The RaboDirect Club Road National Cycling Championships return to Hawke’s Bay roads this week.

The last time the champs were held in Hastings District was in 2010 when they were based at the Matapiro Community Hall at Crownthorpe.

The courses to be used for the 2012 champs are at two separate venues. The individual time trials will be held on Thursday May 3rd, from a base at the Waipawa United Events Centre in Coronation Park Waipawa, while the road races are again centred on the Matapiro Hall and run from Friday May 4th till Sunday May 6th.

The racing involves men and women competitors in junior, masters and elite grades who race over a variety of distances, dependant on their age and ability. The highlight of the champs will be Sunday morning’s road race for the elite and under 23 grades over six laps of the Matapiro circuit. This will involve the competitor’s riding over 174 kilometres on undulating country roads.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says, “The club nationals provide competitors with exciting racing on a variety of quiet, rural roads around the region. It is very pleasing that this event has returned to Hastings again so soon and it will again bring major economic benefits to the regions accommodation providers and retailers.”

“The event was a great success when it was held in Hastings in 2010 and I commend the management of Ramblers Cycling Club for once again putting their hands up to host the event. Thanks also to members of Cycling HB who will organize the individual time trial and the many people who have volunteered their time to help run the events.”

Race schedule:

Thursday 3rd May, individual time trial:  Waipawa United Events Centre, Coronation Park, Tikokino Road, Waipawa. 15km, 25km and 40km races

Friday 4th – Sun 6th May, road races: Matapiro Community Hall, Matapiro Road. Races vary in length – elite and under 23-year-olds will ride 174 kilometres which is six laps of the Matapiro circuit.
Further information on the RaboDirect Club Road National Cycling Championships, including the full timetable and entry lists can be found at http://www.ramblers.co.nz/nats2012.asp

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