SynopsisWhilst the National Road Series (NRS) has been a productive leap forward for competitive Australian road cycling it has some issues. Not exclusive to but including: high costs for teams to compete, a lack of consistent domestic racing and a shortage of opportunities to promote sponsors.
Team managers identify financial cost in the many thousands of dollars just to compete in one event with a large proportion of the budget being spent on travel and accommodation. Additionally, team managers have also indicated that they are required to prepare reports for sponsors and stake holders indicating events they have competed in and details of performance.
The concept A New South Wales based Series exclusively for NRS registered riders that is financially cheap to participate in and can be used to create publicity for sponsors and team supporters.
In 2018 the proposed events are:
1. June 02 Saturday Heffron (RBCC) Criterium
2. June 03 Sunday Calga (ATTA) individual Time Trial
3. June 03 Sunday Calga (ATTA) Team Time Trial
4. July 08 Sunday West Head (Manly CC) Road Race
Dates and venuesWhilst the Scheduling is not ideal it has been difficult to secure appropriate dates that do not clash with existing events. The gap between NRS events, Grafton Inverell (May 12) and Battle Recharge, QLD (July27-29) seemed to be the ideal timing. It was originally hoped that the series would be conducted over 2 consecutive weekends however, this was not possible for 2018. CNSW have indicated that they do not believe “The All Spokes Festival” will be conducted in 2018. Dates and venues will be modified for 2019 following a review
Series timing • Results and time for each stage are recorded.
• The top two rider’s times from each team count to create a virtual team GC.
• In the event that a participating team does not field 2 riders they receive the slowest counting time for their second rider.
• Stage 1 and 4 carry time bonuses for the top four riders across the line.
Series incentive Teams will be competing for a perpetual trophy but more importantly be able to report back to financial backers with results and valued exposure.
Entries • Exclusive to NRS / Conti team riders only.
• There is no minimum/maximum number of team representatives in each event.
• Individual riders are not required to participate in all events.
• Standard entry fee from each of the respective clubs will be charged for the individual riders and stages.
• For stages 2+3 (time trials) only one entry fee per rider is required.
• Pre- entry is required for Stage 2 to allocate start times.
• All other events are on the day entry.
Time Trial day Whilst having a Team Time Trial on the same day as an Individual Time Trial may not a first appear ideal. It has its benefits.
• It has been problematic to find a date that didn’t clash with other events
• Setting up for a TT (bikes/gear etc) is challenging at the best of times, being on the same day has a significant benefit
• Getting riders to turn up (to a race) is a difficult business. If I got them there, I might as well give them value.
• All the teams will be in the same boat
• The individual TT and the TTT will be two separate events (however one standard entry fee will cover riders competing in both)
• Team Managers, can elect not to ride all their riders in the ITT, although it would be a useful tool to determine your rider’s true strength.
• The riders will start early in the morning (7:30am) @ 1-minute intervals, to complete the 25km course. This will take them between 31minutes and 38minutes.
• The Team Time Trial will start at 9:30am again on the 25km course. Teams will start @ 3 min intervals in reverse GC order.
Event Title CNSW have indicated that CA has the exclusive rights to title NRS. In its first year I am not seeking any interference from CA. The event will be known as the “RAW- Road Series”
Future developments Obviously, a women’s series will be considered.
The four disciplines chosen for this series in 2018 are:
1. Criterium
2. Individual Time Trial
3. Team Time Trial
4. Road Race
Upon 2018 review with stakeholder’s future editions may have a changed format.
