CYCLING

Jesse Sergeant to Ride NI series Final

By NZ Cycle Classic

The Trust House North Island team series is set for a thrilling finale this weekend, with overall victory in the Series on the line. 

Top pro rider Jesse Sergent who has been racing for the Trek Factory team for the last five years is making a rare appearance to racing in New Zealand, he has signed for the French base AG2R La Mondiale team for the next three years as from January 2016.

Sergent recently said it was time for him to move on to refresh his career and now he has been picked up by one of Europe's leading teams. It is the oldest of the French teams, formed in 1992.

He has just finished his toughest year, one which was badly affected by his broken collarbone suffered when a neutral service vehicle collided with him during the Tour of Flanders in Belgium in June.

“Is great to have top pro riders taking part in our event, will encourage other young boys to emulate him and for many, the opportunity of racing alongside Jesse will be a great experience” said race director Jorge Sandoval.

With just two points separating series leader David Weaver from Andy Hagan, both from Wheelworks team, and a further nine points to third place rider David Rowlands riding for MeoGP team in the men’s elite, this weekend final race will decide the 2015 Trust House winner.


Jesse Sergent. Photo courtesy of NZ Cycle Classic

Anyone of these three riders have a chance to take the series, David Weaver must ensure to beat Hagan to the line to ensure the title.

“With the top three-four places so close this week race will all about team tactics, any of their riders are capable of winning the race.  This will suit Weaver who can let other riders go up the road while he concentrates in marking Hagan.  The cards are on Rowlands team to be aggressive and attack Weaver, this is the beauty of team’s racing.”  Sandoval said.

The action in the Mitre 10 Masterton 34-44 master’s grade is also close.

There are three riders with just 9 points separating them. 

John Randall from Roadworks team and Andrew Young riding for IRide team are the two leaders with Randall five points in front. Both Randall and Young have been racing well over the series and they fought their way to the top f Admiral hill in last week’s race separated by only a few seconds so this week will be decide the winner.

In the Masters two grade the all series have belong to only one rider, Wellington’s David Meo riding for Kiwivelo.

Meo has been the strongest rider in the grade with four win in four races, including last week tough hilly rider to the top of Admiral hill.  All he has to do is to finish in the top 15 to take the series.  If he wins this weekend, will be the only rider to every race both in 2014 and 2015 series.

This weekend race will start from Henley Lake and will finish at Black Rock Road.  Riders will ride towards Eketahuna via Whangaehu Valley Rd and Route 52 before returning to the finish.

For more information, visit www.cyclingseriesnz.co.nz