Wairarapa will again play a prominent part in on of the country's major cycling events, the Trust House Classic, in 2005. Commencing on January 26 it will, as usual, bring all the vibrant colour, drama and excitement of world class cycling to the Hutt Valley, Wellington and Wairarapa. It is the thirdtime in the history of the classic that the event has gained major support from the Trust House Charitable Trust whose chairman Brian Bourke sees it as an opportunity to showcase Wairarapa to a wider world. Next year's tour will break new ground in that a hilly 150km stage from Masterton and Pahiatua has been included. Race director Jorge Sandoval believes this particular stage will be hard on the legs of the cyclists as it will come after only two days of racing. He said over the five days of the tour riders would complete a total of 84 kilometres of hill climbing up some of the region's most torturous and demanding hills. Last year's tour attracted some 30 overseas cyclists from countries such as Japan, Netherlands, Canada, Uruguay, Australia and the United Kingdom. The race roiute for the 2005 event is:- January 26.-Stage one:: Hutt City criterium (45km), starting at Fraser Park, Lower Hutt. January 27.-Stage two: Featherston to Masterton via Lake Wairarapa and Martinborough (94.4km).Stage three: Masterton criterirum in Masterton business centre (40km). January 28.-Stage four: Masterton to Pahiatua and return via Whangeahu Valley road, Dryers Rock, Pahiatua, Rongomai and Eketahuna (158.5km). January 29,-Stage five: Masterton circuit with finish at top of Admiral Hill (125.3km). January 30,-Stage six: Individual time trial in Wellington (12km).Stage seven: Petone criterium (40km).
