14/05/2014
Ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to Hüttcross. This series builds on the success of the winters of 'cross brought to you by Mike Anderson & Co. We've picked up the reins, and we are excited to provide you with another winter of invited masochism.
The sport of cyclocross is opening in Wellington like a beautiful moist wintry flower. More and more of the cycling fraternity have relegated their wind trainers to the musty cupboards to which they belong; favouring the excitement of 'cross over the unjustifiable tedium of pedalling on the spot.
We will be bringing you some six rounds in total, with the final round following the NZ Champs in Hawke's Bay on August 10th. We have something special in store for the finale.
Here's the schedule:
08:00 am - Registration opens
09:00 am - C Grade race (30 min)
09:45 am - Kids' race (1 small lap)
10:00 am - B Grade race (40 min)
11.00 am - Registration closes
11.15 am - A Grade race (50 min)
And the dates:
01 Jun - Round One
15 Jun - Round Two
29 Jun - Round Three
13 Jul - Round Four
27 Jul - Round Five
24 Aug - Round Six
Cost is $10. This series is not for profit. All proceeds will be circulated back into the coffers for the benefit of Wellington cyclocross.
The rules are straightforward: we are there for a hard but fun time. Burgling is not in the spirit of cyclocross and will be carefully monitored. The organisers reserve the right to enforce the movement of any competitor into a harder grade. No appeals will be heard. Bribes might be considered.
Course practice: by all means test out the course, but NOT while races are in progress. Everyone loves a clear run, so please warm up on the road.
Keep an eye on Facebook page for updates and developments. We are just awaiting the Council's confirmation before we can publish the venues.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to Hüttcross. This series builds on the success of the winters of 'cross brought to you by Mike Anderson & Co. We've picked up the reins, and we are excited to provide you with another winter of invited masochism.
The sport of cyclocross is opening in Wellington like a beautiful moist wintry flower. More and more of the cycling fraternity have relegated their wind trainers to the musty cupboards to which they belong; favouring the excitement of 'cross over the unjustifiable tedium of pedalling on the spot.
We will be bringing you some six rounds in total, with the final round following the NZ Champs in Hawke's Bay on August 10th. We have something special in store for the finale.
Here's the schedule:
08:00 am - Registration opens
09:00 am - C Grade race (30 min)
09:45 am - Kids' race (1 small lap)
10:00 am - B Grade race (40 min)
11.00 am - Registration closes
11.15 am - A Grade race (50 min)
And the dates:
01 Jun - Round One
15 Jun - Round Two
29 Jun - Round Three
13 Jul - Round Four
27 Jul - Round Five
24 Aug - Round Six
Cost is $10. This series is not for profit. All proceeds will be circulated back into the coffers for the benefit of Wellington cyclocross.
The rules are straightforward: we are there for a hard but fun time. Burgling is not in the spirit of cyclocross and will be carefully monitored. The organisers reserve the right to enforce the movement of any competitor into a harder grade. No appeals will be heard. Bribes might be considered.
Course practice: by all means test out the course, but NOT while races are in progress. Everyone loves a clear run, so please warm up on the road.
Keep an eye on Facebook page for updates and developments. We are just awaiting the Council's confirmation before we can publish the venues.
Hall & Hamer-Hurst Tineli NZ Cyclocross Series Winners
Blenheim put on a wet Saturday afternoon with record numbers to set the scene for a dramatic NZ series final. NZ's top 3 men and number 1 woman cyclocross racers all keen to show Marlborough how to attack the mud and slippery conditions. Local favourites George Baxter and Jim Black were prominent and ready to prove there strength who did not disappoint with a early showing, particularly with George taking it to eventual winner Gary hall in the first 2 laps. Mid way through the event Halls inform strength saw him power away winning by more than 2minutes to Christchurch's Logan Horn and Hawkes Bay rider Dan Warren with George Baxter back in 4th.
only 2 points separated Dan, Logan and Gary going into the event.. Gary taking the series title by 1 point with Logan and Dan finished on the same points however on a count back Dan Warren scored more wins and was awarded 2nd place with Loagn Horn 3rd.
Kim Hamer-Hurst was dominant taking out the woman's event convincingly ahead of Hayley Davis and Laura Harris.
Mondo Kopua delivered an awesome event with Bill from Avanti plus Blenheim providing support and much needed marques to shelter from the at time heavy rain. Jume coffee roasters providing coffee and had complimentary Belgian biscuits both a welcome pick up to balance the cool conditions.
A great sight to see was more than 20 kids line up in the mud to fight it out for kids cross glory, from as young as 3 years old again proving to be a hit around the ideal Wither Hills park on the outskirts of Blenheim.
Full results will be posted soon.
2013 NZ Cyclocross Championships date and venue will be set in the coming weeks along with proposed venues and format for the 2013 NZ Cyclocross Series.
If your club or organisation would like more info about the NZ cyclocross series 2013 please contact Andrew 021 020 44714
NZ Series Final Blenheim September 8
Race 5 NZCX Final Blenheim
The NZ Cyclcoross Series Final is now only a few days away, click on the links below for all the info, (please note entry is $30 not $35 due to a printing error)
Entry Information
Event Schedule
Entry Information
Event Schedule
Gary Hall & Kim Hamer-Hurst show pure class at NZ Series Round 5
Both riders lead the Tineli NZ Series. Points will be update tonight.
