Course & Race Day Info

Course vibe / overview 

We roll out of Sefton and hit a full lap of the Sefton Block — fast, smooth, and perfect for organised bunches that know how to rotate without turning it into a social ride.


From there we head down toward Ashley Corner and back past Sefton, then out toward Amberley. A sharp right, a left through the backstreets, and suddenly you’re in proper North Canterbury: open roads, undulating hills, and that mid-course pinch near Pyramid Valley that will 100% cause dramatic facial expressions.


Key course beats

  • Start: Sefton (controlled roll-out, then it’s on)
  • Sefton Block Lap: fast, flowy, high-speed bunch territory
  • Out toward Amberley: sharp right → left through the backstreets
  • Pyramid Valley sector: rolling hills + a few steep pinches near halfway
  • U-turn: around the 50% mark (legs will be informed)
  • Return: back through Amberley, then the run home
  • Final 2–3 km: slight left around ~80 km, then a quieter road to the finish



Distance: 82.34 km • Elevation: ~500 m • Surface: sealed rural roads


Terrain & tactics

  • Early speed: the Sefton Block rewards smooth rotations
  • Middle sector: the pinches can split marks — or set up a counter
  • Return leg: perfect for a proper chase and “money defence”
  • Final run-in: if you’ve still got a kick, congratulations, you’re an alien


Race Day Schedule (headline times)

  • Sign‑on & Number Pick‑up: Sefton Hall (Sefton).


  • Race Briefing: On site.


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


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

What to bring

Road-worthy bike + helmet, two bottles, a couple of gels, and something for “Canterbury summer” (sunburn + a surprise southerly, sometimes in the same hour).

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. Ride predictably, hold your line, signal early, and give way when required. No hero moves through intersections. Save that for the sprint, where it belongs.

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. 👍