Feb 8th, 10.The Benchmark Homes Series for 2010 is all but set to go ahead with its first round scheduled for Sunday, March 28 in Nelson.

2010 results .....

The 2010 Benchmark series begins on March 28

Whilst the Christchurch-based Papanui Cycling Club will continue to promote the series, there is a change of Series Manager for the first time since the series' inception in 2005. Paul Dahl now has the lead role.

The 2010 series will include seven rounds between March and its conclusion in October.

"Near on twenty teams to date from around New Zealand have expressed interest in competing for the various classifications which include the overall individual title, Under 23, Masters (35 plus), Women, and Team Classifications," Hume said in a statement issued today.

"Each round follows a European format of a mass-start of 120 – 160 kilometres in length, and sponsored teams backed by their own team service vehicle in the race convoy."

As in the five previous editions of the series, points will be awarded to the first fifteen place-getters in each round. The winner of the respective classifications will be the rider or team which accumulates the most points by series-end.

Each team will be permitted to enter a maximum of seven males and two women per round, and a minimum of five riders in total.

Hume said additional series information will be updated as it comes to hand on the club website www.papanuicycling.org.nz.

Past series winners

2005 – Brian Fowler (Pegasus Cycling Club)

2006 – Robin Reid (Scotty Browns Racing Team)

2007 – Paul Odlin (Laurie Dawe Cycling Team)

2008 – Chris Nicholson (Star & Garter – Tasman)

2009 – Daniel Barry (Benchmark Homes Cycling Team)

Past round winners
6 wins – Brian Fowler

5 wins – Gordon McCauley

4 wins – Hayden Roulston, Marc Ryan, Paul Odlin

3 wins – Shane Archbold

2 wins – Daniel Waluszewski, Scott Lyttle

1 win – Joseph Chapman, Edward Barrett, Robin Reid, Joseph Cooper, Reon Park, Scott McDonnell