2011 Season roundup - Chris Macic

Macic attack on the final day in Southland ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Until Southland, where he finished 4th on GC, 2nd KOM and 2nd Sprint Ace, Macic was not a very well known name in the domestic scene - mostly as he had not ridden a race in New Zealand for over 16 months.

The 22 year old, who this year spent his 5th season as a Kiwi international, chose to stay in Europe for the off-season last year instead of coming home for the NZ summer. 

This season he again raced for Kingsnorth International Wheelers in Belgium where he specialised in one day events - and took 18 podiums including 7 victories.

After arriving back in New Zealand last month Macic soon made sure his name was known here too. During Stage 4 of this year's Tour of Southland, Macic almost stole the yellow jersey off Hayden Roulston after driving a breakaway group to Te Anau.

©RoadCycling.co.nz

Those riders who knew his form in Europe realised he was a big threat, and those who did not know his name learnt to watch out for him.

Macic went on to race strongly throughout the tour, impressing with his ability to bridge up to breaks and then jump on the front to drive the pace without a need for a rest.  

He puts his strength down to his experience racing in Belgium where it is just attack, attack, attack, he told RoadCycling.co.nz. 

Racing in Belgium is something Macic has mastered. As well as a pro-race win, he took 6 other wins, 11 2nds and 47 top 10 placings throughout the season!

His best win was just last month. Tom Boonen won it, Stijn Devolder won it, this year it was the young Kiwi who won the 152km East Flanders pro-race - 62e KAJ KWB PRIJS ZELE race. Macic bridged up to and passed a solo breakaway rider in the last 500m to take the biggest win of his career.

After talking to Macic  during Southland, RoadCycling.co.nz got the feeling he was riding within himself. He has much more to offer. This two time U19 New Zealand Champion is one to watch!

Macic's next race is the Taupo Classic at the end of the month.

2011 International Season Round-Up

Best ride or result of the season?

My Pro Kermis win in Zele

Big crowds cheer on Macic as he wins a pro-race.

Best experience (on or off the bike)?

Racing in the Aalst Natour Criterium (1st Crit the day after the Tour de France finishes).  

It was just an awesome atmosphere with thousands of people out in support.

Biggest lesson learnt this season?

Dont take risks i.e. riding on the edge of the road or going too fast in the wet.

Did you achieve your goals for the international season?

My goals back at the start of the season were to win 5 races and 1 of them being a Pro kermesse and get a stagiere ride and have a solid season in general so how it went, check my blog for full results - in brief 1 Pro win 6 other wins, 11 2nds 47 top 10s out of 76 races.

When are you back in NZ, (if you're not already) and where will you be based?

All over the place, been back one month but am in Auckland at the moment.

What's the thing you like most about coming back to NZ after a season of racing?

Catching up with friends and family amongst enjoying the beautiful scenery/surf NZ has on offer.

What's the first major Kiwi food addiction you have to quell upon landing?

Think that would have to be Ginger Beer and Carrot Cake.

What are your goals for the NZ summer season of racing?

Not much really just have enjoyable time if I win that's a bonus.

Have you any news you can share about the 2012 international season?

Not at this stage.

All 2011 international season roundups - Chris Macic, Patrick Bevin, Jeremy Yates, Hamish Elley-Brown, Josh Atkins, Joe Cooper, Michael Vink, Shane Archbold, Louis Wright, Myron Simpson, Sam Lindsay, George Bennett, Kieran Hambrook, Brett Tivers, Emma Crum, Shem Rodger, Daniel Barry, Mark Langlands, James McCoy, Glen Chadwick, Kate Chilcott, Louis Crosby, Scott Lyttle, Courteney Lowe ...

If you were a Kiwi international in 2011, please join the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  to share your story.