Crank It Cycles

In 2012 New Zealand's only UCI men's event will celebrate its 25th anniversary and it has been twenty five years of evolution from a two day event, run as the Angus Inn Cycle Classic in 1988 to the major international event it is today, the only UCI event in New Zealand for men's racing. An estimated 25000 people throughout the greater Wellington saw the first Angus Inn Cycle Classic as it was known then. The winner was Darien Rush from Wellington.

WHEN:The 2012 Cycle Classic is scheduled for 25 to 29 January 2012.

WHERE:The 2012 Cycle Classic will make changes to the race route, for the first time in 25 years,the tour will travel to the Manawatu region for the entire five days.

Three past riders of the tour rode in this year's Tour de France.

MITRE 10 MEGA GRAN FONDO CYCLE CHALLENGE FUN RIDE

As well as the new route and name of the event, for the first time the Mitre 10 Mega “Gran Fondo” fun ride open to everyone over the age of 15 years of age, the event takes place on the same day as riders in the international tour will ride the same stage.  Crank It Cycles wants to see as many Palmerston North cyclists competing in this prestigious event.  We are so fortunate to have an event of this calibre in our region, and want to ensure it stays here.  We look forward to seeing you out on your bike!....Read more for further information, including registration, grades, routes and distances.

WHAT IS A GRAN FONDO ANYWAY? Take a scenic, mountainous course and add several hundred cyclists ranging from pros to eighty-year-old cycle tourists. Mix in roving and fixed mechanical and medical support, feed zones manned by cheerful volunteers and traffic halted at intersections to let you pass. Garnish with enthusiastic and supportive spectators lining the course. Top it off with coverage by major cycling magazines. Energy, excitement, atmosphere!-- this is gran fondo, a phenomenon that has taken Italy by storm.

Gran fondo means long distance or great endurance. Some cyclists ride for the satisfaction and pride of just making it to the finish line. Others want to improve upon their previous times, and to challenge themselves, their friends, their teammates. And some ride to win! Regardless, every Gran Fondo event is an unforgettable cycling experience!

Every Gran Fondo takes place in conjunction with a major international cycle tour, cycling fans are given the opportunity to complete one of the stages that pro riders will do during the tour. If you'd like to know what it's like to race a stage of the men’s international cycle classic and feel like a pro, here's your chance, for this is as close as it gets!

The Event The Mitre 10 MEGA Gran Fondo will take place in the morning of stage four in the 2012 international tour; pro riders will do the same stage in the afternoon on Saturday 28 January 2012 and is ideal for individuals or social, corporate and sporting teams looking for a ride with a difference. It’s the first opportunity ever in New Zealand to ride a stage of a UCI Men’s Tour the same day as the Pro Teams.

It's a challenge - not a race, this event is for everyone who loves to ride bikes and want to do a stage of the international tour or part of it. The challenge is open to everyone over 15 years of age entering as individual or teams. Starts getting your team organized and take on the challenge - will you make it to the finish before the professionals arrive?

Event date: Saturday 28 January 2012

Registration:  Friday 4.00pm to 8.00pm Mitre 10 MEGA - 250 - 270 Featherston Street, Palmerston North;  Saturday 7.30 am to 8.30am at the start line, Ashhurst Main Road.

Start/ Finish: Oxford St - Ashhurst (between Worcester and Wyndham Sts.)

Route/grades/distances:

Mitre 10 MEGA Open 100km ride - Start time 9.00am

The Mitre 10 MEGA Gran Fondo will start and finish from Cambridge Avenue - Ashhurst. Riders will travel north via Pohangina Rd towards Raumai, Valley Road and Taonui Rd towards Colyton, Colyton Rd to the start/finish at Ashhurst. Riders to complete two more laps.

Unique Realty 68km ride – Start Time 9.15am

Same route as Open 100 ride but riders will complete only two laps of circuit

Sports Manawatu 34km ride – Start time 9.30am Same route as Open 100 ride but riders will complete only one lap of circuit

Mitre 10 MEGA Open 100km ride:Individual: $45 Team: $160 *

Unique Realty 68km ride: Individual: $45 Team: $160 *

Sports Manawatu 34km ride: Individual: $30 Team: $100 *

*Teams consist of four riders per team. All riders to complete the same distance - no relay event. The combine time of the first three riders will decide the winning team.