The women's cycle Tour of New Zealand will break new ground in February when it expands into the Manawatu region.
Previously the only international women's tour in Oceania was confined to Wellington, Hutt Valley and the Wairarapa but Tour organiser Jorge (George) Sandoval has gained the necessary traffic consents for the riders to go further afield over the five days.
On the second day the riders will cycle 114 km from Masterton to Palmerston North via the Pahiatua Track, and complete two stages in the Palmerston North area the following day, before then returning to Masterton.
The 7th running of the tour is again part of the International Cycling Union's international circuit and so Sandoval is assured of high quality opposition to test the New Zealand riders, who will be using the event to enhance their claims for inclusion in the team for the Commonwealth Games in India later in the year.
