Racing around Auckland Museum

The University of Auckland will sponsor its first public cycling event at the end of next month, at the Auckland Domain.

The University of Auckland Museum Criterium, organised by the student-run University Cycling Club, is an 800m course around the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It will be held on the evening of the 27th of February.

Cycling Club President Francesca Stafford, who has just completed the second year of a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Science conjoint degree, sees the criterium as a way to form a stronger connection with Auckland cyclists.

“One of the goals of our club is to make cycling accessible, not just to those within the University, but also to university graduates, secondary school students and others with a passion for cycling. It’s our hope that the event will be a popular one among cyclists and become a ‘must-do’ event on the cycling calendar.”

The circuit is a tight course around the museum with both fast and technical sections as well as sweeping corners and a steep pinch climb before a sprint to the finish line.

Event organisers have been careful to time the event for an early evening start, making the most of the cooler conditions and the available daylight, and also allowing time for those who work in or near the CBD to head along.

Louis Rattray, Director for Sport and Recreation at the University, is looking forward to what has been a well organised event.

“The Cycling Club has done a great job in organising the Domain Criterium and finding a way to invite and include the Auckland community. It is one of the newer clubs at the University and so the hope is for events like these to help grow the club and for it to become a leader within the cycling fraternity.”

Races start at 5.30pm and all are welcome to come support the riders and the event in what should be a good evening in the Domain.