World Status for Women's Cycle Tour of New Zealand

Stokes Valley promoter Jorge Sandoval has been granted a new top-rating international women’s cycle race for early next year by the sport’s world governing body, the UCI.

Though Sandoval has missed out on bringing the women’s World Cup back to Wellington he has managed to secure the next best thing, a 1.1 rating one-day classic to be staged in Masterton on Sunday, March 1, 2009. It will follow Sandoval’s UCI-sanctioned annual international three-day women’s tour in the Wairarapa from February 25 to 27. The New Zealand Community Trust is the naming right’s sponsor for both events.

The Wairarapa is recognised as a world-class cycling destination with its ideal terrain, including the demanding Admiral and Te Wharau hill climbs, and an absence of big-city traffic. The climbs will feature on the second day of the women’s tour.

“My team and I had been working to bring the World Cup back to Wellington,” Sandoval said. “It didn’t work out this time but the UCI have offered us encouragement with the 1.1 rating one-day race. It’s ranked just below a World Cup race. There’s plenty of world ranking points on offer.

“This is great news for our sport and the region. One day races graded 1.1 usually only take place in European cities. I’ll be running the event as though it was a World Cup race on the platform already established in the Wellington region by sponsors, officials, organisers and supporters.

“We must reproduce the momentum created in the World Cup rounds of 2005 and 2006. To have the NZCT on board for a second time is very special. It gives us the confidence to put on two first-class women’s events on our own soil in 2009, and beyond.”

The good news about the 120 km one-day classic follows on the successful launch in October of Sandoval’s book, Jorge Sandoval, Surviving Pinochet.

NZCT chief executive Mike Knell said his organisation was happy to help.

“We are the largest founder of amateur sport in New Zealand, and we’re pleased to contribute to the success of these outstanding events. The one-day classic is a great challenge for participants, and an added boost to cycling’s already high profile in the region.”

Website: www.cycletournz.com


Race Route

NZCT Women’s Tour of New Zealand

Wednesday 25 February 2009
STAGE ONE: Gladstone Circuit
DISTANCE: 128.50 kms (3x Laps at 29.10 kms per lap)

Thursday 26 February 2009
STAGE TWO: Masterton, Martinborough - Masterton

DISTANCE: 109 kms

Friday 27 February 2009
STAGE 3: Masterton Circuit – Finish Top Admiral Hill

DISTANCE: 125.5 kms

Women’s International Cup of Cycling UCI 1.1

Sunday 1st March 2009

Proposed Masterton City Circuit (subject to final approval by Transit NZ)

Riders star from Chappel St, outside the Masterton City Council heading north;
Left into Lincoln Rd
Go into Akura Rd
Left into Kibblewhite Rd
Left into Upper Plain Rd
Go into Renall St
Left into the finish in Chappel St

Total distance each lap; 8km - Riders to complete 15 laps