The Nicholas Browne Challenge

We are proud to dedicate this event in memory of Nicholas Browne.

Nicholas was a man of great integrity, courage and determination.

In the early nineties Nicholas, a healthy young man and athlete, suffered a Kidney failure. He had recently married Barbarella McCarthy and together they worked with great determination to live a fulfilling life, continuing their careers as successful barristers and pursuing the sports that they so enjoyed.

Nicholas was fortunate to receive a donor kidney and for the next few years they shared as normal as life as possible. Then suddenly out of the blue Nicholas found out that the donor kidney had developed cancer. It had to be removed and Nicholas would have to undertake the daily task of self dialysis until another donor kidney could be found.

They did not give up. For several years Nicholas dialysed and continued to pursue the sports he loved including rowing and cycling.  They patiently awaited a new donor kidney.

Nicholas then made the huge decision to take part in the 2007 Quarter K, a 50km extremely hilly road cycle between Coromandel and Thames. This was no small undertaking for someone on dialysis and it was with some trepidation that he put himself on the starting line.

Barbarella organised some special support for the day including a room at Thames hospital that would enable Nicholas to dialyse straight after the race. Nicholas completed the race and the smile on his face as he crossed the finish line was priceless.

The next day he received a call from Auckland Hospital that a kidney donor had been matched and he was admitted straight away for a transplant. Tragically severe complications arose and Nicholas died three weeks later.

It is hoped that by naming the event after Nicholas that he will be long remembered for his courage and determination and that he will inspire others in difficult situations not to give up.

 

The Course 

The Nicholas Browne Challenge has been designed as a short course for those of you looking for a challenging short course event or who are wanting to get a taste of what the K2 is all about.

The Nicholas Browne Challenge covers the final stage of the K2 and this years event starts in Whitianga and finishes in Coromandel a distance of 43km.

The race includes three category climbs in the race, including the Whangapoau Hill close to the finish line in Coromandel.

The race starts at 9.30am from Whitianga

Stage	Stage Name	Route	Distance Km’s
1	Kuaotunu	Whitianga - Coromandel	43
Total Distance			43 km

Preparation

This ride is likely to take between 2 and 3 1/2 hours so your training should include some longer rides of at least 2 hours. It also has a couple of significant hills on the course so be sure to get some training in on some hills.

Participation

This event will be open to individual, tandem rider and teams of 4 with all riders staying together. There is a special school team category for teams of four.

Categories

The following categories will be recognized:

o Junior 1– (12- 13 years)

o Junior 2- (14-15 years)

o Junior 3– (16-18 years)

o Under 23

o Senior
o Masters (35-44)
o Vets (45-54)
o Classic (55-64)
o Vintage (65+)

The race is limited to riders of 12 and over. Riders aged 12 and 13 must be accompanied by an adult (18 years and over). 

Team Categories

Teams of four can ride together.  There are three team categories 

• School Teams (Team of 4)
• Other Teams (Team of 4)
• Tandem Category

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the winners in each category.

Transport

Transport will be available early on Saturday morning to take competitors from Coromandel to the start in Whitianga. Bikes will need to be left the evening before at the registration area in Whitianga.