Cycling: Push to revive Tour of North Island cycle race

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Cycling's lack of a high profile race capable of attracting big names is forcing Cycling New Zealand to renew its search for a sponsor and promoter in the hope of resurrecting the North Island Tour.

Only the Jorge Sandoval-promoted Tour of Wellington and the long-established Tour of Southland now attract fields of any quality but Cycling New Zealand sport development officer Geoff Campbell is keen to see a return of the Auckland-Wellington (or vice versa) race.



"We believe New Zealand can support two major tours. The Tour of Southland has its place, but really we need a higher-profile race in the North Island," said Campbell.

"Cycling New Zealand still own the rights for the North Island Tour and we will do all we can to get it off the ground again.

"To have the support of the international body [UCI] there has to be a minimum level of prizemoney. That is where Jorge Sandoval has come up short with his race.

"We estimate it would need a minimum of $250,000 to stage the North Island Tour. I understand Jorge Sandoval had a budget of considerably less than that for this year's Tour of Wellington."

It is understood a couple of major backers of that race, including naming-rights sponsors Fuji Xerox, have withdrawn their support.

Campbell said he had heard all sorts of rumours about planned races in the next year.

"We are now putting together our calendar for next year so we hope we get something definite soon," said Campbell. "Ideally a return to the North Island race would link with the national road championships - to be held at Lepperton [near New Plymouth] at Labour weekend - and the Southland Tour which follows in the first week of November."

There has been talk of a new race across the North Island from Wanganui to Napier via Mt Ruapehu and Taupo, but Campbell said his preference remained a race up or down rather than across the island.

In the meantime, Cycling New Zealand will do all it can to ensure the women's World Cup returns to New Zealand in 2002.

"We will actively support Stephen Cox in his bid to hold the race again," said Campbell. "His race on Sunday in Hamilton went extremely well."

Campbell said the major tours were the best way for the sport to get publicity and support, especially as many top cyclists were now signed to professional overseas teams. While they will often by-passed national championships, they were always keen to return home for the tours.