The Manawatū campus will host the Criterium National Championships in January. Photo credit: CMG Sport.
The Criterium National Championships will be staged at the Manawatū campus on 23 January, immediately following the UCI-sanctioned Gravel & Tar race in the city which makes a welcome return to the racing calendar.
The Criterium Championships is a partnership between the university and Palmerston North City Council, on a unique course within the campus, and managed by former Massey Professor of Exercise Physiology Steve Stannard, who also organises the Gravel & Tar event.
Sport Advancement Manager Jacob Oram says the university is excited to host the 2023 Cycling NZ Criterium in January.
“The world-class sporting event will attract hundreds of riders, support staff and spectators to Massey and the Manawatū from all over Aotearoa New Zealand. Massey is committed to sport and recreation, so events of this calibre provide great opportunities to showcase the fantastic facilities and resources we have. The Criterium is a marquee event on the cycling calendar, so it’s a privilege to be part of it.”
Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith is thrilled the city has attracted another significant sporting event.
“As a sport-mad Mayor, I’m personally thrilled that the National Criterium Championships are coming to Palmy to tie-in with our own UCI Gravel & Tar Cycle race.
“I'm sure our Palmy public along with those in wider central New Zealand will come out to support our world-class New Zealand cyclists but also those competing in international teams.
“I want to acknowledge Cycling New Zealand, the various commercial partners, the Greasy Chain Trust, along with our Sport Manawatū and Palmerston North City Council events staff in getting these events confirmed. It adds to what is already, an exciting 2023 Sporting Events calendar.”
Racing will start at 9am with racing for community riders before the championship grades of under-17, under-19 and elite female and males.
Entries for the Criterium open in November.
Related news
Student athlete superstars celebrated at 2022 Blues Awards
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University celebrated the annual Blues Awards this week, with Canoe Sprint champion Aimee Fisher taking out the biggest award of the night.
Sport Institute chosen as possible FIFA Women’s World Cup training facility
The world-class facilities at Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University’s Sport Institute may well be on the world stage next year for the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023™.
Academy of Sport enabling athletes to be scholars
Striking a balance between life as a student and life as an athlete can be difficult, but the Massey Academy of Sport programme is here to help.
