New Zealand gets more international squads

The list of riders entered in next week's NZCT Women's Tour of New Zealand and the International Cup of Cycling continues to grow, with two more national squads confirming their participation. National teams from China and Japan have confirmed their start in the races, as well as the New Zealand national team.

Two other squads - Champion Systems Cycling team and the NZ base Cyclosport team - have also announced they will contest the women's races.

"It's great overseas teams are coming to New Zealand to participate," said race director Jorge Sandoval. "The Chinese and Japanese have been here before, so they obviously rate the tour.

"The Champion Systems team is made up of international riders from Canada, Australia, USA and a couple of Kiwis," he added. "The only women's teams base in New Zealand, the Cyclosport team, is lead by up-and-coming Wellington road rider Rachel Mercer."

A total of 70 riders in 14 teams will start the only international women's cycling event in Oceania next Wednesday, February 25. The NZCT Tour finishes on Friday, February 27, with riders take part in the NZCT Women's International Cup of Cycling in Masterton that Sunday.

"We've got a fantastic field with lots of different experience and style," said Sandoval. "Riders who come here go home speaking highly about our tour and organisation - and this encourages even more overseas teams to come."