New women's UCI race for New Zealand

The New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) Women's International Cup of Cycling, a new event for 2009 in Masterton, New Zealand on March 1, has been granted a 1.1 rating by the UCI according to race promoter Jorge Sanodval.

"My team and I have been working to bring the World Cup back to Wellington," Sandoval said. "It didn't work out this time but the UCI has offered us encouragement with the 1.1 rating one-day race. It's ranked just below a World Cup race and there's plenty of UCI points on offer.

"This is great news for our sport and the region," continued Sandoval. "One-day races graded 1.1 usually only take place in European cities. I'll be running the event as though it was a World Cup race on the platform already established in the Wellington region by sponsors, officials, organizers and supporters. We must reproduce the momentum created in the World Cup rounds of 2005 and 2006. To have the NZCT on board for a second time is very special. It gives us the confidence to put on two first-class women's events on our own soil in 2009, and beyond."

Prior to the one-day race on March 1 will be the New Zealand Community Trust Women's Tour of New Zealand, a UCI-sanctioned stage race in the Wairarapa region from February 25 to 27.

NZCT chief executive Mike Knell said his organization was happy to help. "We are the largest founder of amateur sport in New Zealand and we're pleased to contribute to the success of these outstanding events. The one-day classic is a great challenge for participants, and an added boost to cycling's already high profile in the region."

For more information see www.cycletournz.com