A standoff between a top national cycling team and the organiser of the Trust House Cycle Classic is set to be resolved, with Pure Black Racing likely to start the race despite missing the entry date.
Entries to the Cycle Classic, which features several stages in Wairarapa, closed on December 28,with 85 riders from New Zealand and overseas making up the field.
However, top New Zealand racing team Pure Black missed the initial deadline for entry to the race.
The team includes Wairarapa professional cyclist Scott Lyttle, currently one of the country's best riders.
Initially tour director Jorge Sandoval said the team would not be allowed to put in a late entry to the event and they would simply have to miss out. But since then talks between he and Pure Black over a late entry appeared to have paved the way for a resolution.
Mr Sandoval said: "They didn't enter the race. But I have met with the manager and have put three conditions for them to enter the race ... Hopefully they will be met and they will enter the race."
He would not elaborate on what those conditions were, but said an announcement was likely to be made today.
Pure Black Business director Greg Cross said it was good to hear Mr Sandoval was making positive statements, but said he could not comment further until an official announcement was made. Trust House chief executive Bernie Teahan was hopeful the team would be competing. He said Pure Black's inclusion would give the race a boost, especially with a local rider competing.
"Scott's in the top 10 in New Zealand cycling and it would be disappointing not to have him here.
"And even apart from that, everyone will be wanting to beat the [Pure Black] racing team, which will give an added edge to the event."
The tour features three days of riding in Wairarapa before it finishes up in Wellington on January 30.
It kicks off on Wednesday, January 26, with the first stage a race to Masterton from Upper Hutt over the Rimutaka Hill.
