The fastest race on wheels in Samoa kicked off this morning in the second Ford Samoa Cycle Challenge. The Media had a chance to meet and interview all the riders, local and international, at the Meet the Press gathering at the Ford Showroom yesterday morning.
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The race has grown from its first year when one international rider came to the event.
That rider is Christian Wengler, 43, from Christchurch. He won the inaugural event and is back to defend his title.
This year, there are 14 riders – representing Australia, New Zealand, Poland, England and of course our local riders. The race has grown and more and more riders will come to race our four day event.
Sponsorship and the major partner for this race is Hyundai Ford Samoa in Vaitele. Their support
The Ford race is another event held by Samoa International Events (SIE) that includes the popular Samoa Swim Series, Warrior Race, Pacific Open Water Challenge and the inaugural Upolu-Savaii swim race in April next year.
Ford’s partnership with S.I.E is longstanding, and predates the first cycle challenge last year.
“We have been happy to work with SIE on this and other events. A great initiative for Samoa.
The international pull of the Ford Samoa Cycle Challenge is not only putting Samoa in the limelight internationally but also giving tourism a boost overall.
Ford is happy to be a partner to this and we are equally as excited with the turnout this year.
We know Seti will put on a great event and these riders will take back wonderful memories of Samoa,” said Georgina Newton, General Manager of Ford Samoa.
For S.I.E Director, Seti Afoa the feeling is mutual.
He says, “I have really appreciated the partnership of the Ford and Hyundai franchise and the CCK family in Samoa with all the events we are doing. Their support has been immense, and we simply could not be effective in the same way without the Ford support.”
The ride today is Day 1 of the four day event and has two stages. The distance to be covered by the riders today is 125kms in total, at 62.5kms for each stage.
Stage 1 will see the riders ride from Apia to Lalomanu via Le Mafa Pass and Afulilo where they will take a six hour break before heading back in Stage 2. That stage returns to Apia via Lotofaga.
Each stage will have a challenge for the riders to complete. For example, there is the King of the Hills, which involves the race to the top of four hills during the climb. The first hill is at Le Mafa and Afulilo, second is the climb from Siusega to the top of Aleisa, and third is Aopo in Savaii and the fourth is the big climb at Auala.
Then there is the 55km Sprint from the wharf at Salelologa to Manase on Day 2, another challenge.
Heading the charge this year is Wengler. It is going to be competitive out there. Heading the charge is Wengler, but keep an eye out for the great Steve Gurney from Queenstown. Gurney is a multisport freak with multi-titles behind his story, however at 52 years of age the edge might have eased off a bit. We will find out after today.
The other dark horse is Tim Robertson from Australia. Tim has a good connection to Samoa, he is married to one, Ailao Malaga from Falefa.
Whilst all the riders are saying this is a casual affair, they are keenly serious about the race, and are wary of each other. While they all now know about Wengler from his exploits last year – the others have been secretive about their riding status, wishing not to give anything away.
For example, Tim Robertson in his race profile sent in a photo of a large framed man.
When he arrived at the airport terminal at Faleolo, out came a thin, lean and fit looking individual with no resemblance to his profile photo. It was a deliberate ploy, as has been played by the others in some various forms, including the women starters.
Among the racers this year are the first of the female riders to come to race the event. There are three of them all from New Zealand, two from the South Island in Christchurch (Rebecca Marley) and Queenstown (Kat Bulk). The third is a lecturer, Katheren Leitner from Auckland.
There are only three local riders contesting the event this year. Darren Young and Daniel Afoa are joined by new rider Wolly Collins from Afega. Young is the best of the local riders, while Wolly has a lot of promise.
Day 2 of the race is Apia to Manase Day 3, Manase to Satuiatua Day 4, Satuiatua to Apia
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