Cycling New Zealand have today announced the introduction of a National Road Series (NRS) to commence for the 2020/2021 New Zealand domestic season.

The NRS is an initiative established by Cycling New Zealand in part due to feedback from junior tour organisers on how racing can become more meaningful for junior riders. While the concept has been extended to a national level series to enable opportunities for elite racing to be included in the future, the focus for 2020/2021 is on coordinating and supporting junior racing.

The initial strategy for the NRS is to provide overarching branding and support to a series of existing events that offer racing for Under 13 to Under 19 male and female grades. 

The specific aim is to support meaningful racing opportunities to riders through a coordinated calendar, appropriate distances, and recognition through the grades and a focus on skills development specifically for the junior riders.

It will also provide a national platform to recognise selected events and will create a framework for junior riders to experience racing opportunities beyond the schools calendar.

Cycling New Zealand’s HP Athlete Development Lead, Graeme Hunn was instrumental in developing the concept with the group of race organisers.

“Having our best riders together more often in quality races can only improve the standard of domestic competition which will in turn better prepare our riders from international competition,” he said.

“We have seen how more racing experiences has had a marked effect on the development of young riders on the track, and we think this can have a similar positive contribution for road racing.”

Events seeking inclusion in the NRS will be required to participate in the Cycling New Zealand Event Certification programme which will provide a level of assurance to stakeholders that the event understands and complies with the relevant laws, and regulations and utilises best practice event management.

The NRS has been supported and endorsed by Cycling Road & Track and Cycling New Zealand Schools.

Applications are now open for events wishing to be considered. Applications close on 15 August and selected events will be announced by the end of August.

The series will commence with a bonus race hosted on Zwift during September.

For more details on criteria for interested events and more details on the series see www.nationalroadseries.nz