300 extra entries have become available for the 2010 Dragon Ride after the sportive event saw unprecedented demand this year.
"Demand has been huge compared to last year," said event spokesman David Harmon. "In the first ten days we sold 700 entries last year. This year, we sold out completely within the same time period.
The extra entries will be available on a first come first served basis on January 18 at 09:00.
See www.dragonride.co.uk to register your interest.
ENDURA MAN TAKES FIRST WIN OF THE YEAR
Endura's new signing Jack Bauer took the team's first win of the year, with an unexpected victory in the New Zealand road race championships.
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The 24-year-old Kiwi surprised many by fending off more experienced hands Hayden Roulston and Julian Dean after 186km of hot and fast racing.
Endura captain Rob Hayles was delighted with Bauer's win:
"What can I say - a great win," said Hayles. "Jack beat some of the world's top guys over there. We are especially pleased as it will bring another national champs jersey to the squad this year, for the other guys in the team this will really make them feel part of something special and ‘international'.
"We are all looking forward to meeting Jack in a few weeks and racing with him this year - his presence will add to the feeling that Endura Racing is gonna be something special in 2010," he added.
The team's year kicks off in February at the Tour of the Mediterranean and Tour de Haut Var races in France.
Above: Bauer takes the sprint win ahead of Roulston and Dean
PROBIKEKIT UNVEILS DOMESTIC SQUAD
Team Probikekit.com unveiled its new domestic team in south Wales on Saturday with a mixture of experience and youth.
"Lots of different strands came together today to form this team," said James Smith, Team Probikekit manager. "I am really pleased with the enthusiasm of the riders, sponsors and families."
The rider line up includes former professional rider Richard Wilkinson and former national time trial champion Tom Collier. They will be joined by Jamie Howard, John Nye, Chris Lobb and Robert Willcocks amongst others.
The team aims to be dominant in the South West region as well as taking on the Premier Calendar.
"The 2010 season will form part of a bigger picture for us," said Smith.
"Year one is about building a solid team foundation and gaining the necessary experience needed to compete at the highest level in the UK and abroad. I am confident that the squad we have assembled will continue to develop, while competing effectively against the more established teams."
SHIMANO CONTINUES CYCLONE SUPPORT
Shimano will continue its support of the Northern Rock Cyclone for the fourth consecutive year.
The partnership will see the components manufacturer providing the event with neutral service in the shape of a service centre and a two service cars on the route offering technical support to riders.
Shimano will also provide the service cars for neutral support at the Beaumont Trophy on the following day.
"I'm thrilled to have Shimano on board again for 2010," commented event organiser, Peter Harrison.
"Offering support to both pro and sportive riders is a massive boost for the Northern Rock Cyclone weekend and is helping us turn it into something even bigger and more special."
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