For the first time in the decade-long history of the Trust House Teams Series, the riders will venture outside Wairarapa to tackle a new course on the Kapiti Coast.
The riders in all three categories will race on a remarkably flat circuit located in Te Horo, near Otaki. This circuit is a regular haunt for the local Kapiti club races and offers a fresh perspective for the series.
Race director Jorge Sandoval said the decision to transition from the traditional hilly terrain of Wairarapa to a flatter race course has sparked excitement among riders, particularly sprinters and those who may not be as comfortable with climbing.
This shift is expected to open up new opportunities for competitors to showcase their skills on the fast and exhilarating course.
“I raced there against Kapiti riders to check the circuit a few weeks ago,” Sandoval said.
“It will be very fast and exciting, and riders will need to stay sharp throughout the race, especially with three U-turns each lap.”
Category two riders will race over 82km, while categories three and four will compete in a 66km race.
Caleb Roberts took line honours in the first race of the Athletics and Cycling Masterton WIZ Wireless series, a 30km out-and-back race on the Whangaehu-Bideford course.
After the turn, Roberts and Leroux Van Der Leek broke away and chased each other all the way to the finish, with Roberts edging it for the win. One of the club’s stalwart veterans, Dave Drummond, had a strong ride for third place.
Twenty-six riders braved the cold wet conditions.
