Eyes of the cycling world will be on us

The eyes of the road cycling world will be on Masterton on Sunday.
According to organiser Jorge Sandoval no fewer than 38 countries will be taking television coverage of the International Cup women's race to be held around the streets of the town.
The 70-plus riders will cover 14 laps of a 8.5km course which takes in Perry Street, Cole Street, Chapel Street, Lincoln Road, Akura Road, Kibblewhite Road, Upper Plain Road, Ngaumutawa Road, Renall Street, Pownall Street, Villa Street and back to Perry Street.
Sandoval will be hoping of course that the local community show more interest than they did in the criterium which was the penultimate stage on the recent men's Trust House Tour of Wellington and Wairarapa.
That too was staged in Masterton and few people bothered to take the time out to watch the action there.
So few, in fact, that rumours have been circulating ever since that if Wairarapa's part in that whole tour isn't in jeopardy and it could be if Trust House removes their sponsorship than the criterium will be a goner as far as Masterton is concerned.
Which, quite frankly, wouldn't
be the worst news you will ever hear.
After all, the criterium seldom plays any huge part in the end result of the tour and from a rider's perspective is probably seen more of a nuisance than anything else.
Sunday's International Cup race is on an entirely different plane.
It truly is something special, and for more than one reason.
Firstly it is the only women's international road cycling race programmed for the whole of the Oceania region in 2009 and, as such, has attracted top riders from several countries including Australia, China, Japan, United States and, of course, New Zealand.
Secondly it is behind only the World Cup and the world championships on the women's road cycling pecking order.
Thirdly it could have a big say as to which countries qualify for representation for Olympic Games and world championships.
What they call UCI points decide that and 80 of them will go to the winner of the Masterton race, only 20pts less than that awarded for a world championship success.
Sandoval's assertion that it could be the biggest international sporting event ever held in Masterton certainly does hold credence when you consider those facts although those us aged enough to recall the world roller skating championships being staged here many moons ago would probably debate the point.
In any case it's importance in women's road cycling can't be undermined, and consequently the riders themselves will literally and figuratively be gearing up for a prime performance.
The race route suggests tactics will play a huge part in the end result. With no hills to climb a genuine pace should be set from the outset. Those who have strength and stamina as their greatest attributes are likely to force the issue from the word go with the sprinters more intent on playing a secondary role early on and then unleashing over the closing stages.
It will interesting too to see what part the exertions of the three-day NZTC Women's Tour have in the end result with the bulk, if not all, of the participants having competed there as well.
That tour finishes with the arduous climb up Admiral Hill tomorrow so there will be a few weary legs about, won't there?
Spectator-wise the course is friendly with plenty of opportunity for people to seek out vantage points from which they can watch the action unfold.
Start time is 10am (outside the Masterton District Council offices) and it should be all over some three-and-a-half hours later.
This then is a huge chance for Masterton-and indeed the whole of the Wairarapa to prove their support for high-profile sporting events can match that of anywhere else in the country.
Bring it on!!!