Results:
http://www.huxster.org.nz
TV3 Report:
http://www.3news.co.nz/Cyclo-cross-taking-Kiwis-by-storm/tabid/317/articleID/264667/Default.aspx
Cycling Australia National Series (updated 01/08)
Discussions have taken place this week between CXNZ and Cycling Australia regarding kiwis wishing to participate in the remaining Auzzie national series events in Adelaide and Sydney. We are happy to confirm that Cycling Australia is welcoming kiwis to participate in the current series and all other Cyclocross Events in 2012. Riders considering travelling to Australia will need to click on the clink below for event information and apply for an International license which BikeNZ can arrange for you. There are several riders considering making a trip over so if you or anyone is contemplating participation please contact us at CXHB and we can put you touch with the right people to make your trip a success.
Click here for information
Christchurch
Please find below a link to CX photos from the latest round of CHCH cycling at Halswell Quarry.
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.302835509815308.63295.185080208257506&
Photo's curtesy of Richard Spooner.
NZ Elite Champion Gary Hall Stomps to Victory in Hamilton NZ Series 4 (updated 29/07)
Men
Gary Hall 1st place in 53.48 and 9 laps
Dan Warren 2nd place 55.08 and 9 laps
Sheldon Gorter 3rd place 55.51 and 9 laps
Gary put down an amazing demonstration of cross riding, even under pressure after burping his tire on the final lap he looked more relaxed than the timing team. It came down to a close run race between himself and fellow HB local Dan Warren. Best placed Hamilton local Sheldon Gorter demonstrated how much he'll hurt himself to place - great effort all round.
Women
Hayley Davis 1st place in 53.10 and 7 laps
Harriet Bevan 2nd place in 1.02 and 7 laps (MTB)
Mel Parsons 3rd place 53.27 and 6 laps (SS CX)
Full results click here
Cyclocross fever soon to hit Hamilton (updated 19/07)
Former host to NZ Cyclocross Championships in recent years Hamilton, will host the next round of the NZ Cyclocross Series on 28th July.
We’re just on a week out from round 4 of the NZ CX National Series in Sunny (I kid you not) Hamilton. If the good weather holds the racing will be fast and furious, but with next week’s forecast looking wet. Things are open to change.
The final course is based on the cross course that got us the best feedback over the last few years. So we’re confident you’re going to like it.
A fast flat start will get your heart rate up before the mud starts, then hang on as your tested with an off camber descent through the slop, a quick culvert crossing and then watch your heart rate as you make a steady climb to one of the high points of the course. From here you’ll be off your bike for a brief bike carry, some tight corners to test your skills and then another carry. From here settle in, it’s a max power effort across the grass and then into our only hardpack section, a quick climb through the trees and autumn leaves, and you can finally enjoy some downhill respite, but don’t relax this section can be deceptively slippery. Dive back across the culvert, off camber through the roots and it’s a dismount up Hoegaarden hill, then it gets fast and furious as you’re into the mtb park and some fast twisty hardpack…OK that’s lap one, now go do it all again.
Access will be from Maui Street, there’s plenty of parking and toilet facilities.
The race village/start finish area is in the park proper, it’s a short walk (or ride) just follow the yellow signs. We’ll have the BBQ on over lunchtime and there will be cold drinks available – and with a bit of luck coffee too.
See you on race day!
Click here to enter
First ever cyclo-cross elite national champions crowned
(Press release Bikenz 8/7)
Almost 100 riders from around the country battled and trudged their way around a specialist circuit in Napier today for the inaugural Specialised New Zealand Cyclo-Cross National Championships. In the elite men’s race it was Hawke’s Bay local Gary Hall who showed composure in winning the New Zealand title in a time of 56:53. “I’ve never been a champion at anything so I’m absolutely wrapped,” said the 36-year-old Ramblers Cycling Club rider. “It was sticky, it was fast, and I was getting pushed all the way by the boys. I could feel them catching up to me on those last few laps.” A meat inspector by day, Hall gave the EIT Taradale course the seal of approval, but would have preferred his hometown to turn on the rain. “This is an ideal course. It would have been a lot more fun if it was wet and slippery, but every course is different and I couldn’t rate this one any better,” he said. The elite women’s field was blessed with a superstar line up, headlined by world number two Katie Compton from the USA. As an American, Compton was ineligible to compete in the New Zealand nationals, but gave a priceless master class on the day and unofficially rode and won the race. The official winner and newly crowned New Zealand champion was 33-year-old Kim Hamer-Hurst from Upper Hutt, who crossed the line in a time of 43:48. “It’s absolutely amazing. I’m so stoked. In my lifetime I never expected to be handed an elite New Zealand jersey on a podium by Katie Compton so I’m amazed,” she said. “I think I might finally come down from all this sometime next week.” The Wellington Vets Cycling Club rider relished the challenges of the obstacle-like course as well as the chance to compete alongside one of the world’s best. “The Hawke’s Bay put on an amazing course. It had everything you need really, with some awesome off-camber power climbs which certainly I enjoyed, said Hamer-Hurst. “It was a really hard course, which is probably why both the men’s and women’s fields just smashed apart so quickly and so many gaps opened up.
“It was always going to be tough with someone as good as Katie Compton on the start line so I was pretty stoked to still be in her company for the first few laps.” Hamer-Hurst, a full-time doctor, earned UCI points and a national championship today. An impressive feat considering she only took up the sport last winter. “I’ve made a lot of gains in the last few months with my training and I’ve been mixing it with some of the age-grade guys on the Wellington local circuit so I expected to feature but I wasn’t expecting this,” she said. Cyclo-Cross is run in the autumn or winter, staged over multiple laps of an approximate 3km course comprising paved tracks, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles that require the rider to dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount. This event was part of the ‘Ride of Your Life’ Napier Festival which was held over the weekend. Other events included a criterium, bike polo, the Napier Prison Brake, BMX Big Air, Pathways Passport, and a city showcase.
