Race Briefing
Gwaloop 2012 INFO as here below...
GWALOOP 2012 OFFICIAL RACE BRIEFING & EVENT INFORMATION
GWALOOP 2012 OFFICIAL RACE BRIEFING & EVENT INFORMATION
Please note all information included with in this briefing sheet. This is the events "official" briefing. On race morning there will be a briefing update at 6.40 am at the Show Grounds Park.
Welcome to the 2012 GWAloop cycle challenge. We hope that you enjoy this 204 kilometer adventure into the heart of "Eastland". The events traffic management plan is being managed by Traffic Management New Zealand staff and is supported by Police and event marshals/volunteers.
Due to the distance of GWAloop event organizers can only provide assistance at the Aid Station locations (e.g. assisting in re filling drink bottles). It is the organizers expectation that all participants will provide their own support crews via family/friends.
GWAloop 204 km
Individuals Start 7.00 am Saturday 21st January front gate Show Grounds
Teams Start 7.06 am Saturday 21st January front gate Show grounds
Prize Giving:
Is at the Gisborne Cosmopolitan Club (please use Derby Street entrance) from around 6.00 pm prize giving at approximately 7.00 pm followed by entertainment note that you must be in attendance to be eligible for all prizes, (excluding merit prize money).
Please also note that due to the prize giving being held at the Gisborne Cosmopolitan Club absolutely no outside alcohol is to be brought onto the club premises (Security checks on entry), all competitor's friends and families are most welcome.
It is each competitor's responsibility to know the course route (total of 204 kilometers).
NB: That ALL roads are open to ALL traffic, it is very important that competitors keep vigilant through out the entire event, cycle safely, and abide with all New Zealand Road rules, do not cross the center line. Should you have any questions re the road rules or the event course then please ask the Race Director Terry Sheldrake prior to the commencement of the event. Non compliance with the event’s rules could lead to disqualification. Please show this briefing sheet to your support crews whom will play an important part with in this cycle challenge. We have erected event signage to warn you of known potential dangerous corners and descents however we can not cover all possible scenarios…please keep vigilant at all times.
CUT OFF TIME:
The official race CUT OFF time for all competitors is 5.00 pm. This rule will be monitored by the event Race Director along with the tail end Charlie (Traffic Management NZ Limited). The driver of this TMNZ vehicle will advise any competitor still on the road at 5.00pm that the race is officially over, with this ruling being final there can be absolutely NO exceptions.
The start line is in the front entrance of the Show Grounds Motor Camp (main entrance) directly opposite Campion College sports fields on the main highway out of Gisborne.
There will be a lead vehicle (Red BMW car) with a flashing light, along with a tail end Charlie for the duration of the cycle challenge.
St John staff will also be in attendance at GWAloop Cycle Challenge. Should any competitor be advised to withdraw from the event by St John then you must do so.
All competitors must abide with all Traffic New Zealand Road rules.
Outside assistance is allowed providing the following points are strictly adhered to:
(a) Items may only be passed to an athlete from the side of the road (i.e. not from moving vehicles).
(b) To assist with a cycle mechanical repair, ( a second cycle may be used in the event of a mechanical break down to the cycle that a competitor has started the race on). However no competitor may swap bikes from time to time through out the race (i.e. major hills).
(c) Participants may have back up wheels or fix/assist with a puncture etc.
Any item being passed from a mobile vehicle to a/any competitor, will result in disqualification if witnessed by a Race official.
Please discuss this important rule with your support crew.
The event has erected GWAloop signage to indicate some of the more serious descents/corners.
Please note that it is impossible to address every such issue. Therefore competitor due diligence will be required throughout this total event.
Aid Stations/Change over Stations:
Water along with ‘Balance Restore Energy Powder’ will be available at all change over stations. The Aid Stations are also the location areas for team members to pass on their team timing chip.
Toilets: Please use the public toilets in Wairoa they are close and our Marshals can direct you to them….please do not use residents drive ways!
Aid Station One------------------- Courtesy of the Property Centre (Nuhaka/Corner)
Aid Station Two------------------ Courtesy of Denise (just past Farm Lands corner)
Aid Station Three----------------- Courtesy of the Tiniroto Hotel
Race Numbers:
Race numbers are to be worn on the back of all competitors. Please make sure that they can be identified and are not covered up during the event.
Individuals have Black Race numbers and teams Green.
Team participants are also to transfer their timing chip transponder to their next team rider.
Timing:
The event is using a Transponder timing chip system. Unreturned timing chips will incur a $20.00 non returned fee.
Withdraw from race:
Should any competitor (individual or team) withdraw from the race then it is imperative that you let a race official at the finish line know of your withdrawal. As a safety measure we need to be sure that we have not lost any competitor.
Alternatively you can call the Race Director on 021 64 5503 to record your withdrawal.
Tri Bars:
Tri bars may be used during GWAloop subject to the following rules:
They are not to used while riding in groups (please use common sense re this rule)
No participant will use tri bars with in the last two kilometers of GWAloop Cycle Challenge
GWAloop has some serious hill descents (again use common sense) when descending
Failure to respect these rules may result in disqualification.
Individuals:
Only your overall time will be taken, note that the official timing cut off is 10 hours - 7.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Teams:
Remember to interchange your timing chip, as only your overall team time is being recorded. The interchange of your team timing chip is the official handing on to the next team participant. As the event does not have timing for each leg we suggest that you record your own individual split times.
Individuals:
There are 3 primes (sprints) for both individual men and women only.
To claim a cash “prime prize” you must complete the whole race with in the official cut off time
Prime stages are as follows (Note first over the line only) A Prime line hose will be on the road.
(1) The first to the top of the Whareratas (opposite the Look out)
(2) The first into Wairoa (approximately 300 meters from the Wairoa Aid station) where the general road sign speed limit reduces to 50Km.
(3) The first to the top of Kiteroa (Harris) Hill on the return stage to Gisborne
All primes will be identified with a "GWAloop prime sign" approximately 1 kilometer to go.
There will be a hose and two road cones identifying the actual prime line.
The officials managing these prime stages decision will be final with no debate being entered into.
At approximately 190 kilometres (after the decent of Gentle Annie) it is planned to have a Police escort pick up the lead riders to assist them all the way back to the finish line.
Please note that should the Police have an emergency call at this time …this may not happen.
Teams:
The same rules apply for teams (re receiving outside assistance) as for individual riders.
Please discuss with your support crew the importance of parking well off the road while supporting you through out the race, this issue has been discussed with the Police and is a direct request from them.
Team Timing: Should team riders not have arrived at Wairoa by 12.30 pm then any waiting, team rider's numbers will be recorded and sent off on the return legs to Gisborne. Everyone will still be eligible for spot prizes.
IMPORTANT:
The event organisers can not and will not accept any responsibility for any competitor whom refuses to leave the course after 5.00 pm Saturday.
This ruling has been made considering participant and event officials safety after significant discussion with the events Traffic Manager, Police, Medical staff and event directors.
Remember all roads are open to all traffic please do not drop rubbish on the course.
Good luck from the Gisborne Cycling Club along with Terry & Kathy Sheldrake GWAloop Event Directors.
Please read again