MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024 WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE
14 l FEATURE SUPPLEMENT
NEW ZEALAND CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE can’t see me living in a city again. When my wife and I bought this, I went to Taratahi Agriculture Training Centre in Masterton for two years to learn about grass, balage, fences, and animal care.” “Now I drench and tag my own animals and know how to take good care of them. I don’t have them to make money, I have them as a hobby, to make sure they have a good life.” This tranquil setting is a great foil to Jorge’s job as one of the country’s leading cycle promoters and race director for the Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic, a five stage elite men’s road cycle race held in Wairarapa and Wellington in January. It’s also a place of respite after Jorge overcame extraordinary circumstances as a young man. As a high school student in the Chilean town of Tome, Jorge was part of a student movement at the same time a military coup saw Augusto Pinochet assume power. Arrested in front of his family, Jorge was tortured, beaten and put in a concentration camp for 12 months. After escaping Chile
CYCLE CLASSIC
to Argentina, Jorge eventually arrived in Wellington in 1976 as a political refugee – traumatised by what he left behind, including his family, but ready to start a new life. Learning English and adapting to a new culture was full of challenges, but one thing that gave him purpose was road cycling – a sport he had followed since being a little boy when the international stage race, the Vuelta Ciclista de Chile, would race through his hometown of Tome. “The vivid memories are etched in my mind as the riders raced into town, a display of colours and diverse accents from all corners of the globe. The excitement in the air was palpable, and little did I know that these moments would remain eternally unforgettable. At that time, I could never have imagined that a few years later, during my initial return to my homeland after 13 years, I would find myself not just a spectator but a participant in the 14-day international cycle race, riding for a New Zealand team and proudly representing New Zealand. Life has a way of weaving unexpected stories, and this particular chapter, from watching with awe to becoming a part of the exhilarating
journey, is a testament to the unpredictable beauty of our cycling adventures." “So, when I came to Wellington, I began to cycle. One day I made a comment at the annual AGM that the races in Wellington aren’t so good and was challenged by this guy who in not many nice words told me Jorge, if you are so f…. smart, why don’t you organise one? … so, I did.” The rest they say is sporting history. For the past 38 years, Jorge has specialised in national and international cycling promotions and events. In addition to running the NZ Cycle Classic, he has run World Cup events, international women’s races and closer to home, the popular Trust House North Island team series. His passion for the sport hasn’t gone unnoticed. He was the winner of the Wairarapa Times-Age Supreme Award in 2016 and Administrator of the Year in 2020. Last year he was a finalist in the Wairarapa Business Awards – Vibrant Category, and in 1998, 2006 and 2012, he won the Westpac Trust Sports Administrator of the Year Awards (and a finalist in the 1999 awards). In 2007, Jorge was named in the New Zealand Honours’ List as an Honorary
PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Lintott/Lintott Photography
Member, New Zealand Order of Merit for services to cycling. The New Zealand Cycle Classic has taken place in New Zealand for the past 38 years, with 24 of those years it being recognised by the UCI as a 2.2 event. Sandoval says throughout its history, it has seen many aspiring riders kick-start their careers - using it as a steppingstone towards achieving their dreams of racing for top Pro Tour teams in Europe.
In the last 10 years, Tour winners like Corbin Strong, George Bennett and Ben O’Connor have gone onto ride in the Tour de France, while the likes of James Oram, Mark Stewart, Aaron Gate and Campbell Stewart have captured the attention of the world’s cycling media thanks to medal winning performances on the road, as well as on the track. With the 2024 Olympics looming, many big names are confirmed to race in January’s tour and Jorge is expecting the eyes of the cycling
READY TO RIDE
CHECKOUT OUR EXCITING ITINERARIES ONLINE NOW!
EXPLORE WWW.GREENJERSEY.CO.NZ NZ BY BIKE
Proud to support the New Zealand Cycle Classic ALL THE BEST! 30 Park Road, Carterton | Ph: 06 3798370 | E: araman@xtra.co.nz
www.times-age.co.nz MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024
FEATURE SUPPLEMENT l 15
2024
JAN 10 JAN 14
world to be on this event.
the region far and wide.”