Click here for photos courtesy of Gabriela Gomez Fell
National honours up for grabs in Napier (press release 5/7)
Cyclists will converge on sunny Hawke’s Bay this weekend for the inaugural New Zealand Cyclocross National Championships.
The UCI sanctioned event, which will take place at EIT Taradale in Napier, has attracted more than 80 entrants from around the country.
World number two Katie Compton from the USA will be at the race, alongside her ex-pat Kiwi husband Mark Legg who is an ex-pro rider himself and will be racing the Master’s event.
Compton is one of the world’s most successful cyclocross athletes, with 12 World Cup wins, three medals at World Championships, and an unbeaten record of eight successive victories at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships.
Compton will also be running a free skills clinic for participants, offering advice on technique, skills, set up, and the course. This will be held on Saturday at 2pm and the length of the session will be weather-dependant.
Wintery weather is no obstruction to racing, however, as it is traditionally held in harsh European winters. So the heavy rain forecasted for the days leading into the weekend should merely add to the excitement.
Challenging conditions including copious amounts of mud will make for interesting racing on the campus course.
Race organiser Andrew Barlow says there are plenty of spectator viewpoints on course for people to make the most of the action, including a bamboo forest, stairs, a valley, and paddocks; the information tent will have maps available highlighting the best viewing areas.
The weekend will also recreate the atmosphere of the classic European cyclocross racing. Spectators can enjoy a barbeque provided by the local Hawke’s Bay BMX Club, and those who are over 18 can warm up with a glass of mulled wine.
The Cyclocross National Championships is part of the “Ride of Your Life” Napier Festival. Other events include a criterium, bike polo, the Napier Prison Brake, BMX Big Air, Pathways Passport, and a City Showcase. For more information about what is happening over the weekend, please visit www.fortherideofyourlife.co.nz.
GLOBAL CYCLOCROSS QUEEN – QUEENSTOWN DOWN, NAPIER TO GO! (press release 4/7)
International cyclocross superstar Katie Compton is gearing up to ride the New Zealand Cyclocross National Championships in Napier this weekend, fresh from her weekend win in Queenstown on a course she has pronounced the most beautiful in the world.
Compton, one of the world’s most successful cyclocross athletes with 12 World Cup wins and three world championship medals to date, took out first place as a guest rider in the first National Series elite women’s race last Sunday, held in Queenstown as part of the Winter Festival.
The 33-year-old American, the highest ranked cyclocross rider ever to compete in New Zealand and the USA elite women’s title holder for the last eight years running, travels to Napier this week for the New Zealand National Championships, and to run a clinic for aspiring cyclocross riders.
Cyclocross involves an action-packed, down and dirty 40-60 minute lap race through mud, sand and even snow with riders having to hoist their bikes over a series of obstacles throughout the course. Laps are usually around 3km in length.
“With a backdrop of the Remarkables mountains, the Queenstown course is the most beautiful I have seen anywhere in the world and certainly as challenging as any. So I’m excited to see what Napier has to offer, and excited to pass on my experience at the clinic for local riders,” Compton says.
Compton says Cyclocross is a fast and furious sport just made for adventurous Kiwis. She should know – she is married to one, with husband Mark Legg-Compton placed third in the men’s elite race in Queenstown. “New Zealand is a great international Cyclocross destination in the making and I have no doubt it is only a matter of time before we see a world champion from here,” Compton says.
The view is shared by Compton’s sponsor, One Square Meal. One Square Meal, a world-first, patented nutritionally balanced meal bar, is part of the Cookie Time Limited portfolio. CTL co-owner Michael Mayell says One Square Meal brought Compton to New Zealand to help grow the sport.
“Cyclocross is the fastest growing two-wheeled sport in the US and attracts huge crowds in Europe. Kiwis are great bikers, with world champions already in a couple of disciplines, and I’m sure we’ve got a Cyclocross world champion waiting in the wings,” Mayell says.
Queenstown Mountain Bike Club race series organiser Carey Vivian says having a rider of Compton’s stature in action is extremely exciting for the National Series and for sports fans.
“Katie really is an inspiration to see in action. She is not only an icon in cyclocross, but also in the work she does with the Paralympics movement, where she has competed for gold both at the Athens Paralympics and the 2004 Paralympics World Championships by piloting a tandem with blind partner Karissa Whitsell,” Vivian says.
Andrew Barlow, NZ Cyclocross Series coordinator and Championships event director, says Cyclocross has a big future in New Zealand. The key to success lies in getting younger riders into the sport. “We have to start with nurturing top Cyclocross riders in juniors and then develop them to the elite ranks. Our New Zealand riders also need to travel to Europe and the US where Cyclocross has a high level of competition so they can build on the experience needed to be globally competitive.”
“Overall though I think many of our young riders will be naturals at putting the skills from mountain biking together with strength from road riding and I can see gold for sure! Kids participation in the sport is fast growing and, given the safe off-road tracks, it’s a winner with parents too,” Barlow says.
Video of last week OSM Cyclocross Series - Race 1 at Queenstown (posted 22/6)
http://vimeo.com/44222090
Katie Compton is coming (News Release - Posted Monday 11/6)
International cyclocross superstar Katie Compton has been confirmed to take part in the New Zealand Cyclocross National Series this July – a fast and furious frenzy of mud, sweat and tears.
The 33-year-old American is one of the world’s most successful cyclocross athletes, amassing 12 World Cup wins and three medals at world championships. She has also won the elite women’s title at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships each year for the last eight years.
Cyclocross involves an action-packed, ‘down and dirty’ 40 to 60-minute lap race through mud, sand and even snow, with riders having to hoist their bikes over a series of obstacles throughout the course. Laps are usually around 3km in length. The sport draws huge crowds in Europe (60,000 spectators at the World Championships in Belgium in January) and is also the fastest growing two-wheeled sport in the United States.
