The Wairarapa’s sought after location as a road cycling destination has been strengthened following today’s announcement that another international event will be held there in 2020.
Cycling race director Jorge Sandoval will stage the inaugural international Australasian Masters Cycling Championships over Easter weekend 2020 (April 10-13). The championships will encompass three separate events – one criterium, one-time trial and one road race – and be held on circuits already used in the UCI 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic and in the Trust House North Island Team Series. The event has been endorsed by Cycling New Zealand as a recognised event and is see expected to attract masters (35years plus) cyclists from around New Zealand and Australia including past national champions
Entries open 12 August 2019. Check out http://masterscycling.co.nz/ for more information.
It will be the first time a master’s championship of this nature has been held in New Zealand and Jorge believes the timing is perfect.
“Masters riders commonly provide the largest number of participants in fun races and competitive races within in New Zealand. Between the months of September to May each year, club races are held with men and women over the age of 35 years getting out on their bikes and giving it their all,” he said.
“The inaugural Australasian Masters Cycling champs will not only fill a gap in the market for riders but I believe will also attract lots more riders and their families to Wairarapa, a region which already hosts the only Union Cycliste Internationale stage race in New Zealand, the NZ Cycle Classic, and the Trust House North Island Team Series for our top male riders.”
Destination Wairarapa general manager David Hancock says having Wairarapa chosen as the location for this new event confirms the regions status as a major road cycle racing destination.
“Wairarapa’s proximity to Wellington, the diversity of race routes and terrain available (as endorsed by UCI for the NZ Cycle Classic) plus quality accommodation means we’re a top cycling choice. Easter sees settled late summer weather and popular events such as the Wairarapa Balloon Festival being held across the region too,” says David.
The 2020 Australasian Masters Cycling Championships will consist of three events. A 10km hill climb time trial up the steep Admiral Hill in the Gladstone region; a criterium circuit race held at Masterton Motorplex, a venue traditionally used for drag racing, and a road races held on the outskirts of Carterton.
There will be five age groups available: 35 years to 44; 45 to 54; 55 to 59 and 60 plus with both social grades and competitive grades.
“The championships will provide masters of all ages the opportunity to compete against other riders of like abilities – whether that be in a friendly social grades or super competitive”,” says Jorge.
Registrations for the 2020 Australasian Masters Cycling Championships open on 12th August via the event Website. For more information on the Wairarapa, a renowned wine, food and cycling destination located only just over an hour’s drive or train ride from Wellington city, can be found at www.wairarapanz.com.
For more information please contact;
Race Director Jorge Sandoval 0274 464300
Email: jorgesandovalnz@gmail.com
Website; http://masterscycling.co.nz/