Tour of New Zealand 2008    (UCI 2.2)

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Preview

Wellington area, North Island, New Zealand, February 27 - March 2

Preview

Greater Wellington, on New Zealand's North Island, has reinforced its position as a world class cycling destination with a double dose of good news. 

Cycling’s international governing body, the UCI, has granted international status to the second running of five-day women’s classic in February 2008 and the New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) will be the major supporter.

Stokes Valley promoter Jorge Sandoval has worked hard in recent months to secure the international status and sponsorship for the tour that starts in the Hutt Valley on February 27. The race has been awarded by cycling's governing body, the International Cycling Union, as UCI 2.2

Sandoval says he wants to build on the platform that the (2004-2006) World Cup’s sponsor’s, officials, organisers and supporters have given cycle racing in the Wellington region. “This is great news for our sport and the region. To have NZCT on board is very special as it gives us the confidence to put on a first class event in 2008 and in the years to come” Sandoval said.

Mike Knell, NZCT Chief Executive, says his organisation is happy to help. “NZCT is the largest funder of amateur sport in New Zealand and we’re pleased to contribute to the success of this fantastic event. It’s a great challenge for participants and a boost to the sport’s profile in the area.”

Sandoval and his team have been working on bringing the World Cup back to Wellington.

“We are trying really hard to get the world cup back to Wellington from 2009.  We recently meet with the UCI Vice – President and we have been invited to go to the UCI in Switzerland early in 2008 to do a formal presentation.”

“In order to keep the momentum from the two World Cups in 2005 and 2006,  we will run a bigger NZCT Women’s Tour of New Zealand next year in the Wellington and Wairarapa area and one of the stages will take place in the proposed new circuit for the 2009 women’s World Cup." Sandoval added.

Riders in the 2008 NZCT funded event will race up the steepest hill climbs in the Wairarapa – Admiral hill and Te Wharau hill - previously used only by their male counterparts.  This will be a testing introduction to the tour as it will happen on the second day of racing. This will prove particularly gruelling for the European riders who come to New Zealand early in their season. 

Over the five days of racing riders will complete six stages for a total of 470 kilometres. The race starts with a circuit in Hutt City on Wednesday 27^th February at 2.00pm, and finishes with a criterium race in downtown Wellington on Sunday March 2.

Tuesday 26^th February – 12.00 noon 

Wellington Civic Reception/Teams presentation – Civic Square

The Mayor will welcome all riders and the riders will parade from the Parliament Grounds to the Civic Square

Wednesday 27^th February

Stage One               Hutt City Criterium

Distance:                    35 km

Start/ finish                 Avalon TV Studios – Lower Hutt

Start Time:                 2.30pm                    

Stage Finish:             3.15pm (approximate)

Thursday 28^th February 2008

Stage Two:                Martinborough - Masterton  

Distance:                   90 km

                        Start Time:                 10.30am                    

Stage Finish:             Dixon St Masterton - 1.15pm approximate

Friday 29^th February 2008 

Stage Three:              Masterton Circuit – Admiral Hill

Distance:                    125km

Start Time:                 10.00am

Saturday 1^st March 2008

Stage Four:                Miramar Circuit Road Race 

Distance:                    120km

Start Time:                 10.00am

Sunday 2^nd March 2008

Stage Five:                Wellington Individual Time Trial – 14km

                                  Miramar Peninsular

Start Time:                 10.00am                  

Stage Finishes:           11.45am (approximate)

Start Place:                Scorching Bay

Stage Finish:             Scorching Bay

Sunday 2^nd March 2008  

Stage Six:                   City of  Wellington Criterium – Lambton Quay

Start Time;                 3.00pm

Distance:                    35km