Homegrown talent on display at the Avantidrome’s first event

For Immediate Release

12 February 2014

Homegrown talent on display at the Avantidrome’s first event in Cambridge next month

See live sporting action first-hand when the new Avantidrome hosts its first event, The Elite & U19 Track Nationals, four days of fun-filled exhilaration, speed and action from 13 -16th March.

Geoff Balme, Home Of Cycling’s CEO expects that there will be a lot of interest in the Avantidrome’s first event, saying it’s a natural response for people in the region to be curious, and keen to check out an important event at the new, nationally recognised facility, conveniently located in their own backyard.

As it is the final opportunity for track cyclists to press claims for selection for the New Zealand team ahead of July’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Balme is certain that spectators will be in for a phenomenal experience.

“The scene will be set with speed; colour, movement and high class athletic ability on display from the athletes competing all combining to make it a great spectator experience. It’s absolutely action-packed. The first thing you notice is that it’s fast. Speeds get up to 80km/hr on the track. If you’re up close to the action you can feel the wind go by. It’s incredible.

“You’ll notice that the track also has continuous movement, which is a really good thing – there’s always something to look at. At the Avantidrome, there’s movement everywhere with athletes on the track or getting ready in the in-field, the array of colours from around the dozen or so teams competing. It’s an experience not to be missed.”

Balme also says that people shouldn’t be put off if they don’t know what all the track events are.
“It’s easy to get your head around it. Some events take a little longer to understand, such as the Madison and the Points Race because the one out in front is not necessarily in the lead due to lapping on the track. The sprints and pursuits are simple to comprehend,” Balme says.

Event Organiser Kevin Endres, of U Leisure, is excited about the Track Nationals and says that it’s the first time an event of this significance has been in the Waikato.

“It’s great to play host here in Cambridge. It allows North Island cycling enthusiasts the opportunity to gain an insight into track cycling and the phenomenal talent that New Zealand has – especially before they go to compete on the world stage at the Commonwealth Games.

“It’s a unique opportunity for cycling enthusiasts to come along and see our elite athletes racing on a World Class track. With four days of solid competition including day and night sessions, we encourage community members; adults, students and kids to come along and watch the action.”
Endres is expecting a good turnout at the event.

“There’s been a great response and a lot of interest from locals, particularly from the cycling community. We’re expecting to sell out for the night and weekend sessions, when medal races will take place. With adult tickets from $10, it’s an affordable outing to see our top sporting talent on display. I encourage people to head long and check it out.”

For more information and tickets visit: www.tracknationals.co.nz
Tickets are available from 17 February 2014

ENDS

Event Information: New Zealand Elite & U19 Track National Championships
Avantidrome, Home of Cycling, SH1, Cambridge |13th - 16th March 2014
The Elite & U19 Track National Championships is the pinnacle event for New Zealand’s top track cyclists.
It is the first event to be held in Cambridge’s Avantidrome, the new Home of Cycling. It is also the final opportunity for track cyclists to be selected for the New Zealand team ahead of July’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Olympic medallists, World Championship and World Cup riders will line up against emerging and future champions to race on the boards of the new Avantidrome.
This event showcases the tremendous talent New Zealand has. It offers spectators an abundance of live sporting action across four days of intense competition within a World Class facility. Each day includes two sessions; day and evening.
For more information about the event including ticket purchase visit: www.tracknationals.co.nz | www.facebook.com/tracknationals | twitter @BikeNZ
Additional Information from Partners:
U Leisure
U Leisure is delivering the BikeNZ Elite & U19 Track National Championships, adding to their event management portfolio which includes; the Avantidrome REV Cycle Festival, the Gallagher Great Race and Round the Bridges.
U Leisure creates and manages events which ensure participants have an experience they value and want to repeat. U Leisure is excited about delivering the first event to be held in the new World Class Avantidrome.

Home of Cycling
The National Cycling Centre of Excellence is a world class velodrome connected to World Class facilities for BMX, road and mountain biking. It is a unique cycling environment where champions will inspire participation of everyday people.

BikeNZ
BikeNZ is New Zealand's National Cycling Federation, responsible for all things cycling on the road, track or trails. Cambridge is the home of our centralised High Performance programme, which is guiding our elite cyclists to national and international success as we work towards the 2016 Rio Olympics.

At the same time BikeNZ is facilitating clubs and events for road, mountainbiking, BMX and track riders. We are in schools teaching children how to ride through the BikeNZ Learn to Ride Program, and working with CAN (Cycling Advocate’s Network) to ensure that cycling is as safe as possible in New Zealand.

Whether you want to be involved in the sport as a coach or commissaire, whether you are one of the 750,000+ recreational cyclists in New Zealand, whether you have Olympic Gold dreams or you just want to win your local club race, BikeNZ

© Scoop Media