Compton will race in the first New Zealand National Series race in Queenstown on July 1 during the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, and will run a workshop at the Napier race a week later.
“To secure a world leader of Katie Compton’s stature and expertise for the first in the race series in Queenstown is extremely exciting both for the National Series and followers of the sport in this country,” says Queenstown Mountain Bike Club race series organiser Carey Vivian.
“Katie really is the ‘Lance Armstrong’ of elite women’s cyclocross, and it will be a privilege to be overtaken by her – probably several times – in the race!
“Katie is an icon, not only in cyclocross but also in the work she does with the Paralympics movement, where she’s competed for gold both at the Athens Paralympics and the 2004 Paralympics World Championships by piloting a tandem with blind partner Karissa Whitsell,” Vivian says.
Compton is being sponsored to race here by world-first meal bar One Square Meal. A patented Kiwi invention, One Square Meal is part of the Cookie Time Limited (CTL) portfolio and is a nutritionally balanced total meal in a bar, containing all anyone might need for breakfast, lunch, or whenever. Compton will be accompanied by her ex-pat Kiwi husband Mark Legg-Compton – himself a highly regarded cyclocross champion who represented New Zealand in 2002.
“One Square Meal is delighted to be bringing Katie Compton to New Zealand to compete in this relatively new but exciting and emerging sport,” says CTL co-owner Michael Mayell.
“Being associated with the first woman of her calibre to ever race here in the sport is an opportunity too good to miss, and a perfect fit for the nutritional fuel values that One Square Meal provides.”
One Square Meal is also setting up the ultimate challenge for the Cyclocross series – a prize pack of product for a month for any competitor who can beat Compton’s best lap time set in Queenstown.
Compton is the highest ranked cyclocross rider ever to compete in New Zealand. In 2007, she became the first American woman to podium in the Cyclocross World Championships in Belgium, and spent last year signed on with the Rabobank Giant Offroad Team. Compton will undertake clinics with competitors while in New Zealand, and will offer advice on course set-up and design gleaned from racing in Europe and the United States.
NZ National Cyclcross Series Round One (Posted Monday 11/6)
Sunday the 10th of June saw the first round of the first ever New Zealand National Cyclocross Series at Karori Park in Wellington. Hosted by iRide and Specialized, the day kicked off to a chilly start with a light breeze and plenty of moisture under foot. The course was short and steep, encompassing plenty of foot work and technical challenges for those keen enough to try them. Faster riders were cutting out three to four minute laps and had ample opportunity to add to their climbing metres over 50 minutes of gruelling racing. Results are still being processed, but Upper Hutt’s Kim Hamer-Hurst made apparently light work of the steep course winning the women’s race convincingly. Reigning national champion Dan Warren rode to a solid victory in the men’s field, maintaining an early lead on a course that suited his powerful style. Both Kim and Dan now have the chance to race in the Tineli leaders jerseys at round two in Queenstown on the 1st of July. B grade races were also well attended, with a mixture of mountain, cross and commuter bikes completing the field. A small kid’s race kept spectators cheering, while other competitors warmed up to the sound of a bright pink drum kit hauled onto the course by an enterprising spectator.
Take a look at pics by Pete Marshall:http://petemarshallphoto.smugmug.com/Galleries/Cyclocross/2012-Hot-CX-Race-2-Karori-Park/23469063_Jgc6sf#!i=1896528726&k=TkxD7k5
iRIDE Wellington NZ Series Round 1 (Posted Wednesday 5/6)
This Sunday 10 June is the first round of the 2012 NZ Cyclocross Series hosted at Karori Park in Wellington. Points and leaders jerseys will be up for grabs in the first of 6 events held throughout New Zealand this winter. Dan Warren the current NZ Cyclocross Champion has confirmed his attendance along will several strong Wellington contenders. The Karori course is to be modified slightly from two weeks ago but will still prove to test the riders with a few wet days forecast in Wellington likely to soften up the turf.
Upper Hutt based Kim Hamer Hurst will be looking to make her bid to claim the womans leaders jersey in the NZ series. The second NZ points series event will be run in Queenstown 1st July followed by the National Champs in Napier July 8. For more info on the series see the national series link on the menu.
iRIDE Wellington 1st Cyclocross event 2012! (Posted Tuesday 29/5)
iRIDE Wellington successfully hosted NZs first Cyclocross race of the season on Sunday at Karori Park. 60 riders braved the wet conditions to negotiate some steep climbing, technical descents, grassed off camber fields, a small creek crossing, a flight of steps and driving rain and wind!....These conditions typical for Cyclocross due to the sport traditionally being carried out in the winter months. Several sections of the Karori Park course were single track and considered by many to be slightly outside of the traditional cyclocross formate. However, the course was a good starting point to iRIDE hosting the first round of the NZ Series at the same venue in two weeks time. Mansour Youssef took the B grade race completing a fast 7 laps and Alina Siegfried was the first woman rider home before the weather took a turn. Clive Bennett Bushlove smashed his competitors in the A event, completing 9 laps in the 50mins however both race winners might need to upgrade to cyclocross bikes in the coming weeks to qualify for NZ series points the first woman home in the A's only a few minutes back was cyclocross ace Kim Hamer-Hurst with a very strong performance. Kim has confirmed for the National Championships in Napier and will be one of the favourites to watch for the Elite womans event. The guys at iRIDE have confirmed the Karori venue will be modified to become a little more Cyclocross friendly for the up coming NZ Series event on the 10th of June. To qualify for NZ Series points you must ride a Cyclocross bike with drop bars etc. See the page on National Series Dates and Rules for details and for more info on purchasing a Cyclocross bike see your local bike store.
