HEADWINDS WELCOMED FOR INAUGURAL CYCLING EVENT

There are few occasions when cyclists crave a gnarly headwind; the National Headwind Cycling Championships in Martinborough is one of them.
So determined to provide the most intolerable, unfriendly pedal-power experience, organiser Stuart Edwards is keeping an open diary for the inaugural event.
"Basically, we want the strongest headwind possible, providing that it is on a Sunday," says Stuart, co-owner of Martinborough-based Green Jersey Explorer Tours.
Internationally recognised for its premium wine, Martinborough also has a reputation for copping some fierce wind, particularly over Spring.
To Stuart's knowledge there is no other cycling event in New Zealand that aims to challenge riders in this way.
He got the idea from The Netherlands where the Dutch National Headwind Championships are held in early February, ironically abandoned this year because of dangerous wind.
The course for the Martinborough route, running from outside of Te Kairanga to Margrain Estate – known locally as the Wine Mile – heads straight into the prevailing nor'wester, which on a bad day can be particularly nasty.
"It is probably about 3km from start to finish, and if it is really blowing – which we hope it is – will be really challenging."
Run as a time trial, the event will be split in three grades: novices, who will ride a standard bike from Green Jersey's stable; competitors riding their own bikes; and BMX for younger riders.
Stuart has set up a Group page on the Green Jersey Explorer Tours Facebook page that people interested in competing can follow and receive updates on the approaching likely Sunday.
"As a minimum we will be looking for winds of 10 metres per second, so we will look at the long term forecast and provide updates seven days out, then five and then three, hoping to run the competition on the Sunday."
He is hopeful of attracting competitors from Wairarapa, Wellington and the lower North Island.

DETAILS

What: National Headwind Cycling Championships

Where: Martinborough, (course runs from outside of Te Kairanga to Margrain Estate)
When: First windy Sunday in Spring; Join the Group page on the Green Jersey Explorer Tours Facebook page.
Watch: About the Dutch Headwind Cycling Championships