Top NZ cyclists to circuit Ruapehu

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 578, 21 March 1995, Page 9

Top NZ cyclists to circuit Ruapehu

Top names in the cycling scene inNew Zealand are to take part in this Saturday's Green Bottle Wholesale Ohakune Hotel Round Ruapehu Classic. So far 62 entries have been received with more expected. Names featured include Paul Leach, Commonwealth Games competitor from 1994 and past winner of the North Island Classic tour; Gary Anderson, New Zealand' s most honoured cyclist in both Olympics and Commonwealth Games; Tim Paulson, Commonwealth Games medallist and past winner of the North Island Classic tour. Leading riders Mark Rendall, John Harris and Mark Reynolds are also expected. Organisers

expect a good spectacle with such a turnout. Attracting this group is prize money which makes it the richest single stage event in New Zealand. Sponsors have put up more ^ than $5000 with. the majority coming from businesses and

individuals from Ohakune. In the novice race are some currently in the New Zealand development squad, working towards the Sydney Olympics in 2000. f

Bucket racing Sunday's feature

Last minute changes to the program will see motorcycles rather than karts racing around the Junction Circuit on the second day of The carnival of Wheels. The karters had a very full calendar and it was looking questionable if enough karts would turn up. For next year the event will be in their national calendar and good support is anticipated. Instead a "Buckets" class motorcycle race is to be run. The class is broken down into five divisions being sidecars, open, open B, 50cc and novice. All machines are restricted to 125cc in 4-stroke or lOOcc 2-stroke. No off-the-shelf racing motor parts are allowed although self-made performance parts are encouraged. The idea is to foster a better understanding between rider and machine rather than "cheque book racing". Although hotly competitive in the open class, everyone is there for the same reason — basically to have a good time and some exciting racing. There' s a lot of camaraderie between riders and if someone needs a few running repairs

or spares they all chip in. Sponsors have been generous so far and good prize money will be up for grabs in all classes. The feature race at the end of the day will be the Turoa Lodge All-comers King of the Junction and a large trophy and prize money will be open to all the classes; all on the track at once. This is going to be competed for annually and should ensure that interest will grow. Locals can enter on the day and be issued with a one-day racing permit. Most bikes if generally well services will only need a couple of small additions like handlebar end plugs and a container to catch any oil drips from the crankcase breather to pass scrutineering, plus a Standards approved helmet, leather gloves, boots, a jacket and leather pants. For information contact Phil Abel 385-9023. Scrutineering starts at 10am. Racing will start immediately after the cycle criterion around 1 1.30. The prize giving function will be at Turoa Lodge from 4.30pm.