the Sat and Sun.
The course is relevant to anyone who wishes to start coaching or anyone who is already coaching and would like to develop in this area.
CNZ Coaching Courses are now cross-coded enhancing the learning, therefore any cycle coach or educator will benefit.
The content will be (but is not limited to) the following:
• Your role as a coach • Coaching Principles – current worldwide research and practice
• Session Planning • Risk assessment/management/child safety/protection.
• Coaching practicals • Youth specific training guidelines and raising performance riders
• Coaching Communication & presentational skills
If you have already attended a CNZ course and wish to use this opportunity as professional development then there is no fee.
Contact the Cycling Southland office if you’re keen.
Security
There continues to be an issue around security in the lock up. Use of that area is a privilege, not a right. Please keep the door closed at all times unless you are getting your bike. New timers for the lights have been installed too so there is no need to switch them off.
We’re also having issues with youngsters playing under the track – security cameras have been identify them. The only reason you have to access the storage space under the track is to get your bike – it is not a race track.
Can all parents of junior riders and their siblings please advise them of this information too and make sure they’re only going where they’re allowed to go. Also, please let them know the cameras will easily identify those involved.
Road racing sponsorship
A big thanks to Craig Sadlier and his business Lawn Mowing & Garden Maintenance Specialists for sponsoring last Saturday’s road race. If you’re interested in showing support for road racing then do get in touch and we can work something out.
Fundraising
Planning is underway for a giant club raffle to help subsidise road racing and rider development. Details are still being sorted out but if you have a skill or service that you’d be willing to donate please contact Mark. He’s already been offered a trailer load of dry and split firewood.
We’re also looking at holding a giant ‘garage sale’ to get rid of some old equipment and will be looking at donations of cycling and non-cycling goods for that – might be a good time to clean out the garage! More details to come but if you’d like to help with that, please contact Bruce.
Road Racing
The township and surrounding district of Waikaka has banded together to sponsor this weekend’s Cycling Southland road race – the Waikaka Pub Special.
We are extremely appreciative of what this organising group is doing and we call on all road riders to show your support by registering and turning up for the race. Last year’s inaugural Waikaka event was a great day out and was well supported and hopefully this Saturday’s race will be equally as successful.
Sponsors are a crucial part of our sport and while there is no expectation from the townsfolk of Waikaka and it is in our best interest to ensure we get as many riders there as possible. Register here now
Sign on is at the Waikaka Hotel at 11:00am and the race kicks off at 11:30am and there is great prize money up for grabs.
Last Saturday’s Lawn Mowing and Garden Maintenance Specialists two-stage race attracted a small field check out the full race report
Red Team Shirts
If you are yet to collect your red team shirt for Track Nationals , please let me know so I can ensure one is put aside in your size.
Become a Commissaire!
Check out the scheduled 2017 courses for Road and Track, Mountain Bike and Cyclo-Cross Commissaires. Attending a Commissaires course is a great way to
learn more about the rules of racing. Ideal for not only those who would like to attend events as a Commissaire but also for coaches, parents, teachers, riders and club administrators.
Chat to your friends, your club and your centre and get behind these courses and learn more about what makes this sport tick! Check out the website here for the schedule of courses and contact Chris Foggin here to secure your spot.
Plunket Ride
Sid is co-ordinating the club’s involvement in the Pedal for Plunket fundraising event. It’s a fun country-wide cycle relay that staff from The Warehouse, Plunket and other supporters cycle the length of New Zealand in March to raise funds for Plunket.
If you would like to take part, then it leaves from Invercargill Warehouse at 10.30am on Thursday 23rd March headed for the finish at Stirling Point Bluff. Basically, it will be a fun social ride down to Bluff as part of the event, and then a bunch ride home. If you want any more info check out http://pedalforplunket.org.nz/ or have a yarn to Sid.
Vital Signs Tour de Lakes
Don’t forget to get your entries in for the popular Easter tour again this year. Download your entry form and entries close on Monday 20 March.
Track Closure
Please note that the track will be closed to all sessions, including Cyclofit, Lunch Roll and Wheelers and Flyers during Friday 17 to Sunday 19 March, due to a marching event being held in the Velodrome.