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BikeNZ Elite riders booked in for Avantidrome REV Cycle Fest

Published: Wed 12 Feb 2014 03:17 PM
12 February 2014
BikeNZ Elite riders booked in for the Avantidrome REV Cycle Festival next weekend
Cambridge is revving up for a ripper next Saturday with more than 60 elite cyclists from across the country registered to compete for a share of the $10,000 prize purse in one of New Zealand’s Premier One Day races.
Not only are the majority of last year’s podium finishers entered, but nine of BikeNZ’s High Performance athletes will also join the RadioSport REV CLASSIC race – making for an exciting spectator experience as they sprint for the finish line.
London Olympian and current National Road Race Champion Rushlee Buchannan says the REV is one of her favourite events because it’s on home turf, includes fantastic terrain and is a challenging ride.
“It covers some of the best training grounds in the Waikato. I think it's probably the toughest One Day race in NZ - for the women at least! If you don't bring your climbing legs you’ll be in trouble…”
Defending men’s champion of the REV and fellow local, Shem Rodger, says coming back home to compete in the REV is always something he looks forward to, anticipating that he’ll race it for many years to come despite the challenges along the course.
“It’s a good, hard ride so close to home. I really enjoy the roads, they encompass many of the elements the Waikato is famous for. As far as the lows go, I’m sure Maungakawa will be tough – that is until I get to the top! I definitely have a love/ hate relationship with it that’s for sure. On the whole though, it is a great day with an awesome atmosphere.”
Fellow 2013 podium finisher Roman van Uden says there is always a strong line-up for the Rev as it’s “most definitely motivated by the best prize fund in NZ cycling.”
The RadioSport REV Classic is recognised as one of New Zealand’s Premier One Day races and includes a $10,000 prize purse.
For recreational cyclists looking for something slightly less challenging, the REV100 (100km), REV Midi (55km) and REV Intro (18km) rides offer a fantastic cycling experience.
And for the kids, there’s the free REV Mini – a 2km, 4km or 6km ride and cycling workshop which teaches children all they need to know about cycling.
Event day is less than 10 days away but there is still time to enter the Avantidrome REV Cycle Festival. However from 17 February a ‘late registration fee will be added’.
The event is on Saturday 22nd February 2014. Visit www.therev.co.nz to enter.
About the REV - Saturday 22nd February 2014
Experience New Zealand’s greatest cycling terrain in Cambridge, the Home of Cycling.
The Avantidrome REV Cycle Festival is an event held in the true spirit of cycling in Cambridge’s Home of Cycling. Taking place in the Waikato’s most scenic rolling countryside and upon the Waikato’s Roads of Champions, the REV has riders out amongst the action on some of the best terrain on offer in the country.
For keen experienced cyclists the RadioSport REV CLASSIC and REV 100 rides, 135km and 100km rides respectively, take you over the challenging French Pass, through the famous Hobbiton and thoroughbred district of Matamata and home via the legendary Scotsman Valley. The RadioSport REV Classic is recognised as one of New Zealand’s Premier One Day races.
For those looking for something slightly less challenging, the REV Midi (55km) and REV Intro (18km) rides offer a fantastic cycling experience. And for the kids is the free REV Mini – a 2km, 4km or 6km ride and cycling workshop which teaches children all they need to know about cycling.
For more information visit www.therev.co.nz and to receive updates follow
www.facebook.com/cyclefestival
Additional Information re: BikeNz Elite Athletes Competing in the REV
(Buchanan, Nielsen, Ellis, Williams, Williamson all part of BikeNZ’s Women Endurance Programme)
• Rushlee Buchanan - current National Road Champion (last month), and in 2010 was the NZ Road and Criterium champion. Rides for Team TIBCO in USA. World Championship Track medallist in 2010 in Team Pursuit. London Olympian. From Te Awamutu.
• Jaime Nielsen – current New Zealand Elite Time Trial Champion (last month). Double Track World Championship medallist in the team pursuit in 2009 and 2011. Fourth in the 2010 Commonwealth Games (Individual Pursuit). From Hamilton.
• Lauren Ellis – Triple Track World Championship medallist in the team Pursuit in 2009 and 2010, and silver medal in the Points Race in 2010. Former double world junior championship medallist. From Hinds.
• Georgina Williams – 20 year old from Auckland. Brilliant junior career, bursting on to scene with victory in the Elite Criterium Championships in 2012. First year in elite road racing, she was 2nd in the NZ Road Championships and 3rd in the Time Trial. Enjoyed outstanding debut season for World Tour team Be Pink based in Italy.
• Sophie Williamson – Another outstanding young prospect at 19. World Junior track medallist in 2011 (Bronze Points Race) and 2 silver medals in 2012 at Invercargill (points and scratch). 5th in sprint finish at Elite NZ Road Champs last month.
• Linda Villumsen – Has won five straight medals in the road time trial at the world championships including silver in 2012 and 2013. 5th Road Race 2008 Olympics,
• 4th Time Trial 2012 Olympics, Silver Medal Time Trial Commonwealth Games 2010. Rides for Wiggle Honda on World Pro Tour. Born in Denmark, became NZ citizen in 2010. From Auckland.
• Wesley Gough – Olympic Bronze Medallist Beijing 2008 and London 2012. 4 medals at world championships on track – team pursuit in 2009, 2010, 2012 and individual pursuit in 2012. Former junior world champion team pursuit 2005. From Hawkes Bay.
• Myron Simpson – Won several national titles on the track and road, including the Tour of Ireland. Rides professionally in Europe. From Auckland.
• Paddy Bevan – 22 years old – strong junior track career, won elite NZ criterium in 2009 but moved to the road as successful pro with Team Bissell in USA. Returned late last year to move back to the track. Won World Cup in the Madison with Tom Scully in Mexico in January. From Taupo.
ENDS

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