International status for Wairarapa tour

THIRD EVENT ON CALENDAR: Some of the world's top female cyclists will compete in Wairarapa.

The world's top female road cyclists are set to descend on Wairarapa early next year for the 2015 Trust House Women's Tour of New Zealand.

The Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has just granted the tour international status and race director Jorge Sandoval says the five-day event will take place entirely in the Wairarapa region from February 18-22. It will be the third event of the 2015 UCI Women's Cycling Calendar, after earlier races in Argentina and Qatar.

"I've worked really hard to gain support to stage this event and am so excited cycling's governing body, the UCI, has granted it international status," Sandoval said.

"I am grateful to Trust House Foundation and Destination Wairarapa, as without their support this event would not take place. This is also great news for local riders who will have the opportunity to race against the best in the world right here in New Zealand. It comes hot on the heels of the New Zealand cycling team's fantastic showing at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games."

Destination Wairarapa general manager David Hancock congratulated Mr Sandoval, saying the five-day race will have huge benefits for the region.

"Wairarapa will benefit as the event will be televised nationally and internationally," Hancock said. "This will provide a showcase for the entire region as a cycling destination and complement other aspects Wairarapa is already renowned for; spectacular coastlines, charming villages and our reputation as a top wine and food destination."

UCI vice-president Tracey Gaudry expressed her support for the newest elite women's event on the world cycling calendar. "The UCI is committed to growing cycling worldwide and providing greater opportunities for female cyclists. The Trust House Women's Tour of New Zealand is a highly-anticipated addition to the 2015 World and Oceania road cycling calendars for women. Every continent around the world will host the world's best women road cyclists in 2015 - what a great way to inspire women to take up cycling," Gaudry said.

Bike NZ chief executive officer Andrew Matheson welcomes the return of a UCI-sanctioned women's cycling tour to New Zealand after a two-year hiatus.

"The tour will showcase world-class riders, many New Zealanders among them, and provide invaluable inspiration to our next generation of female cyclists," he says.

Masterton Mayor Lyn Patterson says the town has a great track record of holding world class events and this will be another fantastic addition to the events calendar.

"We are very grateful to Jorge for his efforts in securing this event for Wairarapa and look forward to other community events being held to support the tour."

Trust House Foundation chairman Craig Cooper is also excited Wairarapa will host a truly international event.

"Trust House has worked with and witnessed the previous successes Jorge Sandoval has brought to Wairarapa with various major cycling events. As such we're aware of Jorge's ability to bring world-class athletes to our region and the opportunity to showcase Wairarapa to the cycling world."

The 2015 Trust House Women's Tour of New Zealand will attract the world's top road cyclists including Olympic and Commonwealth medallists and world champions. The field of up to 140 riders will be announced later this year.

Sandoval says cyclists will complete 530km over five stages, with each spectator-friendly stage to be held in a different part of Wairarapa.

"Previous cycle races held in Wairarapa have attracted some of the world's best riders and a similar class field is expected next year with the tour having been granted international status by the UCI.

"With the Rio Olympic Games fast approaching, this tour will be a fantastic opportunity for riders to catch the eye of national selectors. It will also provide amazing viewing for cycling enthusiasts and be a real showcase for the region and for New Zealand."