Manawatu riders focus on time trial

can go really hard for about 20 seconds then take a rest while the second rider comes through to take the wind.

Consequently, the average speed of the team is much faster than any of the individuals in the team could do alone.

However, to do this efficiently takes practice.

Manawatu schools will be spending a good portion of their time over the next four weeks in preparation, honing their formation and turning technique.

On Sunday the Levin Cycling Club hosted the West Coast North Island individual time trial championships.

This regional event is essentially the level between club and national championships and included riders from Levin right up to New Plymouth, so there is kudos in taking a title.

Manawatu riders who got on the podium were: Dra’s Caldwell and Ben Irwin (second and third respectively in under-15 boys); Libby Arbuckle (first in the under19 women); Michael Richmond (first under-17 boys); Glenn Kirk (first masters men 3), Nigel Doyle (first masters men 5); Dylan Simpson (first under-19 men); and Mitchell Kinghorn (first elite/open men).

Dylan set the fastest time for the long course, which shows his preparation is going well for the Youth Commonwealth Games next month where he is representing New Zealand.

As I write this report, Palmerston North riders Robert Stannard (Mitchelton Scott) and Alex West (New Zealand under-23 team) are competing in the ‘Baby’ Giro d’italia.

This is a week-long stage race around Italy for under-23 riders, and this year’s event has attracted 200 of the best riders in the world between 18 and 22, including a New Zealand team.

The top 10 riders at the end of this race will almost certainly get full professional contracts next year at the Pro-tour and Pro Continental level, so the racing is extremely competitive.

The final results should be available for next week’s column.

In other overseas news, Carne Groube and Joel Yates have begun their track and criterium racing campaign in Trexlertown, Pennsylvania.

Carne was 12th in the Riverton Criterium on Sunday, while both are placed well in the omnium event going through this week.