CYCLING

All Set for Fifth Season of Capital's Premier Track Racing League

By PNP

Wellington's track cycling scene continues to flourish, with the fifth season of the weekly Burkes Cycles Speed League promising another summer of record attendance and performances from the region's quickest cyclists. Kicking off on October 30 at the Wellington Velodrome in Hataitai, every round features up to 20 fast and furious races for five ability-based grades.
 

Riders returning include 16 year-old George Jackson who recently signed with top kiwi outfit Team Skoda Racing. One of many young talents racing Speed League, Jackson has risen through the junior ranks and is now a serious contender for the Coffee Supreme senior men's prize thanks to his excellent finishing sprint.

Hot on his wheels will be another youngster, Liam Cooper, seniors Dan Waluszewski and Pat Crowe-Rishworth, plus defending champion Nick Warren. Last year’s Coffee Supreme women’s champion, Lisa Hunkin will have her work cut out against young riders too, with Bridget Olphert and Ruby Straugheir among her likely rivals. Three time champion Ele Pepperell returns for another crack at the title.

In addition to the main men’s and women’s competitions, there are trophies up for grabs for under 11s, 13s, 15s and 17s, as well as the Lanes Bar and Bowling Lounge Sprint Ace and Zeal Commercial Interiors Teams’ Prize. Further support comes from Champion System who provide limited edition jerseys to all the winners.

Burkes Cycles Speed League organisers, the PNP Cycling Club, are also beginning a programme of maintenance work to get the Wellington Velodrome resurfaced. "The track is now very well used and a new surface will encourage even more people to use the track's safe and fun environment to get into and improve their cycling," says Peter Mitchell, PNP Club Treasurer.
 

For more information, visit www.pnp.org.nz/track, email Nick Warren at bicwarren@gmail.com or check out:

www.facebook.com/wellington.velodrome
www.twitter.com/welly_velodrome