In the saddle for the New Zealand team

Builders in Christchurch can claim bragging rights after one of their own set the fastest time of three exclusive Tour de Fern events held at PlaceMakers stores 

The special PlaceMakers events were part of its sponsorship of the New Zealand Team and ran in addition to public events across the country – all designed to build excitement in the lead up to the Olympic Games in Paris.

Public events were held in Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch and Invercargill, while PlaceMakers hosted exclusive, behind-closed-doors sessions for its builders and suppliers in Auckland (7 June), Wellington (16 June) and Christchurch (26 June).

Among those who attended the PlaceMakers events, a builder in Christchurch completed the lung-busting sprint in just 25 seconds, pipping builders in Auckland (26 seconds) and Wellington (27 seconds) to first place and national bragging rights!

With a live scoreboard showing the results of each rider, there was certainly a competitive element at play! PlaceMakers builders can be proud of their times, which stacked up well against the public competitors. The quickest time recorded in the 18-35 male category was 24 seconds (at Fieldays) and 26 seconds for the 36-55 male category (in Lower Hutt, Wellington). 

Loving it!

Mt Wellington Branch Manager Gordon Whitworth hosted the Auckland event and said the atmosphere was excellent, with plenty of comments and lots of interest in the New Zealand Team from those who attended. 

“We had a good mix of builders and suppliers turn up – probably around 80/20 – who were keen to take advantage of a good feed and experience something a little different with the cycling challenge. 

“Some builders didn’t know PlaceMakers were sponsors of the New Zealand Team, so were stoked to find that out and keen to test themselves on the bike!” 

Building excitement

Present at the Tour de Fern were four members of the New Zealand Team backroom staff, who have been responsible for supporting athletes and generating a buzz up and down the country. 

Events such as those held at PlaceMakers help do just that, says Gordon. 

“We were super excited when it was first announced and the team has got around each event we’ve held. As we get closer to the actual Olympics, the level of excitement will continue to build! 

“We’re also getting lots of requests for the New Zealand Team-branded merchandise, which customers love receiving!”