Gran Fondo Masterton 26th September 2010
SCIENCE IN SPORT
Gran Fondo Masterton
‘A challenging bike ride through the Masterton countryside'
Date 26th September
Mark the date in your diary now. See you in 2010.
AIM:
The Gran Fondo Masterton is a challenging Cyclo sportive bike tour providing cyclists of all ability levels an opportunity to participate in NZ's inaugural Gran Fondo. This unique, non massed start and non competitive event is based on the extremely popular European Gran Fondo model; it has quickly proved popular in the UK and throughout Europe.
The event will encompass three sections of varying terrain ranging from undulating to hilly. Competitors are able to decide on the distance to complete, ranging from one or more sections of the course according to their ability level.
OUTLINE:
The Gran Fondo Masterton will comprise of three sections (legs) two measuring approximately 50 km and a third 76km. Participants may choose to ride one or more legs of the 188 km course. The sections must be completed in numerical order, i.e. Legs 1-2-3. The end of each leg will pass through a central hub which will serve as a timing check and feed station.
A Gold, Silver and Bronze standard with appropriate timing will be in place. This will allow participants to have a clear target to aim for and for the more recreational rider; completion of the course will be reward enough. Certificates will be awarded to all riders achieving the appropriate ride time.
TIMING:
Competitors will be issued with a state of the art timing chip that will accurately indicate the timing on each leg and the overall time.
A staggered start time will be in place thereby reducing congestion on the course. With the sophistication of the timings system, it is not necessary to be in the first group away. It is recommended that slower riders take advantage of the early start times. Start times will vary between 7.15am and 9am.
A cut-off time for each section will be enforced, i.e. at the end of the first and second section very slow riders will be reminded of the cut off time. Full details will be published. The cut off times will accommodate the slower riders but will ensure that very slow riders are not tackling the final sections late in the day.
SPONSORS:
Copthorne Hotel & Resort - Solway Park, Science in Sport and Ceramic Speed are already confirmed as sub-sponsors. It is hoped to attract a sponsor for each leg of the ride.
SUPPORTERS:
Destination Wairarapa and Sport Wairarapa (Activation Wairarapa) are confirmed supporters of the event.
CENTRAL HUB:
A Central Hub located at Henley Lake will accommodate the start and finish area. All routes will pass through the CH with a feed zone established to provide competitors with replacement food and drink manned by a community group.
- Timing System
- Music and equipment displays
- Refreshments
- Toilet / Changing facilities
- St John's Ambulance (static / mobile)
- Up to date event news (current rider positions etc)
- Massage Team
- Car Parking for competitors
ENTRY FEE:
The entry fee includes a copy of the results, Gold, Silver or Bronze certificate, registration pack including an SIS water bottle, timing chip and post event meal voucher.
What do you get for your entry money?
- 100%, clear and concise route signage
- HQ with good car parking facilities
- Quieter Roads
- Detailed route cards, maps and profiles of the event
- Medal Times/Standards
/Results - Start Sheet
- Comprehensive website
- Online and postal entry
- Published Entry Lists
- Official Photographer
- Sag Wagon/Mechanica
l Support - Feed stops supply the correct energy foods and drinks required.
- Electronic Timing
- Good toilet and changing facilities
REGISTRATION;
The Event Headquarters and registration will be located at the Copthorne Hotel - Solway Park. Participants and supporters will be offered a very attractive accommodation package to spend the weekend in Masterton at the Copthorne.
On the Saturday evening a participants and supporters buffet will be available with possibly a guest speaker invited to address the riders.
All event registration will be on-line to reduce the administration costs. Full event details including maps will be available on this website early in 2010.
COURSE:
The event will consist of three routes, competitors may complete one or more of the routes in numerical order passing through the Central Hub at the end of each leg.
- Route One: Medio Fondo:
Dryers Rock route 55.36km - Route Two: Fondo:
Langdale route 80.61km - Route Three:
Gran Fondo: Lime works 57.36km
See Route One: click on link: http://www.mapm
See Route Two: click on link: http://www.mapm
See Route Three: click on link: http://www.mapm
MARSHALLS & SIGNAGE:
Directional arrows and marshals (at key intersections) will ensure a safe and well marked course.
SUMMARY:
Whilst this is a brief summary of the concept, planning is already well underway to promote the first Gran Fondo event in NZ. It is anticipated that the event based in Masterton will attract a first year field of at least a 1000 participants. The phenomenal growth of this type of event in Europe and the UK will quickly gain pace in NZ.
Register at: www.gran-fondo.