Cyclo Cross Sam Gaze the under 19 Champion.
About 100 mad-keen bikers will hit Christchurch tomorrow for round five of the New Zealand Cyclocross Series in Hagley Park.
Cyclocross, which has been run in Europe for many years but is new to this country, harks back to the old days of riding and appeals to retro cycling enthusiasts. Andrew Barlow, a former national cycling champion and New Zealand rep in road and track cycling, is the man behind the first cyclocross series here.
"Due to few bikes being available in the past, many do-it-yourself Kiwis have made their own machines from parts in the garage," said the former winemaker now preparing to be a builder in Christchurch.
"Some of the special creations would surprise many clever minds."
Barlow believes the series has brought New Zealand's best cyclocross riders together to form a strong base for the sport's future. "Cyclocross is awesome fun to participate in and the most enjoyable spectator-friendly bike sport."
Cyclocross is held in winter and events usually take no more than an hour. It requires a combination of strength, skill and all-round fitness. Events entail a 2.5km course of terrain with varying degrees of mud, dirt, grass, rain, wind, ice, snow, hills, sand and pavement.
Obstacles can be man-made such as stairs, wooden barriers or naturally occurring logs, bogs, or whatever the course designer creates.
No two courses are the same. Ninety per cent of circuits are able to be cycled but the running sections can test even the fittest competitors.
"The heart rate is at max after the first 100m and doesn't rest until you cross the finish line," said Barlow.
"It's a sport where the elements are out to get you ... Like many endurance sports it's a war of attrition and the most determined and hungriest competitor will prevail."
Dan Warren, who won the opening event at Wellington, leads the Men's Championship from Sheldon Gorter after he finished runner-up last week in Hamilton.
Kim Hamer-Hurst, with a win and two runner-up finishes in 2012, leads the women's series from American Katie Compton who made a cameo in two events of the series. Mark Vincett isn't near the top of the field but he loves participating. The 40-year-old research consultant, who describes his sporting background as "laughable", got into cycling in the late 80s through the mountain biking boom.
"At some point I turned into a bit of a bike nut," said Vincett.
"Other than dabbling with adventure racing, cycling's the one sport I keep up with. I am distinctly mid-pack but this year for me it's been more about taking part and pushing myself rather than worrying about final placings. Next year maybe I'll train more and do some running in preparation for the run sections."
Vincett believes the advent of a national series is a huge success.
"It's the first time anyone's attempted to co-ordinate a series of national cyclocross races in New Zealand, and in doing so it's helped bring people from all around the country together and created a real sense of community amongst cyclocrossers.
"There's a great camaraderie at events with people keen to learn from each other and share their excitement about the sport with others. This was made even more special when the sponsors attracted Katie Compton - a professional US cyclocross racer - here to take part in two races and share her knowledge."
Vincett is a typical weekend warrior. He's up for the battle as much as he is the banter.
"When the race is on and you're giving it everything, there's not much talking, but after the bell lap, everyone hangs out and shares their war stories, reliving crashes and their favourite sections of the course. I've made a heap of new riding mates this year and look forward to seeing them at future races."
This is a trial year for the New Zealand series. Event organisers were approached in six cities around New Zealand to host one event each.
In 2013 the series will most likely be tendered out to six event organisers (two additional events at Queenstown and Marlborough) - three in the South Island and three in the North Island - but details are yet to be confirmed.
The series final is in Marlborough so there will be a mass exodus to the wine country in September to see who will be crowned the 2012 King and Queen of NZ Cyclocross.
What advice do you offer newcomers to cyclocross?
Andrew Barlow: Take a look at Youtube clips; visit your local cyclocross bike store for advice on the best machine for you. Find an event (see www.nzcyclocross.co.nz) then get out amongst it and have fun. It always helps to attend a skills session by a specific cyclocross coach. Events are held between May and September in Wellington, Upper Hutt, Hamilton, Hawkes Bay, Buller/West Coast, Christchurch and Dunedin. Some bike brands who've supported Cyclocross already in 2012 are Specialized, Cannondale, Avanti and Giant.
Mark Vincett: It doesn't matter what kind of bike you turn up on, it's about giving it a go. I'd actually choose an old road bike over a mountain bike, they're often cheaper to buy, and out on the course lighter to carry; and when you're on the course and it gets slippery don't throw yourself or the bike around too much, keep your movements smooth.