Women's Tour expects top field

Race director Jorge Sandoval called the field for the Trust House Women's Tour of New Zealand "well beyond all of his expectations." He's had to turn down overseas riders because he couldn't fit them into teams. The five day international-class race will run from March 7 to 11 in Lower Hutt, Wellington and the Wairarapa.

Two of the top three professional teams in the world and six riders in the top 21 world rankings will race. Eight of the top ten ranked nations will be represented. Many will head to the race after wrapping up the Tour of Geelong, happening in Australia this week.

"To have the reigning champions from three of the biggest cycling nations in the world, Sweden, The Netherlands and Switzerland plus two former World Champions and current Olympic champions racing on New Zealand soil, is a privilege to any sport," said Sandoval. "On top of this we have national teams from Australia, Germany and of course New Zealand as well as professional teams from USA, the Netherlands and Germany."

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The two highest ranked New Zealanders on the list are Joanne Kiesanowski, ranked 36th, and Sarah Ulmer, ranked 27th. Both will ride for the New Zealand national team. Ulmer won the race in 2006.