Big Time Track Cycling Returns To Wellington With Launch of Burkes Cycles Speed League

Big time track cycle racing returns to the Wellington Velodrome on November 4, 2012 with the launch of PNP Cycling Club’s new Burkes Cycles Speed League.

With track cycling on a high following New Zealand’s success at the 2012 Olympic Games, the Burkes Cycles Speed League offers local riders hungry for fast and furious racing the first major season-long competition in decades. Joining title sponsors Burkes Cycles, are custom kit manufacturers Champion Systems and top cycling brands Lemond Fitness and Mavic.

At every Burkes Cycles Speed League race meeting, held on Sundays from 4-6pm from November 4 through to March 31, 2013, riders can score points in a number of different events. While riders race in categories according to ability, their points go towards just one overall league table.

At the end of the season, Champions will be crowned in senior, under 17 and under 15 grades as well as highest overall women’s rider, and prizes will be dished out.

The legendary Sprint Ace series will be revived for the fast men, and there’s also a weekly Team Scratch race where clubs, teams or just friends have to work together for a team victory.

“This is great news for Wellington,” says PNP Cycling Club Head of Track Cycling and Co-Organiser Peter Moore. “Track racing is a safe, fun and fast way to enjoy cycling on a purpose built venue.”

“The Hataitai velodrome has seen some great action over the years including being part of Olympian Jack Bauer’s early career. We’ve got something to offer novices and established track riders alike and will hold open days during October to get people started.”

Co-organiser Nick Warren says, “We’re also looking to seeing more road riders make track racing part of their regular workouts - many top riders including Greg Henderson, Hayden Roulsten, Mark Cavendish and British Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins all have strong track backgrounds.”

As well as the Burkes Speed League, PNP will also be organising the Wellington Centre Championships, and the Laykold Cup on December 2. The Cup has an 84 year old history and is one of the largest events on the Lower North Island’s cycling calendar.

For more information, visit www.pnp.org.nz/track or contact Nick Warren at nick@cycle-wire.com, 021 0299 0632. Images ©Rowena Blakely.