Wairarapa businesses have come to the party to support the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic taking place in the region and Wellington next January.
Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton has been announced as the naming rights sponsor for the five-day tour being held from January 10th – 14th 2024 while former world super bike champion Aaron Slight, has also stepped up to support the event.
Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton’s Manager Brent Stewart says the business has supported the iconic cycle tour for several years by sponsoring the King of the Mountain jersey and hosting many stages from its Ngaumutawa Road premises including the time trial. However, he said the business decided to answer a recent call for community financial support from race director Jorge Sandoval, after previous naming rights sponsor Trust House, stepped down. Stewart believes its important the event remains in Wairarapa.
“This is such a great sporting event for Wairarapa as it has put the region on the international stage as a premier cycling destination, and with stages held across our towns and villages including the popular stage in the wine village of Martinborough, it helps promote the region far and wide.”
Slight, a cycling enthusiast, Aaron Slight has also put money behind the event under his 111, his former super bike racing number, business.
“Year after year this event has attracted the New Zealand’s top cyclists and many top international riders who’ve gone onto achieve great success in Europe or at the Olympics – the likes of Aaron Gate and George Bennett – and I think this leaves a lasting legacy for young aspiring riders to see they can achieve success too,” says Slight. “But perhaps, more importantly, it creates a love of cycling for riders of all ages and stages that encourages a lifelong participation in the sport.”
New Zealand Cycle Classic Race director Jorge Sandoval, who is an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in recognition of his services to the sport of cycling for over 30 years, is thrilled to have the backing of Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton and Slight. He says this follows the support of another generous sponsor, who wishes to remain anonymous.
“I am deeply thankful for their support over the years and now with Mitre 10 MEGA Masterton as naming rights sponsor, it’s just fantastic,” says Sandoval. “Their belief in our vision and dedication to staging this event here in Wairarapa and Wellington, providing countless athletes with a platform to showcase their talents and bring joy to our community is very exciting.”
The New Zealand Cycle Classic has taken place in New Zealand for the past 36 years, with 22 of those years being recognized by the UCI as a 2.2 event. Sandoval says throughout its history, it has seen many aspiring riders kick-start their careers – using it as a steppingstone towards achieving their dreams of racing for top Pro Tour teams in Europe.
“Most recently we saw 2021 New Zealand Cycle Classic winner Corbin Strong race in this year’s Tour de France for pro team Israel Premier Tech and perform extremely well. Prior to that we’ve seen the likes of Aaron Gate, James Oram, Campbell Stewart and George Bennett claim a stage or the yellow jersey in this race and the capture the attention of the world’s cycling media.”
The 2024 UCI 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic will be held from January 10th – 14th 2024. The five-day Tour will weave through rolling country roads and the townships of Wairarapa before concluding in New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, in an exciting circuit race. Next year’s event is expected to attract a field of 120 international and national riders.
“It’s going to be great to welcome international cyclists to the New Zealand Cycle Classic again next year and I am confident the racing will make a significant impact in Wellington, with a vibrant street circuit race taking part in the inner-city and presenting locals with a unique opportunity to witness an exceptional sporting spectacle,” says Sandoval.
The complete race routes will be announced next month, along with some of the national and overseas teams who will be racing.
The 2024 NZ Cycle Classic will also take place thanks to the generous support from Mobile Communications Service, Wizwireless, Fagan Motors, FMG, and Wellington City Council.