The NZCT Women’s Tour of New Zealand
27 February – 2 March 2008
MEDIA INFORMATION
The biggest international women’s sporting event in New Zealand.
"Hi Jorge---Congratulations on assembling such an Elite field----prob the best ever tour field in NZ" Ron Cheatley, top NZ coach and cycling administrator.
The NZCT Women’s Cycle Tour of New Zealand starts on Wednesday 27th February at 2.30pm with a circuit around Fraser Park in Lower Hutt. The following day, Thursday 28th February, riders take on Stage Two, 110km from Martinboroug to Masterton.
On Friday 29th February riders take on the most difficult stage in the tour, a 125kmts race including six major hill climbs and finishing with a 12kmts “Top of the Mountain” climb to the top of Admiral Hill in the Wairarapa.
This is the same stage use by the men’s in last month’s Trust House Cycle Classic, one of the hardest stages for any tour in New Zealand.
On Saturday 1st March, stage four takes place in the Miramar circuit. A distance of 124km, riders will complete 12 laps of the circuit, the stage include a hill climb up Awa Rd each lap.
The Five-day tour finishes with the Wellington Criterium on Sunday 2nd March at from 3.00pm on a complete close circuit at the bottom of Lambton Quay.
The field is made up current Olympic champions, World Champions and national Champions from top European nations and New Zealand.
The highest ranked New Zealanders on the list is Joanne Kiesanowski, ranked 21st and will ride the tour as part of her professional Cervelo-Lifeforce Pro Cycling Team from Switzerland.
The field is made up of national teams from Australia, Japan, China, South Africa, Ukraine and New Zealand as well as professional teams from USA, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Australia, Belgium, Italy and Germany.
Included in this year’s field is Edita Pucinskaite of Lithuania, two times winner of the Giro d'Italia, as well as six former world champions, current European champions, current national champions from seven countries and current Olympic champions.
Favourites for the race are:
· Australian 2004 World Cup winner and current Australian road champion Oenone Wood.
· 2007 tour winner and former World Champion Judith Arndt from Germany.
· 2003 and 2002 World Champion Susanne Ljungskog from Sweden.
· Current Olympic road champion Sara Carrigan from Australia.
· German Ina-Yoko Teutenberg.
· Edita Pucinskaite of Lithuania, two times winner of the Giro d'Italia.
· 2006 time trial World Champion and three times US Champion Kristin Armstrong
· 2005 time trial World Champion Karin Thurig, from Switzerland.
· Canada's reigning road and time trial Champion Gina Grain.
For any media request please contact;
Race Director, Jorge Sandoval MNZM 0274 464 300
For race updates during the event, please contact;
Mary Hewson 027 448 8467 or 0274 464 300
Teams Presentation
Team’s presentation will take place on Wednesday 27th February at 11am
Hutt Little Theatre – Lower Hutt (next to Hutt City Library)
All Media is invited to this event.
For catering purposes, please confirm your attendance by emal to;jorge@ihug.co.nz
TEAMS ARRIVAL
ALL TEAMS ARRIVED AT THE WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
For any interview, photo opportunity etc, please contact their team managers at the Angus Inn 04 5693 279.
Riders are going for training rides on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning.
Arrival day and times
Saturday 23 February – 3-15pm
Japan National Team
Sunday 24 February – 11.50pm
Team Lotto-Belisol Ladies Team – Italy
Monday 25 February – 3.15pm
Team Vrienden Van Het PLatteland – The Netherland
USA Women’s National team
Webcor Builders Cycling – USA Pro team
China National team
Equipe Nurnberger Versicherung – Germany
Members of Tabak International Team
Monday 25 February – 11.30pm
Team High Road – USA
South Africa National team
MB Women’s Cycling Team – Australia Pro team
Menikini Selle Pro Team – Italy
Tuesday 26 February – 2.45pm
Australian National team
Cervelo-Lifeforce Pro Cycling Team – Switzerland