Tour de Raro ready to roll

The TurtlesTees Tour de Raro cycle race will be held today starting at 4.45pm opposite Goldmine Shop in the town centre.

The event is sponsored by TurtlesTees Sportswear and over 50 cyclists have entered this event in the past.

Last year 44 cyclists lined up, but more are expected this year with higher numbers of triathletes still on the island from last weekend’s Air New Zealand International Triathlon. The race leaders are expected to achieve a time of around 45 minutes.

Cyclists should note that several groups of riders spaced a few hundred metres apart will form in the first few kilometres of the race, depending on riders’ abilities.

Please take extra care in the first two kilometres of the race especially at the Roundabout through to Tupapa village as traffic islands and intersections occur here.

Organisers require that cyclists do not use aero bars when riding within the peloton group.

Only once riders have reduced to groups of five or less in line are aero bar positions acceptable.

A police motorcycle escort will lead the leading riders.

The race record is 42 minutes 16 seconds by Luke Bell of Australia which he set in 2002.

The local record is 44:38 by Geoff Stoddart and the open women’s record, as well as local women’s best time is 45:55 held by Jennie George.

Cyclists are asked to gather at the start line area from 3.45pm to get your name on the start board and your race number printed on your left leg.

Cyclist not entered and paid as part of the full triathlon package can enter from 4pm today, including booking for the after race barbecue at the Edgewater.

- CITA

Triathletes dissect performance, full results pages 9-10