TRACK CYCLING

Strong interest from cycling stars for Track World Cup in Cambridge

By Sports Media NZ

Half of the expected number of nations has already confirmed their entry for December’s UCI Track Cycling World Cup in New Zealand.

Most of the heavyweights are included in the 19 nations entered to date, with 190 riders confirmed so far along with more than 120 support staff.

It is the first time New Zealand has hosted a UCI Track Cycling World Cup, one of three held globally each year as a qualifier for the world championships and ultimately to next year’s Rio Olympics.

New Zealand will host the second World Cup at the Avantidrome in Cambridge from 4-6 December with the first in Cali, Colombia in November and final stop in Hong Kong in January.

The powerhouse nations including Australia, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Great Britain have confirmed big numbers along with hosts New Zealand. The hosts will have a full team of 16 riders as well as three additional sprinters to compete under the High Performance Sport trade team.

There are also a number of minnows confirmed including two riders from Iran, three from Azerbaijan and one from Suriname.


Commonwealth Games sprint champion Sam Webster in action at this year’s UCI Track Cycling World championships in Paris. Photo © Guy Swarbrick

Organisers expect up to a further 20 teams to potentially enter ahead of the deadline late next month with start lists to be finalised three weeks from the event.

Some teams have already indicated they will travel to New Zealand from the first World Cup in Cali and spend up to three weeks training in Cambridge leading to the event.

“We are encouraged by the response so far from the teams and look forward to welcoming around 350 riders and their support staff to New Zealand and the Waikato region for the event,” said Cycling New Zealand CEO, Andrew Matheson.

“Several teams have already indicated they will extend their stay to make the most of the New Zealand summer and the world class cycling opportunities we have on our doorstep here in Cambridge.

“For many teams it will be their first trip to New Zealand and to our region and we are excited to showcase the best this region and country has to offer and of course our famous Kiwi hospitality.”

The other encouraging news is the strength in ticket sales for the event with only Friday and day sessions on Saturday and Sunday available, along with day-time hospitality options for groups, businesses and clubs.

“The response has been very strong and seats are now limited so I would encourage anyone keen to come to secure their tickets as soon as possible.”

Details: www.trackworldcup.nz