Big names coming to NZ Cycle Classic in Wairarapa this year
The welcome mat will be laid out to two Japanese road cycling teams – each featuring top French riders - competing in the 2020 New Zealand Cycle Classic being held in the Wairarapa in January.
The KINAN Cycling Team, the No 2 UCI ranked team in the Asian calendar, is aiming to start 2020 in style by securing a top performance at the five-stage elite international men’s road cycling race being held from January 15th – 19th. They will be joined by the AISAN Racing Team, a UCI Continental registered team, as well as six other international teams who are yet to be announced.
New Zealand Cycle Classic race director Jorge Sandoval says having the top ranked Asian UCI team return to race in New Zealand is a huge deal.
“KINAN is an extremely competitive team who has achieved great results this year including winning first place overall in the individual GC (general classification) in the Tour of Peninsula 2019 (Malaysia UCI 2.1) and Tour de Indonesia 2019 (Indonesia UCI 2.1). In addition, many of their riders have participated in the Tours of Asia, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, and Japan,” says Sandoval.
“Having the KINAN team race in the New Zealand Cycle Classic for the second year running is great news as not only does it lift the profile of our event in Asia enormously, but for KINAN it is a big deal to start their racing season in New Zealand.”
Leading the KINAN Cycling Team is French hill climber Thomas Lebas, winner of Tour de Hokkaido, Tour de Flores, the international Tour of Setif in Algeria as well as the Mountains competition. Lebas started his cycling career racing in Europe before being signed by the Bridgestone Anchor Cycling Team. Since then he has concentrated on racing in the Asian calendar, winning races and featuring in almost every stage race he participates in says Sandoval.
“Thomas is a hill climber and winner of the King of the Mountain and general classification in this year’s Tour de Indonesia, a UCI 2.1 event,” says Sandoval. “He finished fifth in this year’s New Zealand Cycle Classic and I think the hills in Wairarapa will really suit him.”
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
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53% Human-centred experience and communication
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15.7% Critical thinking
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28.8% Resilience and adaptability
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2.5% Other - I will share below!
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
SHOP LOCAL THIS WEEKEND - FARMERS MARKET SOLWAY SHOWGROUNDS JUDDS ROAD MASTERTON
Come along to our Farmers Market & Crafts held EVERY Saturday Rain or Shine
BRING YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS ALONG FOR MORNING TEA AND COFFEE, AND HAVE A BROWSE AROUND OUR WONDERFUL MARKET
HOT OFF THE PRESS:
DANIEL’S SPUDS Agria potatoes freshly dug this week.
WHAREMUKU ORCHARD is back this week also.
FRESH LOCAL VEGES also for sale
THE CLAREVILLE BAKERY with all our customer favourites.
And of course, there is always lots on offer: Hot Food, fresh Coffee, Fresh Vege stall, Yummy Honey, fresh bread to name just a few.
We have a fabulous array of creative gifts on display and available for purchase.
wooden toys, embroidered tea towels, olive oil, Crocheted toys, woollen items to mention just a few
We even have live music to get your toes tapping and we are always ready for a friendly chat. For a great day out or an early morning visit we have something for everyone.
We have a new Facebook page:
Wairarapa Farmers Market 2025 - have a look and view our newsletter for this week, or alternatively sign up to receive the newsletter into your inbox.
We also have a Eftpos terminal where you can access cash for your Farmers Market purchases. Come and have a look, I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised.
Look forward to seeing you.
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