CYCLING
Cyclists from across the lower North Island will converge on Wairarapa tomorrow for the opening round of the 2023 Trust House Team Road Cycling Series.
Race director Jorge Sandoval has handed the riders a challenging start to the five-race series with a gruelling race around the Alfredton circuit.
This year’s series promises an exciting lineup, with four races spanning the greater Wairarapa region and, for the first time, an additional race in the Kapiti Coast scheduled between October and December.
Sandoval said the races offer participants a unique opportunity to experience the high-level competitive dynamics characteristic of team-based racing.
In line with new regulations introduced in 2022, riders will compete within grade categories, departing from the conventional age group categories. Furthermore, riders without teams can also enter and participate in each race as individuals.
“In response to feedback from riders who have participated in the series over the past few years, including last year’s edition, we have restructured the event to group riders based on their ability rather than their age,” Sandoval said.
“This adjustment was well-received and will continue this year, ensuring riders compete against peers of similar skill levels.”
In this year’s series, Wairarapa will be well-represented by three formidable teams, two of which are sponsored by Tararua Builders and the Coupland’s-Booth’s Group team.
Tomorrow’s first race starts and finishes at Alfredton School. Teams competing in categories three and four will tackle a 65km course, while those in categories one and two will face an even more demanding 102km route.
