Coastal Wine Cycles

Mates on Tour - come to the NZ Elite National Road Cycling Champs

Carnival events running alongside the annual Elite and U23 Road National Championships being held in Napier in early January are set to attract thousands keen on soaking up the atmosphere and riding their bikes in Hawkes Bay.

Six exciting family friendly events for riders of all ages include the Black Barn Vineyards Criterium on Marine Parade in downtown Napier on 4 January that will also see the Bay Espresso Family Fun Ride giving families and recreational riders the chance to ride on the closed street circuit before the more serious cyclists tackle the criterium.

On 5 January the action shifts to the A & P Showgrounds in Hastings, which is the starting point for the iWay Ride, a casual 40 kilometre return trip by bike to Te Awanga Estate where cyclists will get to rub shoulders with former professional cyclist and triple winner of the Tour de France's green jersey, Australian Robbie McEwen, as well as some other cycling legends and well known identities who are expected to join in the fun.

Church Road Winery hosts the Traffic Design Group Flying Lap on 6 January, a 20 kilometre time trial that gives recreational riders the chance to test themselves on one lap of the Elite time trial course, with the fastest rider receiving a trophy.

The Tineli Gran Fondo Ride on 7 January gives cyclists the chance to ride for 90 minutes on the Napier Hill section of the elite road race, while kids are encouraged to enter the Avanti Dress Your Bike Competition on 8 January.

The 2017 Elite Road Championships between Friday 6 and Sunday 8 January open with the time trials, followed by the women’s, men’s and under -23 races, finishing with the Legends of Cycling Dinner at Church Road Winery, being held in Napier for the first time featuring special guests New Zealand’s most successful professional cyclist Julian Dean, and McEwen.

Organisers hope to see more cycling fans from throughout New Zealand getting groups of friends together to come to Hawkes Bay with their bikes, taking the opportunity to explore the fantastic riding terrain that includes 200 kilometres of cycle trials, visit the wineries and then take in the action of the elite racing.

Cycling New Zealand’s Chief Executive Andrew Matheson is looking forward to the upcoming Carnival, citing the success of this year’s event. “The 2016 Elite event was held on a challenging course which showcased the country’s top and up-and-coming road cycling talent, while also providing a great experience for spectators,” he says.

“It was great to see Napier and the wider Hawke’s Bay embrace cycling and we are excited to be bringing elite racing back to Napier for a second year. Napier has put itself on the map as a cycling destination – the city has proven it has both the ability and the support of the community to deliver an outstanding championships event.”

For more information on Carnival events, go to summercyclingcarnival.co.nz. The Black Barn Vineyards Criterium and Tineli Gran Fondo Ride are being hosted by Ramblers Cycling Club and require registration prior to the events being held. For more information go to ramblers.co.nz

East Coast and Hawkes Bay cleaning up after flooding

East Coast and Hawkes Bay cleaning up after flooding

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