Keep an eye on the calender of CX events coming up in the coming months.
Update from Bikenz: (Posted Monday 21/5)
With Cyclocross National Championships being a first in New Zealand we are working with the UCI and Commissaires to ensure the event is a fair, safe and enjoyable for all riders and spectators. We have obligations with racing rules for National Events however, we expect there will be some flexibility around race apparel and rulings which will be clarified later this week. Please keep your eye out on www.bikenz.org.nz for upcoming news on the Cyclocross National Championships.” Gina Benge
Entires now open for the Specialized 2012 NZ Cyclocross Champs (Posted Friday 18/5)
Click on the following link:
https://eventdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=377&OrgID=6346
2012 Specialized NZ Cyclocross Championships home page:
http://www.nzcyclocross.co.nz/index.html
Specialized National Championships update (Posted Thursday 17/5).
This week some new information was made available from Bikenz regarding rules and age group categories.In addition to the U19, Mast 40+ and 50+ there will be an inclusion of the categories U23 and 30+ masters.These categories will be held in the same race unless high numbers of entries are received in which case 2 events will be held. This decision will be reserved by the Head Commissaire in conjunction with the Event Director after entires have closed.We would like to confirm the womans elite and mens elite events will be separate events recognised by UCI, with UCI points up for grabs and NZ champions jersey.
*Race attire for the 2012 NZ Cyclocross National Championships will be as follows: riders may wear any attire as long as their shirt has sleeves and they are wearing bike shorts above the knee.
Please see the Bikenz link below for all regulations and entries.
http://www.bikenz.org.nz/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=Event&EventID=21881
If you have any questions regarding topics discussed above please direct these to Gina. Gina.Benge@bikenz.org.nz
One Square Meal Cyclocross Series - National Series Race weekend schedule (Posted Tuesday 15/5).
Tentative schedule for the weekend as follows:
Sat 30th June:
12pm to 4pm - Course open for practice.
2pm to 4pm a skills clinic will be held by visiting US-based cyclocross professionals. Free to all.
Sunday 1 July:
9 - 11am course open for practice.
11am to 12pm - Individual time trial for start position (optional). Start in order of race number, 30 sec intervals.
12.15pm to 12.45pm Element Kids race.
12.45pm to 1.45pm course open for practice / warm up.
2pm National series race start.
3.15pm Prizegiving and Specialized Crux Bike Raffle Draw
Wellington City Iride Confirmed for NZ Cyclocross Series (Posted Thursday 10/05/12)
Owen Hughes confirmed this morning that Iride Cyclocross Wellington will be hosting the 1st round of the 2012 NZ Cyclocross series commencing 10 June at Karori Park. This is great news for the region now boasting two separate cyclocross series, the other series being The Bike Hutt in Hutt Valley. For Irides complete schedule of events and further information check out their home page.
Queenstown, Napier, Hamilton, Blenheim and Christchurch are all a part of the NZ series to find dates click on National Series Dates and Rules.
Cyclocross Superstar to race in NZ? - Saturday 28/4/12
One Square Meal, the naming sponsor of the Queenstown Cyclocross Series, are in final discussions to get US based superstar cyclocross racer to race in the National Series races in Queenstown (Race 2) and Napier (Race 3 - also NZ Championship race). From what we can work out, the rider who is married to an ex-pat kiwi, is eligible for the national title.
Why do riders have to be licensed for the National Title in Napier? - Saturday 28/4/12
There has been a bit of discussion lately why riders have to be licensed to race for the National title in Napier this year, Bikenz will be releasing a statement on this topic soon.
We strongly suggest that if you intend to ride the National Cyclocross Championships then you should read and make yourself familiar with the UCI rules for Cyclocross. As riders its our duty to follow the rules and respect the efforts event organisers are putting in to make this all possible. Please note for 2012 we will only be hosting an elite mens and elite womans UCI event, the other categories will be recognised but will not carry UCI points.
Link:http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTkzNg&ObjTypeCode=FILE&&id=34593&LangId=1
The good news for non-licensed riders is there will be a race for you in Napier, and in terms of the national series, each rider will gain the same amount of points for participation. You do not need to be licensed to race the national series.
(Press release Bikenz 8/7)
Almost 100 riders from around the country battled and trudged their way around a specialist circuit in Napier today for the inaugural Specialised New Zealand Cyclo-Cross National Championships. In the elite men’s race it was Hawke’s Bay local Gary Hall who showed composure in winning the New Zealand title in a time of 56:53. “I’ve never been a champion at anything so I’m absolutely wrapped,” said the 36-year-old Ramblers Cycling Club rider. “It was sticky, it was fast, and I was getting pushed all the way by the boys. I could feel them catching up to me on those last few laps.” A meat inspector by day, Hall gave the EIT Taradale course the seal of approval, but would have preferred his hometown to turn on the rain. “This is an ideal course. It would have been a lot more fun if it was wet and slippery, but every course is different and I couldn’t rate this one any better,” he said. The elite women’s field was blessed with a superstar line up, headlined by world number two Katie Compton from the USA. As an American, Compton was ineligible to compete in the New Zealand nationals, but gave a priceless master class on the day and unofficially rode and won the race. The official winner and newly crowned New Zealand champion was 33-year-old Kim Hamer-Hurst from Upper Hutt, who crossed the line in a time of 43:48. “It’s absolutely amazing. I’m so stoked. In my lifetime I never expected to be handed an elite New Zealand jersey on a podium by Katie Compton so I’m amazed,” she said. “I think I might finally come down from all this sometime next week.” The Wellington Vets Cycling Club rider relished the challenges of the obstacle-like course as well as the chance to compete alongside one of the world’s best. “The Hawke’s Bay put on an amazing course. It had everything you need really, with some awesome off-camber power climbs which certainly I enjoyed, said Hamer-Hurst. “It was a really hard course, which is probably why both the men’s and women’s fields just smashed apart so quickly and so many gaps opened up.