“Our Tour is the first of the year and sets the tone for many of the riders, some of whom are eyeing up the Paris Summer Olympics.”
Aaron Slight, a cycling enthusiast, also helps funding the event under his 111, his former super bike racing number, business.
In addition, Jorge is grateful to welcome new naming rights sponsor Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton while former world super bike champion Aaron Slight, has also stepped up to support the event. Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton’s Manager Brent Stewart says the business has supported the iconic cycle tour for several years by sponsoring the King of the Mountain jersey and hosting many stages from its Ngaumutawa Road premises including the time trial. However, he said the business decided to answer a recent call for community financial support from race director Jorge Sandoval, after previous naming rights sponsor Trust House, stepped down. Stewart believes it’s important the event remains in Wairarapa. “This is such a great sporting event for Wairarapa as it has put the region on the international stage as a premier cycling destination, and with stages held across our towns and villages including the popular stage in the wine village of Martinborough, it helps promote
& WELLINGTON
More details at
www.cycletournz.com
WHERE: Wairarapa & Wellington
Photo (from left) Jorge Sandoval, Brent Stewart, Aaron Slight and Ejvind Frederiksen.
STAGE 1: Wednesday 10 January - 158km stage from Masterton to Alfredton return finishing outside the Masterton Golf Club in Lansdowne. STAGE 2: Thursday 11 January - 127km from Masterton to the wine village of Martinborough. STAGE 3: Friday 12 January - The 136km “Queen Stage” around Gladstone with a hilltop finish on Admiral Hill, one of the longest climbs in Wairarapa (riders will climb a total of 2784 metres of altitude). STAGE 4: Saturday 13 January - 144km New circuit around Carrington near Carterton.
Sandoval says their commitment has breathed new life into the event.
The 2024 Mitre MEGA Masterton UCI 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic will be held from January 10th – 14th 2024. The five-day Tour will weave through rolling country roads and the townships
WHAT: The 2024 Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton Cycle Classic WHEN: January 10 to 14 2024
“Year after year this event has attracted the New Zealand’s top cyclists and many top international riders who’ve gone on to achieve great success in Europe or at the Olympics - the likes of Aaron Gate and George Bennett – and I think this leaves a lasting legacy for young aspiring riders to see they can achieve success too,” says Slight. “But perhaps, more importantly, it creates a love of cycling for riders of all ages and stages that encourages a lifelong participation in the sport.”
"Their belief in our vision and dedication to staging this event in Wairarapa and Wellington, providing countless athletes with a platform to showcase their talents and bring joy to our community, is very exciting."
DETAILS
STAGE 5: Sunday 14 January - Circuit around Lambton Quay – Wellington.
of Wairarapa before concluding in New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, in an exciting circuit race. The event is expected to attract a field of 120 international and national riders. “It’s going to be great to welcome international cyclists to the
New Zealand Cycle Classic again next year and I am confident the racing will make a significant impact in Wellington, with a vibrant street circuit race taking part in the inner-city and presenting locals with a unique opportunity to witness an exceptional sporting spectacle,” says Sandoval.
Prior to this, there will be an opportunity for recreational riders to participate in a fun event called Cycle the Golden Mile, which debuted in 2021 and was very successful with riders of all abilities taking part on a variety of different bicycles – including a Penny-farthing. NOTE: Part of this article, was first published in Wairarapa Lifestyle Magazine
WELCOME TO MASTERTON – NOW, ON YER BIKE … … to find out how fantastic the Masterton Whakaoriori District is for cyclists. We have 11km of recreational trails – lime paths that are perfect for off-road cycling with the whole family! For our littlest cyclists, learn the road rules at the kids’ bike skills park, at Queen Elizabeth Park. Head north on our rec trails to the Lansdowne Mountain Bike Park. And if air tricks are more your style – you can’t ride past our fantastic skatepark! We’re stoked to welcome everyone to the NZ Cycle Classic 2024. Have a wheely good time!
