The Trust House Cycle Classic turns 20

New Zealand's Trust House Cycle Classic (Tour of Wellington) will celebrate its 20th anniversary in January, with what organisers say could be "the biggest and best field in its history."

The race route and dates for the tour have now been finalised, and race director Jorge Sandoval is confident that the hill stages will be challenging and all stages of the tour will provide excellent racing and spectator opportunities. The 2007 event will commence on January 24, 2007 with a time trial in Hutt City and will finish five days later with the traditional Petone circuit.

"Next year’s is the 20th version of the tour and we are looking forward to a great celebration," said Sandoval. "The tour is now recognised overseas as the best cycle race in this country and I expect the biggest number of national and international riders ever."

In its 20 year history, the Trust House Cycle Classic has had riders such as Robbie McEwen, Nick Gates, Henk Vogels, Matthew White, Michael Rogers, Julian Dean and Chris Jenner all take part. One of the biggest names to take part in the event was four times (and then current) world champion Danny Clark, giving the race a valuable focus.

For the fifth year, the Tour of Wellington will be sponsored by Trust House Charitable Trust. "We are delighted to support this international event, which will showcase the Wairarapa to a wider world," said Brian Bourke, Chairman of the Charitable Trust.

More information: www.cycletournz.com

The stages

Stage 1 - January 24: Avalon TTT, 7 km
Stage 2 - January 25: Featherson - Masterton, 94.4 km
Stage 3 - January 25: Masterton Criterium, 40 km
Stage 4 - January 26: Masterton - Pahiatua - Masterton, 158.5 km
Stage 5 - January 27: Masterton Circuit (Finish Top Admiral Hill), 125.3 km
Stage 6 - January 28: Wellington City ITT, 12 km
Stage 7 - January 29: Petone Criterium