Schools cycling underway with criterium
Manawatu schools cycling began its first series of races at the weekend, when 67 riders turned up at Linton Army camp for four criterium races.
Winners were Michael Richmond (A grade), Aiden Jones (B grade, combined with A), Caleb Faulkner (C grade), Holly Mcinnes (D grade), and Josh Mulchay (E grade).
The big turn out and quality riding shows once again the depth of junior cycling the region.
The New Zealand domestic road season finished last week with club nationals, so all eyes turn to Australia and the Northern Hemisphere races.
Across the ditch, both Jacob Sievwright and Chris Denholm competed in the 228km Grafton to Inverell Classic.
Chris had an outstanding race, finishing 16th in a group just 27 seconds behind the race winner Neil van der Ploeg, while Jacob finished in the main bunch about 30 minutes behind.
With most of the Australian-based professional teams competing, the race was a huge step up for these local lads.
In the United States, Michaela Drummond completed the Amagen women’s Race in California.
It’s the Women’s World Tour, so the racing doesn’t get much bigger or harder, and it’s Michaela’s first race at that level.
She has handled the step up to this level with aplomb.
Meanwhile, in Italy, Robert Stannard (Mitchelton Scott/under-23 Australia) and Alex West (New Zealand national team) rode in the 170km Gran Premio Industrie Del Marmo UCI race.
At the same time, the Giro d’italia is the main focus of international cycling, and a race second only in popularity to the Tour de France.
Unlike other years, there are no Kiwis in the peloton of this mountainous three-week Italian tour, but there are a couple of New Zealand riders who will be keeping their powder dry for the Tour de France starting in six weeks’ time.
On the recreational front, the Manfield 6-hour cycling challenge is on next weekend.
As usual, a big turn out is expected for what is an enjoyable event.
A big thanks to Mike and Christine Christie for their hard work and dedication in organising this event since it’s inception nearly 10 years ago.