The inaugural Vital Signs Fight for Yellow two day tour was held over the weekend of the 30th and 31st of March. The Tour was developed from Mike and Tania of Vital Signs desire to see that a tour was available after the long-running Tour de Lakes finished last year. Matt Zenovich was also involved from the start, determined to provide a challenging set of stages showcasing what was available locally.
The Tour had excellent support with 59 entries over 4 grades for the 5 stage event, with riders travelling from as far away as Christchurch. The Tour was also well support by local sponsors with Vital Signs continuing as naming sponsor, and stage sponsorship from the Matuara Licensing Trust, Southland Commercial and Car Painters, Placemakers (Southland), Wensley’s Cycles, SBA Accounting (Invercargill) and Fat Hippo Design Group.
The first day was based in Wyndham with 2 road stages followed by a short but challenging TT. The racing was held in perfect conditions and having a central location for the start and finish of each stage was well received.
The second day was based at the Croydon Lodge in Gore which proved to be an ideal venue. The first of the days stages was a 9k lap around the lodge. The 5th and final 72km stage started 4km from the lodge and looped through Glencoe and Te Tipua before finishing back in Gore.
As with all events it was very fortunate to have plenty of support, especially Cycling Southland, and the volunteer team including Commissaries, Medics, Manager, Time Keepers, Marshalls and drivers. A special thanks to the Gore and Wyndham communities for allowing us to host the event and being patient on the roads, and finally the Croydon Lodge for the hosting of the Prize giving.
As the name suggests it was a Fight for Yellow with a Yellow Jersey and a most aggressive jersey up for grabs in each grade.
A Grade Yellow Hamish Keast Most Aggressive La’chlan Robertson
B Grade Yellow Shane Pointon Most Aggressive Alan Strong
C Grade Yellow Aaron Fitzsimons Most Aggressive Kerry Russell
D Grade Yellow Rhylee Akeroyd Most Aggressive Rhylee Akeroyd