Course & Race Day Info

The Course: fast start, honest middle, thunderous finish

Classic Hurunui country: big skies, grippy chip, and nowhere to hide. Each lap serves up smooth rolling backroads, one decent climb to sting the legs, and a fast, flowing run back towards the town. Save some watts — the final drag into the town centre is pure carnage if you mistime it.

Lap profile (x3):

  • Rollers: Settle in, keep the turns tidy, don’t flick your mates in the wind.

  • The climb: A proper split‑maker — commit or risk staring at taillights.

  • Return run: Fast and exposed; perfect for organised bunches and brave solo moves.

  • Finish: A fun, fast blast through the middle of Waikari — hold your line and back your kick.


Distance: ~100 km (3 × 33 km) • Elevation: ~513 m total • Surface: Sealed rural roads

Terrain & tactics

  • Flats : aero matters, rolling turns keep it tidy.
  • Rollers & Summer Hill : split-making territory.
  • 2.5% drag : if you’re on the rivet here, you’re not alone.
  • Sprint : 500 m that feels like five k. Pick your gear, hold your line.

Race Day Schedule (headline times)

  • Sign‑on & Number Pick‑up: Waikari Hall (99 Princes Street).


  • Race Briefing: On site.


  • Start: 8:30am (handicapped waves).


  • Finish & Prizegiving: Right after the last riders are in, at the finish area in town.

What to bring

road‑worthy bike and lid, two bottles, a jacket for the “Canterbury four seasons in a day”, a couple of gels, and your best legs.

Safety (open-road racing in NZ)

We race on open roads. Obey NZ road rules at all times. Marshals guide and warn; they do not stop traffic. Approved helmets mandatory; service your bike, ride predictably, signal early. No aero bars in bunches. Final equipment and conduct rules are in the Race Manual.

New Racer Quick Grader

Answer 6 quick questions (90 seconds). We’ll suggest a safe, fun starting mark for your first race. NZ spelling, common sense, and good vibes included. 👋

1) Riding lately?

How many rides most weeks?

2) Longest ride in the last month?

Choose the closest match.

3) Avg speed (last 4–5 training rides)

Self‑reported from your usual road rides.

4) Group-ride experience (drafting, holding a wheel)?

How comfy are you in a bunch?

5) Short climb (5–10 min) — what usually happens?

Honest answer helps your fun factor.

6) Bunch confidence at high speed (40+ km/h)

How do you feel when the bunch is ripping?

We may adjust on the day to keep it safe and fun.
Suggested mark: —
Developer diagnostics

This tool gives an initial suggestion. Final seeding may change after warm‑up or based on entries in your bunch. Keep left, obey road rules, and be kind in the bunch. 👍