Gravel and Tar Classic explained

Gravel and Tar Classic
Date:January
Region:Manawatū-Whanganui
Discipline:Road
Competition:UCI Oceania Tour
Type:one-day
Number:8 (as of 2024)
Mostwins:No repeat winners

The Gravel and Tar Classic is a one-day cycling race, held annually in the Manawatu region of New Zealand, since 2016, finishing in Palmerston North. It is rated 1.2 and has been part of UCI Oceania Tour since 2018.[1] The race is primarily on sealed roads, however the highlight of the race is the multiple gravel sectors (usually 5 or 6) throughout the course. The race is now considered to be the toughest one-day elite race in the Oceania region.[2] The race is held in January each year, making it one of the first races on the UCI Calendar, and a key chance for teams and riders to gain early UCI points. The event has seen teams enter from countries such as Sweden, Japan, the US, and Australia, along with the best New Zealand men's trade teams.

Palmerston North was the starting location of the race for its first three years, before the race start moved to its current location in Feilding[3] in 2019. The race course often transverses the gravel roads on the watersheds near Pohangina, and the peloton is easily fractured due to punctures & crashes on these sectors. As a result of these fractures the race will very rarely see large bunches finish together, and many racers miss the time cut or are unable to finish.[4]

The Gravel and Tar La Femme is the women's version of the race, held on the same day, and introduced in 2019. The La Femme race also holds a UCI 1.2 rating, and is one of a few elite female cycle races in the world where the prizemoney on offer is the same as the men's race.[5] The race generally follows a shorter but similar course to the men's race, starting and finishing in the same locations.[6]

In 2021, the race expanded to include a series of wraparound events over the race weekend, being labelled the Manawatu Cycling Spree.[7] This includes:

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2018 Gravel and Tar . ProCyclingStats . 18 February 2018.
  2. Web site: Gravel and Tar Classic UCI 1.2. 12 October 2020. Gravel and Tar Manawatu 1.2 UCI Race and supporting events. en-US.
  3. Web site: Gravel and Tar Classic 2021. Mapometer.com cycling route #5120035. 12 October 2020. www.mapometer.com.
  4. Web site: Gravel and Tar Classic 2020 Results. 16 November 2020. www.procyclingstats.com.
  5. Web site: Gravel and Tar La Femme UCI 1.2. 12 October 2020. Gravel and Tar Manawatu 1.2 UCI Race and supporting events. en-US.
  6. Web site: Gravel and Tar La Femme 2021. Mapometer.com cycling route #5120039. 12 October 2020. www.mapometer.com.
  7. Web site: Manawatū Cycling Spree. 5 November 2020. www.facebook.com.
  8. Web site: Gravel and Tar. 5 November 2020. www.gravelandtar.com.
  9. Web site: Gravel and Tar. 5 November 2020. www.gravelandtar.com.
  10. Web site: Gravel and Tar. 5 November 2020. www.gravelandtar.com.
  11. Web site: Retro Ride. 5 November 2020. Eventfinda. en.
  12. Web site: Family Fun Ride. 5 November 2020. Eventfinda. en.
  13. Web site: Manawatu Mountain Bike Club . 5 November 2020. en-NZ.
  14. Web site: General 1. 5 November 2020. Greens Estate NZs Premier Freeride mountain bike destination. en-US.

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