“It was always going to be tough with someone as good as Katie Compton on the start line so I was pretty stoked to still be in her company for the first few laps.” Hamer-Hurst, a full-time doctor, earned UCI points and a national championship today. An impressive feat considering she only took up the sport last winter. “I’ve made a lot of gains in the last few months with my training and I’ve been mixing it with some of the age-grade guys on the Wellington local circuit so I expected to feature but I wasn’t expecting this,” she said. Cyclo-Cross is run in the autumn or winter, staged over multiple laps of an approximate 3km course comprising paved tracks, wooded trails, grass, steep hills and obstacles that require the rider to dismount, carry the bike while navigating the obstruction and remount. This event was part of the ‘Ride of Your Life’ Napier Festival which was held over the weekend. Other events included a criterium, bike polo, the Napier Prison Brake, BMX Big Air, Pathways Passport, and a city showcase.
Click here for photos courtesy of Gabriela Gomez Fell
National honours up for grabs in Napier (press release 5/7)
Cyclists will converge on sunny Hawke’s Bay this weekend for the inaugural New Zealand Cyclocross National Championships.
The UCI sanctioned event, which will take place at EIT Taradale in Napier, has attracted more than 80 entrants from around the country.
World number two Katie Compton from the USA will be at the race, alongside her ex-pat Kiwi husband Mark Legg who is an ex-pro rider himself and will be racing the Master’s event.
Compton is one of the world’s most successful cyclocross athletes, with 12 World Cup wins, three medals at World Championships, and an unbeaten record of eight successive victories at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships.
Compton will also be running a free skills clinic for participants, offering advice on technique, skills, set up, and the course. This will be held on Saturday at 2pm and the length of the session will be weather-dependant.
Wintery weather is no obstruction to racing, however, as it is traditionally held in harsh European winters. So the heavy rain forecasted for the days leading into the weekend should merely add to the excitement.
Challenging conditions including copious amounts of mud will make for interesting racing on the campus course.
Race organiser Andrew Barlow says there are plenty of spectator viewpoints on course for people to make the most of the action, including a bamboo forest, stairs, a valley, and paddocks; the information tent will have maps available highlighting the best viewing areas.
The weekend will also recreate the atmosphere of the classic European cyclocross racing. Spectators can enjoy a barbeque provided by the local Hawke’s Bay BMX Club, and those who are over 18 can warm up with a glass of mulled wine.
The Cyclocross National Championships is part of the “Ride of Your Life” Napier Festival. Other events include a criterium, bike polo, the Napier Prison Brake, BMX Big Air, Pathways Passport, and a City Showcase. For more information about what is happening over the weekend, please visit www.fortherideofyourlife.co.nz.
GLOBAL CYCLOCROSS QUEEN – QUEENSTOWN DOWN, NAPIER TO GO! (press release 4/7)
International cyclocross superstar Katie Compton is gearing up to ride the New Zealand Cyclocross National Championships in Napier this weekend, fresh from her weekend win in Queenstown on a course she has pronounced the most beautiful in the world.
Compton, one of the world’s most successful cyclocross athletes with 12 World Cup wins and three world championship medals to date, took out first place as a guest rider in the first National Series elite women’s race last Sunday, held in Queenstown as part of the Winter Festival.
The 33-year-old American, the highest ranked cyclocross rider ever to compete in New Zealand and the USA elite women’s title holder for the last eight years running, travels to Napier this week for the New Zealand National Championships, and to run a clinic for aspiring cyclocross riders.
Cyclocross involves an action-packed, down and dirty 40-60 minute lap race through mud, sand and even snow with riders having to hoist their bikes over a series of obstacles throughout the course. Laps are usually around 3km in length.
“With a backdrop of the Remarkables mountains, the Queenstown course is the most beautiful I have seen anywhere in the world and certainly as challenging as any. So I’m excited to see what Napier has to offer, and excited to pass on my experience at the clinic for local riders,” Compton says.
Compton says Cyclocross is a fast and furious sport just made for adventurous Kiwis. She should know – she is married to one, with husband Mark Legg-Compton placed third in the men’s elite race in Queenstown. “New Zealand is a great international Cyclocross destination in the making and I have no doubt it is only a matter of time before we see a world champion from here,” Compton says.
The view is shared by Compton’s sponsor, One Square Meal. One Square Meal, a world-first, patented nutritionally balanced meal bar, is part of the Cookie Time Limited portfolio. CTL co-owner Michael Mayell says One Square Meal brought Compton to New Zealand to help grow the sport.
“Cyclocross is the fastest growing two-wheeled sport in the US and attracts huge crowds in Europe. Kiwis are great bikers, with world champions already in a couple of disciplines, and I’m sure we’ve got a Cyclocross world champion waiting in the wings,” Mayell says.
Queenstown Mountain Bike Club race series organiser Carey Vivian says having a rider of Compton’s stature in action is extremely exciting for the National Series and for sports fans.
“Katie really is an inspiration to see in action. She is not only an icon in cyclocross, but also in the work she does with the Paralympics movement, where she has competed for gold both at the Athens Paralympics and the 2004 Paralympics World Championships by piloting a tandem with blind partner Karissa Whitsell,” Vivian says.
