Tips from an expert

Tour of Southland winner in 2017, James Piccoli, of Canada, teaches Sacred Heart School pupil Briarlee Devery (10) the safest way to ride a bike during a tour of Invercargill primary schools yesterday.

The defending champion took time away from his training schedule to speak with the pupils before next week’s Tour of Southland.

"We’re doing a presentation on road safety, about sharing the road, and giving some safety tips. Trying to get the kids involved and spread the message about the race and about cycling," he said.

Piccoli said he had seen an "amazing bike culture" in Southland.

"For sure, there’s bikes all over. I was driving to a cafe and saw all sorts of kids, teens, adults, all commuting on bikes, which is really good to see. It’s amazing to see a community such as this embrace it." 

- Sharon Reece