Pedal to the metal at international race
Cyclists put their best pedal forward in the 130-kilometre Gravel and Tar Classic race in Manawatu¯ .
Teams from Australia, a cyclist from England and New Zealand teams raced through Palmerston North, Ashhurst and Pohangina in the newly internationally accredited cycle race on Saturday.
The distinctive race features cyclists riding on sections of gravel, as well as tar seal.
In late 2017, Gravel and Tar was awarded 1.2 level status by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) – the world governing body for sports cycling.
Only eight other races in Oceania have that level of accreditation.
Gravel and Tar event helper Katherine Stannard said the new ranking put the event on the world stage and allowed cyclists to gain UCI points that go towards their rankings.
The new status has already gained traction, with five teams of 11 coming from Australia for this year’s race, she said.
It is the third year the race has been held.
The winner of the Gravel and Tar race was Ethan Berends, riding for Australian team Mobius Bridgelane.
Berends rode the 130km track in 3 hours and 25 minutes.
Second place went to Michael Torkler and third place went to Hayden McCormick.
There was also a 70km race and an easy ride along the Manawatu¯ River that took place on Saturday afternoon.
The morning began with a leisurely bike ride through the city and along the river that saw people dressed up in their best retro threads.
Colin Barnes from Hawke’s Bay rode along on his pennyfarthing, which has one large wheel at the front and a small wheel at the back.
The bikes were popular around the 1880s.
Entertainment could also be heard throughout the day on George St, which was closed off to vehicles.
‘‘The new status has already gained traction, with five teams of 11 coming from Australia for this year's race. It is the third year the race has been held. The winner was Ethan Berends.’’