Andrew Barlow, NZ Cyclocross Series coordinator and Championships event director, says Cyclocross has a big future in New Zealand. The key to success lies in getting younger riders into the sport. “We have to start with nurturing top Cyclocross riders in juniors and then develop them to the elite ranks. Our New Zealand riders also need to travel to Europe and the US where Cyclocross has a high level of competition so they can build on the experience needed to be globally competitive.”
“Overall though I think many of our young riders will be naturals at putting the skills from mountain biking together with strength from road riding and I can see gold for sure! Kids participation in the sport is fast growing and, given the safe off-road tracks, it’s a winner with parents too,” Barlow says.
Video of last week OSM Cyclocross Series - Race 1 at Queenstown (posted 22/6)
http://vimeo.com/44222090
Katie Compton is coming (News Release - Posted Monday 11/6)
International cyclocross superstar Katie Compton has been confirmed to take part in the New Zealand Cyclocross National Series this July – a fast and furious frenzy of mud, sweat and tears.
The 33-year-old American is one of the world’s most successful cyclocross athletes, amassing 12 World Cup wins and three medals at world championships. She has also won the elite women’s title at the USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships each year for the last eight years.
Cyclocross involves an action-packed, ‘down and dirty’ 40 to 60-minute lap race through mud, sand and even snow, with riders having to hoist their bikes over a series of obstacles throughout the course. Laps are usually around 3km in length. The sport draws huge crowds in Europe (60,000 spectators at the World Championships in Belgium in January) and is also the fastest growing two-wheeled sport in the United States.
Compton will race in the first New Zealand National Series race in Queenstown on July 1 during the American Express Queenstown Winter Festival, and will run a workshop at the Napier race a week later.
“To secure a world leader of Katie Compton’s stature and expertise for the first in the race series in Queenstown is extremely exciting both for the National Series and followers of the sport in this country,” says Queenstown Mountain Bike Club race series organiser Carey Vivian.
“Katie really is the ‘Lance Armstrong’ of elite women’s cyclocross, and it will be a privilege to be overtaken by her – probably several times – in the race!
“Katie is an icon, not only in cyclocross but also in the work she does with the Paralympics movement, where she’s competed for gold both at the Athens Paralympics and the 2004 Paralympics World Championships by piloting a tandem with blind partner Karissa Whitsell,” Vivian says.
Compton is being sponsored to race here by world-first meal bar One Square Meal. A patented Kiwi invention, One Square Meal is part of the Cookie Time Limited (CTL) portfolio and is a nutritionally balanced total meal in a bar, containing all anyone might need for breakfast, lunch, or whenever. Compton will be accompanied by her ex-pat Kiwi husband Mark Legg-Compton – himself a highly regarded cyclocross champion who represented New Zealand in 2002.
“One Square Meal is delighted to be bringing Katie Compton to New Zealand to compete in this relatively new but exciting and emerging sport,” says CTL co-owner Michael Mayell.
“Being associated with the first woman of her calibre to ever race here in the sport is an opportunity too good to miss, and a perfect fit for the nutritional fuel values that One Square Meal provides.”
One Square Meal is also setting up the ultimate challenge for the Cyclocross series – a prize pack of product for a month for any competitor who can beat Compton’s best lap time set in Queenstown.
Compton is the highest ranked cyclocross rider ever to compete in New Zealand. In 2007, she became the first American woman to podium in the Cyclocross World Championships in Belgium, and spent last year signed on with the Rabobank Giant Offroad Team. Compton will undertake clinics with competitors while in New Zealand, and will offer advice on course set-up and design gleaned from racing in Europe and the United States.
NZ National Cyclcross Series Round One (Posted Monday 11/6)
Sunday the 10th of June saw the first round of the first ever New Zealand National Cyclocross Series at Karori Park in Wellington. Hosted by iRide and Specialized, the day kicked off to a chilly start with a light breeze and plenty of moisture under foot. The course was short and steep, encompassing plenty of foot work and technical challenges for those keen enough to try them. Faster riders were cutting out three to four minute laps and had ample opportunity to add to their climbing metres over 50 minutes of gruelling racing. Results are still being processed, but Upper Hutt’s Kim Hamer-Hurst made apparently light work of the steep course winning the women’s race convincingly. Reigning national champion Dan Warren rode to a solid victory in the men’s field, maintaining an early lead on a course that suited his powerful style. Both Kim and Dan now have the chance to race in the Tineli leaders jerseys at round two in Queenstown on the 1st of July. B grade races were also well attended, with a mixture of mountain, cross and commuter bikes completing the field. A small kid’s race kept spectators cheering, while other competitors warmed up to the sound of a bright pink drum kit hauled onto the course by an enterprising spectator.
Take a look at pics by Pete Marshall:http://petemarshallphoto.smugmug.com/Galleries/Cyclocross/2012-Hot-CX-Race-2-Karori-Park/23469063_Jgc6sf#!i=1896528726&k=TkxD7k5
iRIDE Wellington NZ Series Round 1 (Posted Wednesday 5/6)
This Sunday 10 June is the first round of the 2012 NZ Cyclocross Series hosted at Karori Park in Wellington. Points and leaders jerseys will be up for grabs in the first of 6 events held throughout New Zealand this winter. Dan Warren the current NZ Cyclocross Champion has confirmed his attendance along will several strong Wellington contenders. The Karori course is to be modified slightly from two weeks ago but will still prove to test the riders with a few wet days forecast in Wellington likely to soften up the turf.
