Tie-breaker may decide series winner

ALL TO RIDE FOR: Michael Torckler will add interest to final outcome. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The Trust House North Island cycling series is set for a thrilling finale tomorrow with overall victory in the series on the line.

With just three points separating series leader Sam Horgan (Bike Manawatu) and Dan Waluszewski (Rivet Racing Team), in the men's elite, a post-race tie-breaker may be required to determine the overall series winner.

A top-two finish for Horgan will clinch the series title, however if Waluszewski takes the win, he will need Horgan to finish no higher than third to steal the crown.

If the pair finishes on equal points, the series will be awarded to the rider who secured more overall podium places throughout the series, which would be Horgan.

Either way, they must ensure to finish the race, if not, New Zealand multi-champion Gordon McCauley currently in third place could be the series champion.

Spicing up tomorrow's event is the L and M Group RICOH New Zealand team riding the series only for the second time. The team is made up of some of the best New Zealand riders and this weekend will include 2012 New Zealand national champion James Williamson, Nick Logreve and Antony Chapman.

A late entry of top New Zealand professional rider Michael Torckler, winner of the 2010 New Zealand Cycle Classic will also add interest to the outcome of the race.

"Having the Land M boys in the race may change race tactics, any of their riders are capable of winning the race," says race director Jorge Sandoval.

"This will suit Horgan who can let other riders go up the road while he concentrates in marking Waluszewski."

The action in the 34-44yrs masters grade is also close. There are five riders from five different teams with just 11 points separating them.

Stephen Sheldrake (Team East Coast Velo) and Mark Donald (Capital Cycles) have both won two races each while Stewart Holder (Signature Homes) John Randall (Rivet Racing) and Hannes Venter (Total Home Theatre) are ready to step up and go for the overall win.

In the Masters 45-49yrs and 50-plus, two riders have proven to be the strongest from race one, Craig Hosking in the 45-49yrs and Wellington's David Meo in the 50-plus grade, both only need to finish to win their age groups competition.

Wairarapa's Brett Tulloch (Tararua Builders Racing) could jump into third place in the overall list if he has a good last race and manages to beat Robin Kilvington (Capital Cycles).

In the women's event there has been only one leader since race one, Kerry Anne-Page (RamblersCC), and she is set to win her first title in the series.

Sandoval is already looking forward to the 2015 series.

"I've been pleasantly surprised by the number of people who have taken part in the first Trust House series."

Tomorrow's race will start and finish from Matahiwi Estate. Riders will head towards Eketahuna via Whangaehu Valley Rd and Route 52.

Members of the public can watch the finish outside Matahiwi Estate about 1pm.