Wednesday, January 8, 2020 Wairarapa Midweek
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International teams vie for title New Zealand
CYCLE CLASSIC
People from all around the world are tuning into the Wairarapa as it hosts the 2020 New Zealand Cycle Classic. Jorge Sandoval is staging the event of his life. As race director for the New Zealand Cycle Classic, the five-stage elite international men’s road cycling race and the only Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) sanctioned stage race to be held in New Zealand in 2020, he says all eyes are on the Wairarapa. “I’m looking forward to welcoming 17 teams to the Tour next week – the largest field in its 33-year history,” says Sandoval. “We’ve two teams from Japan, one from Sweden, Guam and Malaysia, six from Australia and six from New Zealand – with 12 nationalities represented.”
15 Jan 19 2020 Jan
WAIRARAPA
“With defending champion Aaron Gate riding for Black Spoke Pro Cycling, New Zealand’s newly launched UCI Continental team – there’s going to be plenty of exciting racing taking place from January 15th – 19th and plenty of global interest in who will take out the coveted yellow jersey.”
The NZ Cycle Classic takes riders around the townships of Masterton, Carterton and Martinborough as well on roads that pass through rolling rural countryside and past vineyards. It o° cially opens on Tuesday, 14th January at a special evening event in Queen Elizabeth Park. The following morning riders complete a 122km stage heading north of Masterton towards Eketahuna and back, before a small hill climb sees them finish outside the Masterton Golf Club in Lansdowne. Stage two sees riders make a return loop from Masterton to Gladstone, while stage three will be held around the pretty wine village of Martinborough. Stage four – known as the Queen Stage – will test riders to their maximum. “This
178.6km stage will be the longest and toughest stage in NZ Cycle Classic history. I’ve put a new twist on an old favourite by making it even harder! There are fast downhills, where riders will reach speeds up to 100km/ hr, and three major hill climbs before the final ascent up Admiral Hill which sees riders climb a total of 2784 meters of altitude.”
stage 5.
The Tour concludes with a 120km stage starting and finishing at Mitre 10 Mega Masterton.
The 2020 NZ Cycle Classic is made possible thanks to the generous support from Trust House, WBS, Mobile Communications Service, WIZwireless, Fagan Motors, Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton and Lion Foundation plus all three Wairarapa District Councils. It also brings together 61 specialised volunteers who carry out a variety of roles from marshalling, setting up the finish line and driving in the convoy.
Community events will also be held to celebrate the region’s bike-friendly roads, tracks and trails; the people that ride on them and the bikes they ride with. These include a picnic and fun ride in Masterton during the o° cial opening and a Sunday Funday before
“My team and I are very grateful for all the support from our sponsors and key stakeholders and together look forward to making this New Zealand’s biggest international cycle tour,” says Sandoval.
SHARED COMMUNITY SPACES Bringing Masterton Together
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE TOWN HALL Masterton District Council is working on one of the biggest decisions it will make in the next three years - whether or not to invest in a shared, multipurpose community facility, like a civic centre or Town Hall. The need for a decision comes after the Masterton Town Hall was closed due to seismic issues in 2016. The costs of a facility will be funded by the whole district through rates, up to $200 a year for a household in urban Masterton. So, if you’re in the Masterton district, it’s important you have your say about what YOU want. y Are you willing to pay for a new facility? y What do you think should be in it? y How important is the façade of the current building? y Would you be willing to pay extra to retain the façade?
Masterton District Council will be out and about during the NZ Cycle Classic asking locals for their views on this important issue. If you see us walking around, make sure you stop us for a chat. Alternatively, you can tell us what you think at: www.mastertontown.nz
MASTERTON DISTRICT COUNCIL