Upper Hutt based Kim Hamer Hurst will be looking to make her bid to claim the womans leaders jersey in the NZ series. The second NZ points series event will be run in Queenstown 1st July followed by the National Champs in Napier July 8. For more info on the series see the national series link on the menu.
iRIDE Wellington 1st Cyclocross event 2012! (Posted Tuesday 29/5)
iRIDE Wellington successfully hosted NZs first Cyclocross race of the season on Sunday at Karori Park. 60 riders braved the wet conditions to negotiate some steep climbing, technical descents, grassed off camber fields, a small creek crossing, a flight of steps and driving rain and wind!....These conditions typical for Cyclocross due to the sport traditionally being carried out in the winter months. Several sections of the Karori Park course were single track and considered by many to be slightly outside of the traditional cyclocross formate. However, the course was a good starting point to iRIDE hosting the first round of the NZ Series at the same venue in two weeks time. Mansour Youssef took the B grade race completing a fast 7 laps and Alina Siegfried was the first woman rider home before the weather took a turn. Clive Bennett Bushlove smashed his competitors in the A event, completing 9 laps in the 50mins however both race winners might need to upgrade to cyclocross bikes in the coming weeks to qualify for NZ series points the first woman home in the A's only a few minutes back was cyclocross ace Kim Hamer-Hurst with a very strong performance. Kim has confirmed for the National Championships in Napier and will be one of the favourites to watch for the Elite womans event. The guys at iRIDE have confirmed the Karori venue will be modified to become a little more Cyclocross friendly for the up coming NZ Series event on the 10th of June. To qualify for NZ Series points you must ride a Cyclocross bike with drop bars etc. See the page on National Series Dates and Rules for details and for more info on purchasing a Cyclocross bike see your local bike store.
Keep an eye on the calender of CX events coming up in the coming months.
Update from Bikenz: (Posted Monday 21/5)
With Cyclocross National Championships being a first in New Zealand we are working with the UCI and Commissaires to ensure the event is a fair, safe and enjoyable for all riders and spectators. We have obligations with racing rules for National Events however, we expect there will be some flexibility around race apparel and rulings which will be clarified later this week. Please keep your eye out on www.bikenz.org.nz for upcoming news on the Cyclocross National Championships.” Gina Benge
Entires now open for the Specialized 2012 NZ Cyclocross Champs (Posted Friday 18/5)
Click on the following link:
https://eventdesq.imgstg.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=main&EventDesqID=377&OrgID=6346
2012 Specialized NZ Cyclocross Championships home page:
http://www.nzcyclocross.co.nz/index.html
Specialized National Championships update (Posted Thursday 17/5).
This week some new information was made available from Bikenz regarding rules and age group categories.In addition to the U19, Mast 40+ and 50+ there will be an inclusion of the categories U23 and 30+ masters.These categories will be held in the same race unless high numbers of entries are received in which case 2 events will be held. This decision will be reserved by the Head Commissaire in conjunction with the Event Director after entires have closed.We would like to confirm the womans elite and mens elite events will be separate events recognised by UCI, with UCI points up for grabs and NZ champions jersey.
*Race attire for the 2012 NZ Cyclocross National Championships will be as follows: riders may wear any attire as long as their shirt has sleeves and they are wearing bike shorts above the knee.
Please see the Bikenz link below for all regulations and entries.
http://www.bikenz.org.nz/calendar/index.cfm?fuseaction=Event&EventID=21881
If you have any questions regarding topics discussed above please direct these to Gina. Gina.Benge@bikenz.org.nz
One Square Meal Cyclocross Series - National Series Race weekend schedule (Posted Tuesday 15/5).
Tentative schedule for the weekend as follows:
Sat 30th June:
12pm to 4pm - Course open for practice.
2pm to 4pm a skills clinic will be held by visiting US-based cyclocross professionals. Free to all.
Sunday 1 July:
9 - 11am course open for practice.
11am to 12pm - Individual time trial for start position (optional). Start in order of race number, 30 sec intervals.
12.15pm to 12.45pm Element Kids race.
12.45pm to 1.45pm course open for practice / warm up.
2pm National series race start.
3.15pm Prizegiving and Specialized Crux Bike Raffle Draw
Wellington City Iride Confirmed for NZ Cyclocross Series (Posted Thursday 10/05/12)
Owen Hughes confirmed this morning that Iride Cyclocross Wellington will be hosting the 1st round of the 2012 NZ Cyclocross series commencing 10 June at Karori Park. This is great news for the region now boasting two separate cyclocross series, the other series being The Bike Hutt in Hutt Valley. For Irides complete schedule of events and further information check out their home page.
Queenstown, Napier, Hamilton, Blenheim and Christchurch are all a part of the NZ series to find dates click on National Series Dates and Rules.
Cyclocross Superstar to race in NZ? - Saturday 28/4/12
One Square Meal, the naming sponsor of the Queenstown Cyclocross Series, are in final discussions to get US based superstar cyclocross racer to race in the National Series races in Queenstown (Race 2) and Napier (Race 3 - also NZ Championship race). From what we can work out, the rider who is married to an ex-pat kiwi, is eligible for the national title.
Why do riders have to be licensed for the National Title in Napier? - Saturday 28/4/12
There has been a bit of discussion lately why riders have to be licensed to race for the National title in Napier this year, Bikenz will be releasing a statement on this topic soon.
We strongly suggest that if you intend to ride the National Cyclocross Championships then you should read and make yourself familiar with the UCI rules for Cyclocross. As riders its our duty to follow the rules and respect the efforts event organisers are putting in to make this all possible. Please note for 2012 we will only be hosting an elite mens and elite womans UCI event, the other categories will be recognised but will not carry UCI points.
Link:http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=MTkzNg&ObjTypeCode=FILE&&id=34593&LangId=1
The good news for non-licensed riders is there will be a race for you in Napier, and in terms of the national series, each rider will gain the same amount of points for participation. You do not need to be licensed to race the national series.
