May News Update
A big couple of months have been with some major events on nearly every weekend. Things have gotten harder, colder and the indoor trainer’s dust is getting brushed off!
But remember this quote from a recently crowned world champ. “I love it when I wake up in the morning and I see that it’s raining outside because I know no one else is going to be training. I will and that’s what gives me the edge”.
Road racing:
Early April 16 pt system riders travelled up to Blenheim and again this year were treated to some fantastic weather for the Graperide. Taking on the 202km double lap race were Mike Smart and Tom Kissel. Riding a great race Mike hit the small group of survivors that was left, entering the shoot first taking the win, with Tom coming in 4th.
Stewart Connolly finished 3rd in the 101km race in the 19-34 year men’s division. Charlotte Hand took 3rd in the under 19 girls race.
The day after the annual Around Brunner road race on the west coast, was the recently started John Machejefski memorial race day in Hokitika. A 40km open Hanicap in the morning followed by a 40km graded race in the afternoon. Sharlotte Lucas after placing 2nd women around Brunner backed up having a great day winning the women’s handicap race.
Tom Kissel attacked what was left of the field 2km from the finish at this years Canterbury championships road race to get a well-deserved senior men’s bronze medal.
John Mckenzie won gold in the Masters three time trial, also picking up the Hood cup for the overall fastest Master in all categories of the day.
John with team mate Mark showing their silverware
What a massive Easter weekend for the crew that travelled down to Queenstown for Tour de Lakes. Seven pt system riders took on 4 days of hard racing around the Cromwell, Queenstown and Te Arnu area. John McKenzie had the first bit of success with a win in the B grade prologue then holding the yellow jersey right to the last stage, picking up another win in the 20km time trial along the way.
Ben Hillery went down with aspirations of winning the KOM jersey and instead came away with the overall tour winners yellow jersey after making a decisive break on day 2 and staying around the front of the whole tour. Finally making his move on the penultimate climb on the last stage to take the overall win!
Over a deceptively hard undulating course this years New Zealand club road cycling National championships were held up in Wanganui. In a tough field John Mckenzie got 3rd in the Masters three division.
Alice Hay got 4th in the time trial doing enough to impress the NZ selectors, making the New Zealand U17 team to go to the Tour of Canberra later this year.
After being moved to May 8th because of the February Earthquake. 166 females took part in the 80km Girls on Bikes road race. Sharlotte Lucas took out the bunch sprint to win the event and Lizzie Bridges had a fantastic ride finishing 3rd in the under 19 division.
Running:
After a fast start Hadleigh Miles ended up finishing 8th in the Hanmer off road 1/2 marathon.
Christchurch News:
The Mudfish Cafe will be opening its doors again on June 11th, now down the road in the old Top-sport building. 930 Ferry road.
Bike3000 still lives after the February earthquake but has relocated to Addington. Call Andrew Widdup on 3743543 for more details.
Staff:
Over the next few weeks while Marc’s away in the USA riding his bicycle. Practical sessions will still be going ahead with Andrew Willams and Mary-Jo Keys holding down the fort at PT SYSTEMS.
Marc will still be in contact thru email and writing programmes as per usual.
Coming events:
Mt Isobel challange
Lake Tekapo Mt Bike race
Quen charlotte Off road 1/2 marathon
3D multisport race
South Island school road champs