Blox Apparel would like to congratulate team PhysioMed on their efforts at the 2007 Mt Cook to Christchurch multisport race.

The Mt Cook to Christchurch race is held over 3 days every February, in which competitors run, mountain bike, kayak and road cycle 355 km’s from the Hermitage, Mt Cook to New Brighton beach in Christchurch.

This year the weather was not too kind to competitors with frosty early morning starts and plenty of rainy sections on the course.

Team PhysioMed consisting of runner Matt Pepler, road cyclist Dave Commerford, mountain biker Nick Ferrigo and kayaker Devern Burchett took out 3rd place overall, behind OI Cycle Surgery in 2nd and The Dream Team in 1st.

Well done guys!!

Blox Apparel would also like to congratulate team Jaded and Faded who came in 1st in the Veteran Mixed teams section of the Mt Cook to Christchurch race.

Team Jaded and Faded is made up of (left to right) runner Lynette Stock, kayaker Ross Marriott, road cyclist Amanda Minty and mountain biker Evan Taylor.

Evan who is an accountant by trade, has a number of Coast to Coast and Goldrush finishes under his belt. Ross who is a landscape contractor, was placed in last years Coast to Coast Family section. Lynette is a personal trainer and sometime New Zealand hurdles champion and Amanda is an aerobics instructor and leading Canterbury road cyclist.

Excellent effort guys!!!!

In recent years cycling has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity in New Zealand.

According to Stephen McKernon from the Cycling Advocates Network, cycling is one of the top 5 ways that Kiwi’s choose to spend their leisure time, which now makes it a national pastime. In fact, more people are cycling than playing rugby.

We at Blox call it the new golf!!

Kiwi’s are really getting into cycling. It goes hand in hand with the getting outdoors part of the Kiwi psyche.

Recent statistics show that over 1 million bikes were imported into New Zealand for the 5 year period from 2001 – 2006. According to SPARC, 15% of adults and 19% of teenagers cycle on a regular basis & for fun, for fitness or as an alternative to driving.

In response to this rise in popularity, the Ministry of Transport has published a national strategy to help encourage more enjoyable and safe cycling on our roads.