NZ champ makes cameo at north series

Joe Cooper, national champion, is the special guest rider for MeoGP Racing Team and capable of something special. Photo / Supplied

National road cycling champion Joseph Cooper is looking forward to returning to Wairarapa this weekend when he lines up in the penultimate round of the Trust House North Island Series.

Cooper, who is a special guest rider for MeoGP Racing Team, has been a member of the UCI Avanti Racing Team for the past two years, spending time racing in Korea, Taiwan, China, Japan and Australia. MeoGP Racing Team manager Brent Backhouse said it's an exciting prospect having Cooper guest-ride for the team in what is being billed as "the toughest race" in the North Island Series with several major hill climbs.

"It's not every day that you get the national champ knocking on the door asking if there's a guest spot on the team," he says.

"Everyone knows that Joe is capable of something special on the bike, and while it's the end of his season he's clearly flying, winning two back-to-back stages at the Tour of Southland a few days ago."

This Saturday's race held on the outskirts of Masterton is labelled by event organiser Jorge Sandoval as the "Queen" race of the series. Riders will face major hill climbs and Sandoval is looking forward to seeing Cooper racing in such a good form.

"Joe is one of the best New Zealand riders, has gained lots of experience racing overseas with the Avanti team over the last couple of years and after winning the King of the Mountains competition and two stages in last week's Tour of Southland, he should be in top condition," he said.

Sandoval said Saturday's race would be "really hard" with some massive climbs confronting the riders even before they get to the 12km climb to the finish at the top of Admiral hill. First on the menu is the short sharp Millar's Rd hill climb, from there riders turn their attention to the testing 6km Te Wharau hill and then the Masterton Limeworks hill.

After Limeworks, riders travel via Lees Pakaraka Rd towards the finish at the top of the gruelling Admiral Hill in Gladstone, a 12km climb to an altitude of almost 500m. This week's race will be crucial for all riders.

"I won't be surprised if we get a new leader after this race," Sandoval said. "Over the years I have seen lots of famous riders go backwards halfway up that last hill, this time won't be different and the heat could play a major part in the race too."

Series leader Dave Weaver will, however, be fighting hard to keep his advantage while other riders to watch are the members of the Team Skoda Racing and L and M Group Ricoh teams.