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024 WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE
16 l FEATURE SUPPLEMENT
Mon - Tues Wed - Fri Weekends
New Zealand
7am - 2pm 7am - 4pm 8am - 4pm
STAGE 2
Text Orders to 027 446 3570 Follow Us on Facebook & Instagram
@THECOFFEERIDEMASTERTON
STAGE 1
230 High Street Solway, Masterton
BEST VIEWING AT: Martinborough Square •Allergy remedies
STAGE 3
•Vitamins •Prescriptions •Skincare •Pain relief
Call and s in ee friend our ly team
•Medical advice •Gifts for all ages
100 High Street South, CARTERTON PHONE 06 379 8244 OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm Sat 9.30am - 12 Noon
Be Cool in Summer and Warm in Winter with a Daikin. We can also assist with the servicing of your existing heatpumps
BEST VIEWING AT: Masterton Golf Club, Manuka Street, Masterton.
BEST VIEWING AT: Te Wharau and Limeworks Hills
Stonehenge Aotearoa
RELAX OVER A COFFEE WHILE ENJOYING THE CYCLE CLASSIC
Locally owned and servicing Wairarapa for over 45 years.
B.W. O’BRIEN & CO. LTD. 138 Dixon Street, Masterton Ph: 06 378 2288 | Mobile: 0274 425 022 E: office@bwo.co.nz www.heatpumpswairarapa.co.nz
Great selection of bikes electric, mountain, road & kids Awesome scooters for kids Electrical bike servicing Bike accessories including bike racks, cycle clothing, cycle books, baskets & bags. Lay-by available
OPEN: TUESDAY TO SUNDAY 11AM-LATE WOODFIRED PIZZAS AVAILABLE Thursday to Saturday nights, Saturday and Sunday lunch
YOUR LOCALLY OWNED BIKE SHOP
BY DEB & JOHN ALLEN SINCE 2012
Take a tour into the past Phone (06) 377 1600 | www.stonehenge-aotearoa.nz
COUNTRY HOSPITALITY AT ITS BEST
www.gladstoneinn.co.nz 06 372 7866 571 Gladstone Rd, Carterton
www.times-age.co.nz MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024
FEATURE SUPPLEMENT l 17
CYCLE CLASSIC STAGE 4
STAGE 5
LIVE RURALLY?
Installers of Starlink Satellite dishes available for anybody, anywhere!
Contact us today
BEST VIEWING AT: Hururua Road in Carrington
Phone 06 378 7548 | office@cableguy.nz www.cableguywairarapa.co.nz
BEST VIEWING AT: Around Lambton Quay, Wellington
A selection of sweets from all over the world. We also cater for special occasions such as Weddings, Birthdays and Baby Showers!
2024
JAN 10 JAN 14
THE ULTIMATE DO-IT-YOURSELF PICK AND MIX.
Shop online or in store. 130 Main Street, Greytown 06 304 8436 www.facebook.com/thelollyjarnz thelollyjargreytown@gmail.com www.thelollyjar.co.nz
WAIRARAPA’S CYCLING HUB
Your local Repair & Accessory Cycle Hub
We are the professionals
230 High Street Solway, Masterton | P 06 377 1726 WWW.CYCLINGTOM.CO.NZ
Open 7 Days 7am - 2pm Fantastic Food, Coffee & Restrooms 127 High Street, Carterton Ph. 06 379 5580 www.wildoatscafe.co.nz
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024 WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE
18 l FEATURE SUPPLEMENT
NEW ZEALAND
CYCLE CLASSIC
USA men’s team to make debut at New Zealand Cycle Classic The USA track endurance cycling team will make its debut at the UCI 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic this January. As part of the USA team’s build up to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, they have chosen to compete in the five-day tour, being held in Wairarapa and Wellington in January, to set-up their track season with a strong aerobic endurance foundation. Jono Hailstone, USA Cycling’s Men’s Track Endurance Coach says with the weather in New Zealand typically much better than America in January, coupled with the first Track Nations Cup being held in Adelaide, Australia in February, “New Zealand is the ideal location” to prepare in similar climatic conditions and time zone. “The New Zealand Cycle Classic is a well-organised event, with
a reputation for a high standard of racing, and attracting strong up-and-coming riders, with a number of previous winners going on to have successful careers in the world tour, therefore, it will provide a great development opportunity for our riders to be exposed to the unique style of southern hemisphere racing, and continue to develop their skillset and versatility as bike racers,” says Jono, a New Zealand citizen, currently living in Colorado Springs and coach of the US Men’s Track Endurance squad. He has previously coached the New Zealand Para-Cycling team and was assistant coach for the NZ Women’s Track endurance programme. Jono says with his team eyeing up Olympic events ranging from the 4km team pursuit to the 4-event omnium (10km scratch race, 10km tempo race, elimination race, 25km points race) and the 50km Madison, racing in the New Zealand Cycle Classic will
PHOTO CREDIT: USA -Cycling Federation help prepare them well.
