Italians coming for Classic
More international flavour has been added to the New Zealand Cycle Classic, with four Italian riders attending the event.
The Figros Snep team will be led by Italian national U23 rider Francesco Bettini throughout the five stage, UCI 2.2 race.
Bettini, the nephew of former pro cyclist and Olympic road champion Paolo Bettini, will be joined by promising Italian age group riders Francesco Mancini, Leonardo Tortomasi and Ricardo Marchesini.
New Zealand’s Ryan Christensen has also been signed to the team for the Cycle Classic and their 2017 European campaign.
‘‘Cycling in Italy is second only to religion,’’ race director Jorge Sandoval said. ‘‘People from around the world know Italy as a strong European cycling nation and having this team contest the New Zealand Cycle Classic and racing alongside the Colombians riders already announced, will create strong interest in the 2017 Classic and help enhance its standing internationally.’’
In December it was announced that seasoned Colombian pro Victor Nino Corredor and his compatriot and climbing specialist Wilmar Pere would be attending the event. Sandoval also announced that two more professional teams had been named to ride, with Philippines-based 7Eleven-Roadbike and IsoWhey Sports SwissWellness of Australia joining the field.
The 7Eleven team is led by experienced Spanish rider Nohales Nieto Edgar who will be supported by Jesse James Ewart, Craig Evers, Josh Berry and Dominic Perez. Patrick Lane leads the IsoWhey team, alongside Robbie Hucker, winner of the 2016 Tour of Taiwan, Sam Crome and Jeremy Cameron.
‘‘There are three powerful teams coming to Wairarapa later this month who all have the aim of taking the title back to their country.
‘‘With other teams already announced, including those made up of American, Colombian and New Zealand riders, this month’s tour is shaping up to be one of the best.’’