Top cyclists for Ruapehu region

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 22, 28 October 1986, Page 16

Top cyclists for Ruapehu region

New Zealand's premier cycle race, the eight-day Raleigh Classic, will pass through the Ruapehu region on the new Wanganui-Chateau Tongariro stage, on 5 November. The race, formerly known as the Dulux seven-day cycle tour, will feature most of New Zealand's leading cyclists, including Commonwealth Games medallist Roger Sumich and champions Stephen Cox and Brian Fowler. There will also be teams from Australia, Japan, USA, England and Switzerland. During the Ruapehu stage competitors will leave Wanganui at !0.30am and should pass Raetihi at about 12.45pm. They should reach Ohakune soon after 1 pm. By 1.30pm the cyclists should be ascending the Makatote Viaduct hill-climb and soon

after will pass National Park. The stage is due to finish at the Chateau at 2.30pm. On the following day competitors will leave the Chateau at 9.30am, climb to the Rotoaira Saddle and on to Turangi, and finish at Taupo at 1 1.50am. The route between Wellington and Auckland has been chosen to offer a range of geographical challenge. while passing through some of the North Island's most scenically attractive landscapes. One of the features of the race is that it includes small towns such as Raetihi, Ohakune and National Park which normally would never get to see a major international sports event. Ruapehu region residents have the opportunity to support their country's cyclists as they pass through the area.