Host clubs PNP Cycling Club with support from Wellington MTB Club and Cycling Southland are rolling out the red carpet for our MTB and track riders who finally get the chance to race for their school as the 2020 Schools Cycling season begins and concludes over the next two weeks.
After a significantly impacted Schools Cycling season which has seen racing cancelled due to Covid-19, there is excitement for a majority of our School Mountain Bike and Track riders who will finally have the chance to represent their school at championships events.
While the past year has presented challenges for most NZ’ers we acknowledge that our youth, through disrupted school and sport have missed out on a lot. This disappointment and disruption has now been extended for our Auckland riders in these latest restrictions. We extend our thoughts to these riders who are unable to attend, especially to the senior riders and the defending champions who through no fault of their own are unable to complete.
To recognise and respect that the events have withdrawn Auckland entries, the national titles have been removed from the event however it is not anticipated that this will impact the high quality of racing on show across the two disciplines.
Over 530 riders from around the country will arrive in Wellington for a three-day celebration of mountain biking starting on Friday 2 October with a sell-out Downhill event taking place at Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt before the event heads over to Waiu Trail Park in Wainuiomata for Cross Country and Cross Country Relay on Saturday before the popular Enduro event rounds off a massive weekend on Sunday.
Some schools will then have a quick turnaround as the focus will turn to Invercargill where over 160 track riders will be hosted by Cycling Southland as the Track Championships incorporating the South Island Track Championships kicks off on Tuesday 6 October and concludes on Wednesday.
Events include overall individual honours for U13 – U20 in an omnium style competition and team sprints and Team pursuits with all racing contributing to a top school award and extra incentive for South Island Schools as they also contest the South Island Championship titles.
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