New National Road Cycling Series Launched for Junior Riders
Cycling New Zealand has incorporated 10 events in the new National Road Series for junior riders for the 2020-2021 domestic season.
The initiative is to provide more meaningful race experience for riders from Under-13 to Under-19 levels to mirror the progress made with the National Track Series over the last two years. With the benefit of a coordinated calendar and overarching national support, the series aims to provide competitive and appropriate racing opportunities that are safe, fair, fun and accessible and in doing so raise the profile and skill levels of junior racing in New Zealand.
“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,” said Cycling New Zealand’s HP Athlete Development Lead, Graeme Hunn.
“We are pleased with the response and cooperation from race organisers and clubs to this concept and excited by the excellent calendar for a first season.”
The series will get underway with two bonus races conducted on the online training tool Zwift in October with the first race proper in Manawatu for the AEC Novice Tour on 31 October and 1 November.
National events are incorporated in the series comprising the Vantage Criterium Championships in Christchurch, Vantage Elite Road National Championships in Cambridge and Vantage Age Group Road National Championships to complete the season in April 2021.
Other events include the Hawkes Bay Tour, Tasman Junior Tour in Nelson, Nicholas Browne Challenge at the K2 event in Coromandel, Ultimo Junior Tour in Waipukurau and the Te Awamutu Junior Tour.
The full calendar is:
- October 20: Zwift Bonus Race Option 1
- October 22: Zwift Bonus Race Option 2
- 31 October – 1 November: AEC Novice Tour (Bike Manawatu) Ashhurst, Palmerston North.
- 15 November: Vantage Criterium Championships (Cycling New Zealand) Christchurch.
- 8-10 January: Hawkes Bay Tour (Ramblers Cycling Club) Hawkes Bay.
- 30-31 January: Tasman Junior Tour (Tasman Wheelers) Nelson.
- 12-14 February: Vantage Elite Road National Championships (The Ride Festival) Cambridge.
- 13 March: Nicholas Browne Challenge (ARC) Coromandel (Part of K2 Race).
- 27-28 March: Ultimo CHB Junior Tour (Cycling CHB) Waipukurau.
- 10-11 April: Te Awamutu Junior Tour (Te Awamutu Sports Cycling) Cambridge.
- 16-19 April: Vantage Age Group Road National Championships (Cycling New Zealand) Venue to be announced.
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