completing road stage races.”
“All of these (afore mentioned) events have a large aerobic component … a significant proportion of our training is done on the road, and many of the world’s best track cyclists are also top world tour professionals on the road. There have been several examples in recent years of teams performing exceptionally well on the track off the back of
The USA men’s team to race in Wairarapa and Wellington is led by Gavin Hoover, who was in the USA Team Pursuit squad that finished 4th at the Cambridge round of the World Cup in January 2019, before going on to finish 8th in the omnium at the Tokyo Olympics. He will be supported by Grant Koontz, Anders Johnson, David
Domonoske, Brendan Rhim and one more rider to be announced. Following the New Zealand Cycle Classic, the USA men’s team will move north to train at the Grassroots Trust Velodrome in Cambridge completing their final preparations for the Adelaide Nations Cup. Following this they will return home and begin their build up to the Olympics.
WAIRARAPA’S CYCLE AND COFFEE HUB Cycling Tom and The Coffee Ride
Cafe is located inside Cycling Tom Bike Shop, offering L’Affare Coffee and delicious cabinet food.
230 High St, Solway. In the Harvey Norman Complex. P: 06 377 1726 • WWW.CYCLINGTOM.CO.NZ
www.times-age.co.nz MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024
FEATURE SUPPLEMENT l 19
2024
JAN 10 JAN 14
& WELLINGTON
More details at
www.cycletournz.com
The in’s & out’s of the NZ Cycle Classic Each team competing in the Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton New Zealand Cycle Classic will have a clear strategy – whether it’s to win the overall tour title or claim a race jersey such as the FMG King of the Mountain or Fagan Motors leading U23 rider. Typically, their strategy will see the team working together to protect their lead rider and ensure they are in the best possible position at the end of a stage for a sprint finish. The lead into this can involve “drafting” which experts say can save between 20 and 40 percent of a rider’s energy in a long event. The team may have a rider who sets the pace for everyone else. After a short stint in front of the main group or “peloton”, they’ll move back and let another rider take over. Team
take on the burden of quickening the pace of the field, or the teammates of the breakaway rider could attempt to “block” rivals from mounting a chase. Teams can also mount group attacks. In this case, one rider surges ahead and forces a rival team to lead a chase. PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Lintott/Lintott Photography leaders tend to hang back in the bunch to conserve energy, while their teammates take turns out in front. More advanced strategy can come into play when someone tries to “breakaway” from the peloton. This “attack” or “break away” is a tactic used to try and split the field.
An attack often prompts a “chase” which sees members of the peloton switch to a higher speed and attempt to “close the gap” on the attacker. If the peloton decides not to chase, an individual might try to “bridge”, or chase on their own. If a rider or several riders surge ahead of everyone else, the competitors may
As soon as the peloton catches up, another rider surges ahead. The goal is to tire out the opposing teams and soften them up for a run to the finish by the team leader. At the end of each stage, jerseys are awarded to the Tour Leader (yellow), Sprint Ace (green), King of the Mountain (white with red polka dots), Most Aggressive (orange) or U23 (white). These riders then wear that jersey in the next day’s race.
CYCLING GLOSSARY The Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton New Zealand Cycle Classic is held over five “stages”. One stage is raced per day. The results from each stage are cumulative and determine the overall winner of the tour. The total distance of the NZ Cycle Classic is 668.6km across five stages. A cycling team is made up of a “TEAM LEADER”, the rider chosen to try and win the race. “DOMESTIQUES” are other riders who
do whatever is needed to help their team leader win, including getting drink bottles and food for them and even giving their wheel to the team leader if they get a puncture.
