The women's Cycle Tour of New Zealand has followed the men and been shifted to Manawatu.
With encouragement from key sponsors, the Palmerston North City Council and Sport Manawatu, organiser Jorge Sandoval moved the men's New Zealand Cycle Classic into the region from January after its long involvement in Wellington and the Wairarapa, and having taken the plunge it was a logical progression for the women to concentrate their racing there too.
Sandoval successfully tested the water last summer in staging much of the women's tour in the Manawatu, and buoyed by the positive community response he looked to take advantage of the possibilities of operating in a more cycle-friendly environment.
To make things simpler in terms of organisation and traffic management, Sandoval has set up the events almost identically.
The women's tour is in February.
