Cycle event locked in
Manawatu¯ will host the Gravel and Tar cycling event during Wellington Anniversary weekend in January, undaunted by Covid-19.
Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith said the return of the professional and amateur weekend of cycling would be a boost for local businesses challenged by the pandemic.
He said Palmerston North was a great supporter of cycling for leisure, sport and commuting. ‘‘Having an international UCI [the international cycling union] status event in Palmerston North will open the city up to awider audience.’’
As well as the Gravel and Tar classic and women’s races, which pay equal prize money, the event includes the Manawatu¯ Slicks and Stones 100 challenge for amateur cyclists.
New events next year open the way for cyclists not quite up to pedalling the full 100 kilometre course.
Chairman of the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust Bob Selden said Slicks and Stones was a tough challenge, and would retain that reputation, but two extra versions have been added.
Slicks and Stones Lite will be a 46km race that would be achievable for many more people. And there would also be an e-bike challenge over the same distance.
Selden said with e-bike sales forecast to overtake new car sales within three years, the trust decided to ‘‘get ahead of the curve’’.
E-bikes would increase interest in cycling for commuting, he said. ‘‘I can see Manawatu¯ becoming the e-bike capital of New
Zealand.’’
City council marketing and communications general manager Sacha Haskell said with the top races winning Cycling New Zealand’s cycling event of the year award, the Manawatu¯ event was becoming a highlight on the national sports calendar.
It had attracted international exposure of both the racing and the picturesque setting.
The trust had contingency plans in place if the event was to change.