Bev May Women’s Tour to hit the road
For 28 years, the Harcourts Kevin Deane Real Estate Bev May Women’s Tour has been the premier Waikato cycling tour for women of all ages and ability.
This year the Bev May Women’s Tour will take place on Saturday February 18 and Sunday February 19.
The tour offers four road racing stages and a criterium and it has seven grades - A, B, C, U13, U15, U17 and Hand Cyclists.
To date more than 150 entries have been received from riders all over New Zealand and the world.
For Courteney Lowe, who is currently in the United States and started competitive cycling in 2008, Bev May was her role model, mentor and coach.
‘‘I felt honoured to learn about Bev’s successes and battles through her cycling career,’’ she said.
Bev also taught Courteney a saying that will stick with her for the rest of her cycling career. ‘‘I can. I will. I will show you.’’ With close to four years of injuries, surgeries and poor performance, Courteney is excited to be getting back on the road to race.
‘‘I’m thrilled to start the season off with the Bev May Women’s Tour and go back to my old training roads,’’ she said.
Fellow cyclist Pip Sutton said this will be the fifth time she has taken part in the Bev May Women’s Tour.
‘‘It’s awesome to meet women with the same passion as me,’’ she said.
‘‘I’ve come in at second in three tours in a row so it would be nice to go one better this year.’’
Pip said the tour is renowned for its supportive atmosphere, where all ages and ability levels are welcomed.
‘‘I wish all the competitors good luck. Race hard!’’
This tour relies on the help of volunteers for continued operation.
If you are a supporter, parent, spouse or just interested in helping, please call event manager Bev May on (07) 889 6979, to let her know about your availability.
Without sponsors, the event would not be the success it is.
‘‘We would like to thank our sponsors Harcourts KDRE, Liv, Ultimo Clothing, New World Morrinsville, Health2000, Rotary International Morrinsville and Bob’s Bikes for their support.’’
For more information on the event including start times and stage maps, visit www.morrinsvillewheelers. org.nz