Cycling: Extra Napier Hill lap to add fizz to nationals

Site traffic management supervisor Tony Hartley (left) and race director Ivan Aplin in the thick of it all during the HB Summer Cycling Carnival in January this year. Photo/File

The New Zealand Road Cycling Championship for elite and under-23 riders will return for the third year to a stunning Hawke's Bay early next year.

Organiser the Napier City Council, with the support of Cycling New Zealand, has introduced some changes to further develop the course and enhance the rider experience for the event to be held in the city from January 5-7.

The key change is the removal of the final out-and-back lap with an extra lap of the famous Napier Hill replacing it.

This change makes a small increase to the overall race distances and will see the riders finish in the same direction as the inner-city laps.

"The changes are small in terms of their footprint but they will make it a more streamlined and enjoyable ride for competitors, also providing an exciting finish straight off Napier Hill," says race manager Ivan Aplin.

There are other minor changes including the removal of the sharp left turn after the descent of Shakespeare Rd.

"When we make a change to a course we have to consider the rider experience, the safety of all those involved in the event and the impact on the community that provides the support for an event of this size to succeed," says Aplin.

Church Road Winery will once again host the time-trial event on Friday, January 5. The course remains the same as last year with a mix of hills and flat around Taradale to test the riders over the 20km lap.

The championship is the flagship event of the Hawke's Bay Summer Cycling Carnival which includes the Bay Espresso Winery Fun Ride, the Black Barn Vineyards Criterium, the Traffic Design Group Flying Lap and the Tineli Gran Fondo Ride.

Rider and supporters are encouraged to secure their accommodation early.
For more information, go to: www.eliteroadsnational.nz or www.summercyclingcarnival.co.nz