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Ruapehu Cycle Classic a huge success

Sunday 10 February 2008, 5:26PM

By infonews.co.nz

1510 views

Out in front early to warm up
Out in front early to warm up Credit: infonews.co.nz
Youth pushed to the front early, but couldn't hold out the stalwarts
Youth pushed to the front early, but couldn't hold out the stalwarts Credit: infonews.co.nz
Early views made for a great day
Early views made for a great day Credit: infonews.co.nz
Pushing up SH1 from Wairoa
Pushing up SH1 from Wairoa Credit: infonews.co.nz
One of the many enjoying a great day
One of the many enjoying a great day Credit: infonews.co.nz
The leaders made solid ground on the main bunch after Wairoa
The leaders made solid ground on the main bunch after Wairoa Credit: infonews.co.nz
Views like this are why the numbers are growing every year
Views like this are why the numbers are growing every year Credit: infonews.co.nz
More stunning scenery
More stunning scenery Credit: infonews.co.nz
Gordon early in the day, battling a 5 degree morning
Gordon early in the day, battling a 5 degree morning Credit: infonews.co.nz
Megan Whitehead in the bunch
Megan Whitehead in the bunch Credit: infonews.co.nz
Megan Whitehead riding into the finish
Megan Whitehead riding into the finish Credit: infonews.co.nz
Gordon taking the honours
Gordon taking the honours Credit: infonews.co.nz

CENTRAL PLATEAU

The Merida Bikes Ruapehu Cycle Classic turned on a day of records for the 400 cyclists competing in one of New Zealand's most scenic cycle races.

Leaving Ohakune in a brisk 5 degrees at 7 yesterday morning the pack didn't take long to break up in a race which saw double the number of entries on the previous year and the two leading riders smashing the course record.

The race was won by Gordon Mccauley who managed to shake Aaron Strong just 6 km from the finish to win by less than 30 seconds taking just over four hours to complete the 160km race.

The first woman was Megan Whitehead who rode with the main bunch and finish under five hours.

The riders made their way out of Ohakune to Waiouru then up to SH 48 and South again from National Park to Ohakune.

http://nz.youtube.com/watch?v=3MWeD6fbkaU

McCauley Takes Out Ruapehu Cycle Classic 

Auckland’s Gordon McCauley showed he is in great form, taking over 20 minutes off the course record and shaking a tough challenge from Aaron Strong to win the Merida Bikes Ruapehu Cycle Classic on Saturday.

Over 400 cyclists enjoyed calm, clear conditions on Saturday as they tackled the 160km lap of Tongariro National Park. Starting and finishing in Ohakune, the course climbs to over 1,000 metres above sea level across the Central Plateau’s Desert Road, then descends towards Lake Taupo before turning left and climbing up to National Park, and on to the finish.

While Strong and McCauley spent the first 50km in the peleton, an early break stretched out to over 2 minutes before being reeled in. Having reached the highest point on the course – with a section of short climbs known as ‘the three sisters’ to come – Strong eased away from the lead bunch, but by the half way point at the end of a 12km descent, the leaders were all back together.

Turning left onto SH48 the riders got to work on the second long climb of the day, and by the time they reached National Park, Strong and McCauley were alone at the head of the field.

With just under 9km to go, a steady 2km climb was Strong’s best chance to attack McCauley, but instead it was McCauley who made the decisive move on this climb, holding a 50 metre gap over the crest of the hill and eventually winning by 14 seconds in a new record time of 4:11.44.

Megan Witehead won the women’s event for a second year in a row, taking over 20 minutes off her own record, setting a new fastest time of 4:57.05.

There was virtually no wind all day, and the field was treated to some spectacular views around the course. Team and individual riders continued to arrive in Ohakune until 4pm, and over $20,000 in cash and prizes was given out at the prize giving.

Many thanks to Merida Bikes, Limar Helmets, Leppin Sport, Fuelme.co.nz, Oxygen Eyewear, Endurance Sport Magazine, Orca, Bike Albany, the Ohakune Club and all of the local marshals and volunteers who helped make the event such a great success.

For results and the event video highlights, please visit www.cycleclassic.com