more international teams confirmed
Friday, 5 January 2024
As the countdown begins for the Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton UCI 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic, race director Jorge Sandoval has announced the final line up of teams taking part in the five-day tour beginning on Wednesday, January 10th in Wairarapa.
Sandoval will welcome international teams from the USA, The Netherlands, Japan and Australia, as well as teams from New Zealand, including the New Zealand National Team.
“I’m very excited to welcome to New Zealand, the USA track endurance cycling team who will make their debut at the Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton UCI 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic as part of their build up to the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics as well as the Global Cycling Team, from the Netherlands, to be led by accomplished sprinter Bart Buijk.”
Sandoval expressed confidence in Buijk’s experience, citing his impressive 10-year professional career that has seen him compete in races worldwide. Notably, this will be Buijk’s inaugural race in New Zealand, adding an element of excitement to the event being staged in Wairarapa and Wellington.
Supporting Buijk are five other Dutch riders—Delano Swenne, Mees Willemsen, David Brinkman, Marius Hofmeester, and Jaap Voogel. The team has recently participated in the 14-day stage race, Tour of Costa Rica, and have already touched down in Wellington.
Sandoval also shared his enthusiasm about the return of Japan’s KINAN Racing team to the country. KINAN is a top-ranked Asian UCI team and will feature two Australian riders in their line-up.
“KINAN is an exceptionally competitive team that has garnered impressive achievements over the years, with their riders’ showcasing prowess in various prestigious tours across Asia, including Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, and Japan,” said Sandoval.
“The return of KINAN to the New Zealand Cycle Classic, the only UCI stage road race in the country, not only enhances the calibre of our event but also significantly elevates the profile of our region in Asia. Adding to the international flair, they will be accompanied by their dedicated media manager, providing daily updates to Japanese media from Masterton and Wellington.”
At the helm of the KINAN Cycling Team are two highly experienced Australian riders, Drew Morey and Ryan Cavanagh, supported by four talented Japanese cyclists: Genki Yamamoto, Yudai Arashiro, Daiki Magosaki, and Taishi Miyazaki.
Expressing the team’s anticipation, KINAN Cycling Team spokesperson Tetsuya Ishida said: “The team is looking forward to returning to New Zealand for the fourth time. They eagerly anticipate rediscovering New Zealand’s expansive natural beauty, charming cities, and the warmth of its people. We are diligently preparing for a stellar performance to make this return memorable.”
In addition to the previously mentioned NZ National Team, to be spear-headed by multiple Commonwealth Games gold medallist and current World Track Champion Aaron Gate, and Wellington’s George Jackson, a fellow former Black Spoke team member and a former stage winner of the New Zealand Cycle Classic, the race will feature the inclusion of prominent professional teams such as the Australian UCI continental outfits – Team BridgeLane, CCACHE x PAR KUP Team, and St George Continental Team.
The New Zealand contingent will be strongly represented, with eight teams including UCI registered MitoQ-NZ Cycling Project.
Sandoval said the diversity and skill of this talented group of international cyclists on show will be a boon for spectators.
The 2024 Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton NZ Cycle Classic has been made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton, Mobile Communications Service, Wizwireless, Fagan Motors, Gollins Commercial, FMG, The Sign Factory, Tailwind, Cross Country Rentals, and Wellington City Council. Their backing underscores the commitment to fostering and promoting top tier cycling events in the region.