Gravel and Tar first big event of 150th year
Palmerstonnorth is kicking off its 150th anniversary celebrations hosting one of the country’s top cycle challenges.
The Manawatu¯ Cycling Spree is on Wellington Anniversary weekend and is a series of competitions including the worldclass Gravel and Tar Classic and La Femme races. It will be Palmerston North’s first big event for the city’s milestone year.
Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith said the Cycling Spree was part of a calendar packed with annual festivals, championships, conferences and a couple of special anniversary celebrations that showcased how far the city had come over the past century.
‘‘We’re proud of our history ... and excited about the way the city has changed, and we invite New Zealanders to come take a fresh look at what modern Palmy is all about.’’
On top of the regular yearly events, the council planned to hold a 150th anniversary celebration in June. The city will also host a New Zealand Historical Association conference in November, focusing on Palmerston North history.
Smith said more anniversary events would be unveiled in coming months, and people might be surprised by how different Palmerston North was to what they might expect. For example, Palmerston North might not spring immediately to mind for most Kiwis as a top-tier cycling destination.
The Manawatu¯ Cycling Spree consists of eight events and will start with the Criterium at Railway Reserve in Palmerston North tomorrow. It will end with the Retro Ride, a challenge that will see antique bicycles ride through the city’s streets on Sunday.
The main event will be the Gravel and Tar races between Feilding and Palmerston North on Saturday. Gravel and Tar is one of only eight cycling competitions in Oceania to receive level 2 accreditation from the Union Cycliste Internationale, the sport’s global governing organisation. It has three categories; the men and women’s professional races, the Classic and Le Femme and the Slicks and Stones amateur race.
The La Femmewill be the UCI’S first women’s road race of the year – making the winner the reigning world champion, at least until the next UCI race.