The overseas riders of previous years might be missing but the intensity won't be when the women's cycle Tour of New Zealand kicks off in Masterton tomorrow.
Race director Jorge Sandoval is expecting strong racing from the 70-strong field, with a solid Australian contingent and national teams from China and Japan contesting the three-stage, Wairarapa-based event.
However, last year's impressive European and American contingent will be missing, including race winner and Beijing Olympic individual time trial gold medallist Kristin Armstrong of the United States.
Sandoval said their absence was unsurprising, given the double whammy of a low-key post-Olympic year and a distinct lack of racing for women in Australasia.
"It's a bit different from last year, because there were races in Australia as well. This year, there's nothing there," Sandoval said.
"We're the only race in Oceania for women. There's no Geelong tour, no World Cup, nothing."
Although some of the bigger names are missing, Sandoval said the quality of competition was still impressive.
"It's a different field this year, but in a way it's stronger. We've got 41 Australian riders coming here and when you think about it, some of the best riders in the world are from Australia."
Included in the Australian contingent are top hill climber Ruth Corser, riding for the Champion Systems Pro team who compete under the Jazz Apple banner in the North American women's circuit.
Corser, who was second to Armstrong in last year's key stage which ended with a gut-wrenching 12km slog up Admiral Hill in the Wairarapa, is part of a strong multinational line-up.
American Dotsie Bausch, a Los Angeles-based professional cyclist and former American national champion and Canadian under-23 rider Steph Roorda are joined by New Zealanders Lauren Ellis, part of the gold medal-winning World Cup women's team pursuit track team, and national track representative Malindi Maclean.
Sandoval said another team worth watching was the NZCT New Zealand national side, headed by experienced professional rider Joanne Kiesanowski, who finished 28th in the women's road race at last year's Beijing Olympics.
Team manager John Dean, who guided the squad last year, said Kiesanowski's inclusion was a definite boost.
"I'm really excited about having Joanne in the group -- she's a real pro, and it makes my job a lot easier," he said.
Dean said he was also looking forward to again working with Serena Sheridan, the top New Zealand finisher in last year's tour.
Despite a series of throat infections, Sheridan is currently leading the national point series. With last year's experience under her belt, she should feature well.
The New Zealand national team also includes former multisport exponent Toni Bradshaw, who won last week's women's Hamilton Classic, sprint ace Karen Fulton and gritty Te Awamutu rider Emma Peterson.
The tour begins tomorrow afternoon in Masterton, with the 127km stage taking in three laps of an undulating Gladstone circuit, and finishes on Friday atop Admiral Hill after 125km and a gruelling 12km climb.
After a day's rest, the majority of the field will contest the second tier UCI International Cup, 14 times around a 8.5km Masterton street circuit for a 119km one-off road race.
NZPA