The “RACE DIRECTOR” moves back and forth through the race in a vehicle clearly labelled. The Race Director ensures everything is safe and working well for the race.
vehicles carry food and drinks, spare bikes and parts and communication systems to keep the riders and operations running smoothly for the long stages.
“PELOTON”: The main group or field of cyclists.
The “RACE COMMISSAIRE” oversees the “Convoy” of team vehicles following the race and ensures everything is within the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) rules.
“WHEEL SUCKER” In short, a wheel sucker is a cyclist who sits on your wheels – tucked nicely in your slipstream – and studiously avoids taking their turn in the wind; they conserve energy, enjoy an easy ride and leave you to do the donkey work.
“BREAKAWAY”: A breakaway is when a small group of riders or an individual have successfully opened a gap ahead of the peloton.
“CONVOY”: Team cars and other
Building homes in Wairarapa for 29 years
From planning to execution, we guarantee hands-on service suited to your budget and deadline.
BIKES FOR ALL AGES
Proud to sponsor a team in the North Island Cycle Series YOURLOCALLY LOCALLY OWNED - BY DEB ALLEN YOUR OWNEDBIKE BIKESHOP SHOP BYJOHN DEB && JOHN ALLENSINCE SINCE2012 2012
47 CHAPEL STREET, MASTERTON
06 377 7652
Mike Wilkinson 06 377 2062 or 027 566 8227 mike@tararuabuilders.co.nz www.tararuabuilders.co.nz
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 2024 WAIRARAPA TIMES-AGE
20 l FEATURE SUPPLEMENT
NEW ZEALAND
CYCLE CLASSIC
Feel like a professional cyclist & take part in the Wellington Criterium Following the success of the last few years, people are invited to take part in a fun and thrilling cycle ride that completes a number of circuits along Wellington’s famous Golden Mile – Lambton Quay. Serving as the build up to the fifth and final stage of the Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton UCI 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic on Sunday, 14th January; this series of criterium races will be held in the center of Wellington city.
PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Lintott/Lintott Photography
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding cyclist, this event is tailored for riders of all levels.
EVENT DETAILS:
Getting underway before the 2024 New Zealand Cycle Classic, the Wellington Criterium Events will see riders complete several circuits on the fast, flat course that weaves past some of the Capital City’s most iconic buildings. Not only is it fun and exciting to be part of, it’s also a great event for spectators to watch. So, saddle up, bring your A-game, and be part of this thrilling spectacle.
Time: From 10am
DATE: Sunday 14 January 2024 LOCATION: Lambton Quay – Wellington DIVISIONS: Open, Masters One, and Masters Two
RACE CATEGORIES: OPEN GRADE: Calling all New Zealand riders under the age of 35! This category is your
chance to showcase your cycling prowess and compete against the best in your age group. MASTERS ONE: For our skilled master riders under the age of 50, this division offers a platform to demonstrate your cycling expertise and vie for the coveted championship title. MASTERS THREE: Cyclists over the age of 50, this is your opportunity to demonstrate that age is just a number as you go head-to-head with fellow experienced riders.
• House wiring • Rewires • Refrigeration • Heat pumps • Lighting • EV Chargers
PROUD TO SUPPORT
WANT WATER SECURITY...?
THE NEW ZEALAND CYCLE CLASSIC 71 Bentley Street, Masterton Ph 06 370 8340 | www.aoteaelectric.co.nz
Be cool in Summer with a Daikin Air Con Call us for a no-obligation free quote
P 06 378 2288 | M 0274425022 | E office@bwo.co.nz
The team at Griffiths Drilling will help you get the process underway
We’re experts in: Irrigation, Municipal Commercial, and Domestic bores. We also provide; Bore servicing, Inspections, Pump installations and Water sampling
RESULT DRIVEN HYDROLOGICAL SPECIALISTS
06 304 8989
water@griffithsdrilling.co.nz www.griffithsdrilling.co.nz