Freak weather doesn’t dampen spirits

The bad weather didn’t stop riders from giving it their all in the Strata Group Tour of the Bay in Hastings yesterday. Photo credit: Don Kennedy.

15 October 2012

Attention Sports Editors

Freak weather doesn’t dampen spirits

The BikeNZ Summer Series was tripped up by freak weather on opening day in Hastings, but neither numbers nor spirits were dampened.

The ever-reliable Hawke’s Bay weather had a day off yesterday for the Strata Group Tour of the Bay cycle event, as it threw up harsh winds, rain and a brisk 4°C.

“A few people pulled out mid-race because of the dangerous weather, but we still had over 700 riders competing and great numbers at prize giving so the day was not lost,” said event director Vanessa van Kampen.

Local Ramblers Cycling Club member Josh Page enjoyed his day out as he won the men’s 105km solo ride in a time of 2:30:35. Napier’s Winston Briggs was second (2:31:35 with New Zealand Olympian Westley Gough in third (2:31:26).

As this was the first event of the 11-leg BikeNZ Summer Series, the finishing order doubles as the overall leader board for the General Classification (GC).

“I’d definitely be keen to give the GC a good crack so will probably have a go at a few of the North Island Summer Series events,” said the 26-year-old.

On the women’s side of the draw, it was another local in Ashleigh Neave who beat the field to win in 2:54:59. Jo Holdaway from Havelock North was second across the line (3:02:15) with Katrina Windelborn in third (3:21:29).

The BikeNZ Summer Series moves to the Coromandel for round two with the tough K2 event taking place on October 27. Entries are still open so for more information, visit www.bikenzsummerseries.co.nz.

ENDS

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