Summer has arrived and being outside is enjoyable again. What’s better than signing up to a couple of races to get you off the couch and back into shape? We’ve put together a few of our favourite events on the calendar to inspire you.
The James Mountainsport Series
The race slogan states “If only you’re tough enough!”, this should immediately send warning signals to any normal person. However we’re well aware that cyclists are a special type of crazy. This 100km cross country marathon route features over 2000m of climbing along 4x4 tracks and stock tracks featuring a combination of surfaces. Riders must be prepared to cross rivers and creeks and just be able to tough it out. This not sound like the challenge for you? There are several other less and more extreme events to choose from including a 35km and 64km XCM race, a 100miler trail run and two off-road triathlons over the course of the weekend.
Date: 19-20 January 2024
Torpedo7 National MTB Championships
The Torpedo7 MTB Champs is a weekend you won’t want to miss out on. Hosted by Cyclinf New Zealand in conjunction with the Queensland MTB Club at Coronet Peak in Queenstown. Saturday the 25th of Feb is the day for those in lycra with cross country titles across categories up for grabs. On Sunday its time for the downhill riders to shine with the Downhill champs.
Date: 24-25 Feb
Everyone loves an enduro, they’re relaxed, they’re fun, there’s usually good food and drinks involved and who doesn’t enjoy a day shredding some prime trails? Tokoroa Mountain Bike Club is hosting their first ever enduro. The race consists of four stages in the centre of the park, so if you’re not up to competing you’ll still comfortably be able to watch all the action. Timing will run from 10:00am until 2:00pm on the 26th of November so there’s lots of time to catch up with mates, relax and take it easy between runs.
Date: 26 November 2023
Who doesn’t love a good stage race? We know that we’re always up for the challenge. THe Prospector is a 3 stage mtb race that will test your technical skills and endurance as you traverse through Alexandra’s famous technical rocky, thyme encrusted single-tracks. Not able to carve 3 days out of your busy schedule, why not enter the one-day Matangi Claim Adventure Ride on Sunday.
Date: 8-10 March 2024
This mountain bike event is a great one for the whole family, whether you’re dipping your toes into mountain biking water or you’ve been tackling trails for years you’ll enjoy this event. With a summer and winter edition of this race you got no excuse not to participate. Experience the beauty of the mighty Waimakariri River as you wind alongside it. They’ve even got a fun “Clydesdales” categroy for men 100kg plus.
Date: Bridge to Bridge - 3rd December 2023
Bridge to Bridge North - 16th June 2024
This is a classic to add to the calendar. As Aotearoa's only UCI 2.2 event, it’s bound to draw some big names and teams and will make for some very exciting racing. The complete race consists of 5 stages and is only open to proffessional riders and teams. This doesn’t mean that you can’t be part of the fun. On Sunday there’s a Golden Mile Crit for all riders, young and old.
It also a great opportunity to take the kids to meet their cycling heroes or just get out and cheer for the riders as they flash past.
Date: 10-14 Jan 2024
With three distances to choose from you have ride the 50km, 100km or loop all the way around the mountain with the 148km. Starting and finishing at the TSB Stadium, riders ride along some of the most scenic roads in the area with Mount Taranaki as the spectacular backdrop.
Date: 27 Jan 2024
Racing snake or just like to go fast? Why not work towards the Road National Champs in Feb?
Running from the 19th to the 21th of April 2024 you can compete in the road race, the time trial or both depending on your preference. Don’t think that you have to race with the pros either, there are championship jerseys for every age category from
Date: 19-21 April 2024
More of a racing snake? Participate in the Elite National Road Champs on the 8th to the 10th of Feb instead.
Date: 8-10 February 2024
One of New Zealand’s biggest cycling events on the calendar and a race keeps us focused through those colder winter months. Celebrating 45 years of running, this year 2023, this event is one of the country’s oldest and most established cycling events. With eight events to choose from, we mean it when we say that there’s something for everyone. There’s a gravel race, the flatship road race, a epic mountain bike ride and even a Lakesider cruise to do with your family. The challenge is e-bike friendly with e-bike categories in several of the events.
Date: 25 November 2023
Experience the best of New Zealand with the epic full supported 4 day cycling event around the South island. The scenery is breath-taking and having the ability to experience this while riding and racing your bike in a safe supported environment, is priceless! This the perfect event for those looking to get out of the city and take a break from the rush of everyday life whilst enjoying some time on their bike.
Date: 24-27 November
Unfortunately the 2023 Tour is already sold out however entries for the 2024 tour open on 27 November so mark your calendars.
