Women cyclists urged to join race

A popular cycle race has a green light to return to Manawatu¯, but organisers are urging more women to get involved.

Gravel and Tar has been granted accreditation by Union Cycliste Internationale, the global governing body for sports cycling, for the third consecutive year. However, a cap on team numbers may be enforced.

Although men’s teams are scrambling to get to the Gravel and Tar race as they chase series points, organisers say the hunt is on for more women’s teams.

The men’s elite race is a UCI 1.2 race, meaning it will attract points for international and New Zealand teams.

The women’s event, the Gravel and Tar La Femme, is in its second year and also classified as a UCI 1.2 level event.

Although there are more than 500 road cycling events listed under the union’s watch for 2020, the Gravel and Tar race on January 25 will be the first race of the year. It is also the only 1.2 level race in Oceania and Australasia.

Race director Steve Stannard said the lack of other women’s cycling events in New Zealand had hindered attendance.

‘‘Essentially, we are asking women’s teams to fly over ahead of the Australian tours and race for one day and, while the points are extremely important, the women’s teams aren’t as flush as the men’s teams.’’

Event organisers, the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust, added a

‘‘Essentially, we are asking women’s teams to fly over ahead of the Australian tours.’’

Race director Steve Stannard

women’s race last year to promote equality and offers equal prize money.

‘‘We have tried to get local and neighbouring cycle clubs to hold a criterium but to no avail. We feel we are doing our part and really need teams to step up and support the race,’’ Stannard said.

In the meantime, entries for the men’s race have come from as far as Sweden and Ireland, and would give the best Kiwi cyclists a good challenge.

Palmerston North’s Luke Mudgeway, riding for Irish team Evopro Cycling, was last year’s race winner, as was Australian, Brodie Chapman, riding for Oceania Women’s Cycling.

Manawatu cyclists Dylan Simpson, left, Thomas Stannard, Madi Hartley-brown and Carne Groube, in January before the previous Gravel and Tar Classic.

Gravel and Tar 2019 winner Ethan Berends, from Australia.