Subway – Avanti Pro Cycling Team intends on making mark on double header weekend

The Subway – Avanti Pro Cycling Team heads to the West Coast of the South Island for two events this weekend it is determined to make its mark on.

“This weekend’s double-header is a must attend for any team intending to win the two series that both events represent,” Team Manager Greg Hume said.

The team is aiming to strengthen the advantages of leaders Gordon McCauley and Matt Gorter in the RaboPlus National Points Series event Around Brunner on Saturday, and then it turns its attention to round two of the Benchmark Series in Hokitika the following day.

“While Gordon and Matt are lying first and second in the National Points Series we will not be taking our eye off winning the actual round as any number of the Subway – Avanti riders is capable of winning it, particularly Hayden Godfrey should it come down to a bunch sprint.”

Hume said he expected late team entry Bici Vida to do its best to ensure McCauley did not secure too many points in the Brunner event in the absence of its leader Patrick Bevin who sits tied in third place in the National Series with Christchurch teenage Josh Atkins.

“Because the 2010 Benchmark Homes Tour is still in its infancy with just one round completed, that series remains wide open. Consistency remains the key to winning any of the classifications on offer; however classifications aside, the team wants to win the Hokitika round on Sunday after missing out on podium spots in Nelson.”

“No soft Benchmark Homes round is ever won due to the high calibre of teams competing. We are aware of strengthening the overall position of our best placed rider Gorter who is fourth overall.”

Hume stressed that while Gorter’s position was worth focusing on, attention will also be given to the team’s remaining members to collect points to ensure they are not left behind in the race for the overall title.

“The more riders Subway – Avanti can place towards the top of the leader-board, the more strategic options we will have as the series progresses. The team of Benchmark Homes has this luxury at present as it fills the top three overall placings.”

Subway – Avanti’s McCauley leads the National series with 210 points, with team mate Gorter second on 155 points with Atkins and Bevan tied on 100 points.

Ends

Editors notes
Around Brunner Start time: 7.55am (elite start)
Location: Start and finish: Mawhera Quay, Greymouth
Course info: 130 kilometres from Greymouth, heading south before turning inland, going through Kumara, and past lake Brunner before heading back along the banks of the Grey River and back to Greymouth.

2010 RaboPlus National Points Series
The RaboPlus National Points Series 2010 is New Zealand’s premier road cycling series. Open to all licensed riders it aims to find the top Men and Women domestic riders in New Zealand.

The series is a collection of 12 of New Zealand's classic events held throughout the country beginning with the Yarrows Taranaki Cycle Challenge in January and concluding with the Rice Mountain Classic in December.

The Subway – Avanti Pro Cycling Team is New Zealand’s only UCI Continental team receiving UCI status in early 2009.

Ends

For more information please contact:
Greg Hume
021 599921

Hayden Godfrey
021 464482
www.subwaycycling.co.nz

John McKenzie
enthuse ltd
021 384 730
03 384 7338
media management for The Subway – Avanti Pro Cycling Team