Brendon Madden-Smith defended his men’s title as Nicki Sutherland took out women’s honours at the 2019 Tour of Samoa, 10-15 September, part of the 2018 Oceania Cycling Confederation Pacific Open Road and Mountain Bike Calendar

“Half of the riders this year were repeat Tour riders. It meant there was a lot more competition up front now that riders know the course and what is ahead. The racing was very tactical as tours go,” said Race Director Seti Afoa.

“Brendon Madden-Smith of Auckland defended his 2017 title, and is coming back in 2019 to defend it again. We had a new women’s champion this year, Nicki Sutherland of Wellington who was not challenged in her dominance of the 10-women field.

Key to the development of cycling in the Pacific the Tour offers riders a chance to make up kilometres in a Redemption Ride to secure their place in the final general classification.

“There were three riders who needed to make up kilometres at the end of the racing stages. For that TOS has a Redemption Ride option on the rest day where riders can complete lost kilometres. It is not just total replacement, there are added kilometres to the shortfall, all three riders were glad to take that option to register a finish for their first Tour of Samoa.

With three days of racing in their legs the peloton rolled in the capital Apia, with cyclists from outside the race joining in on the celebration The Victory Ride.

“The Victory Ride into Apia on the last day is quite a spectacle. Locals who did not ride tour also join in the 37km ride from the wharf to the Townclock,” Afoa explained on the importance of the event to the growth of cycling in Samoa.

“The peloton creates a visible showcase for Cycling in Samoa and ends the tour well in a celebration at the finish.”

Following a successful fifth edition of the race planning turns to the 2019 edition, to be held 25 August – 1 September, 2019.

The 2018 Pacific Open Road and Mountain Bike Calendar, stopped in Tahiti (18-22 September) and now heads to New Caledonia for the Tour de Nouvelle Caledonie, 17-27 October before a final stop in Guam on Decemeber 9 for the Tour of Guam.

2018 Tour of Samoa Men’s Podium
1 Brendon Madden-Smith
2 Michael Madden-Smith
3 Chris Ewers

2018 Tour of Samoa Women’s Podium
1 Nicki Sutherland
2 Juliette Lister
3 Jodie Stewart

King of the Mountain – Michael Madden-Smith
Queen of the Mountain – Nicki Sutherland

Full Results