18 January 2006

Experience the Tour De Hutt

Pumped. Primed. Perfectly positioned. And that’s just the crowd who turn out in Hutt City every January as New Zealand’s cycling superstars fight for glory in the Trust House Cycle Classic.

The action begins on Wednesday 25 January at 5.30pm with a fast and furious circuit around the Lower Hutt CBD.

More than 100 international competitors will complete laps of the 45km circuit – in a test of strength, speed and endurance. Up to fifteen teams of six riders will contest the four-day stage race taking place in Hutt City, the Wairarapa and Wellington. The teams feature some of New Zealand’s top riders as well as participants from around the globe.

The Cycle Classic is a great opportunity to get friends and family together and share in the colour and excitement of as the teams jostle for position throughout the race. Just like the Tour de France, riders will chase the yellow jersey to be worn by the race leader.

Spectators will be treated to intense racing along the course that starts and finishes in High Street and includes Laings Road, Knights Road, Bunny Street, Queens Drive and Waterloo Road.

For safety of the competitors and public, the race will take place on a circuit completely closed to traffic. Streets will be progressively closed to traffic from 4:00pm on Wednesday 25 January and reopened from 8.00pm.

The Council is advising that traffic delays can be expected due to the action and alternative routes may have to be taken.

The 40km Jackson Street criterium at 2pm on Sunday 29 January is also set to be an action packed finish to the tour and could well come down to the wire.

In a new addition, amateurs can also compete in their own 3 race criterium series in the lead up to the big races. Grades include Open Men & Women (A & B Grades only) and Vets 35 to 45 and 45 plus. Entry costs $15 per race or $40 for the three races. All races are under Bike NZ rules.

For entry information and for further information about the Trust House Cycle Classic visit www.cycletournz.com

Road Closures

Wednesday 25 January, 4:00pm to 8:00pm

- Queens Drive between High Street (south) and Waterloo Road
- High Street from Daly Street to 20 metres north of Waterloo Road
- Laings Road from High Street to 30 metres south of Knights Road
- Knights Road between Laings Road and Bunny Street
- Bunny Street
- Margaret Street from Queens Drive to 20 metres north of High Street
- Waterloo Road from High Street to Queens Drive
- Andrews Avenue

Sunday 29 January 12 noon to 5:00pm

- Jackson Street from Britannia Street to Kensington Avenue
- Buick Street from Jackson Street to Elizabeth Street
- Elizabeth Street from Buick Street to Kensington Avenue
- Kensington Avenue from Jackson Street to Elizabeth Street

ENDS

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