Commonwealth Medallist signs up for Merida Bikes Ruapehu Cycle Classic

Gordon McCauley and Aaron Strong have joined the line up for the 2nd Merida Bikes Ruapehu Cycle Classic on February 9th.

The pair confirmed they will be making the trip to Ohakune next month for the 160km lap of the central North Island’s National Park, and will add some class to a field, which has already doubled in size from 2007.

With McCauley winning the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge prior to Christmas in a new record time, and Strong just a few seconds back in 4th place, it is likely that a new record time will be set for the lap around the mountain next month.

Both Strong and McCauley contested the NZ Road Cycling Champs last weekend, which was won by New Zealand’s most recent Tour de France rider Julian Dean.

“I knew I wasn’t going to beat Jules (Julian Dean) in a sprint, and there were other strong climbers in the field”, said McCauley. “So I got away early and tried to make things happen. I gave it everything but it just wasn’t my day”.

The Commonwealth Games Bronze Medallist will look to put in a dominant performance at next week’s Tour of Wellington ahead of the Ruapehu event a week later.

After an average Tour of Southland as the result of a stomach bug, Aaron Strong bounced back well at the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, and like McCauley competed at the NZ Road Cycling Championships last week.

The winner of the Taupo to Napier Cycle Classic for the last two years, Strong will provide a good challenge to McCauley and together they will ensure a steady pace at the head of the field.

For more information, and to enter the event, visit www.cycleclassic.com