Ready to Race
Quick facts
Where: Sefton (sign-on) • finish on a quiet road near Sefton [Harleston Road]
When: Saturday 24 January 2026 • 8:30am
Format: Handicapped road race • 82.34 km • 10 marks
Entry: $39 Early Bird → $55 Standard
Plus: The Hub Cycles vouchers For top Placings
Handicap Format — How it works
Classic Kiwi handicapping: slower marks roll first, faster marks chase. First across the line wins — and we also pay the fastest times.
The twist: each mark starts with a $100 pot, and money moves during the race:
- If you catch the mark ahead: you take 50% of their current pot.
- If you get caught from behind: you lose 50% of your current pot
It rewards marks that work together, chase cleanly, and defend smartly — not just the pure watts merchants.
Big prize money
Over
$2,000 prize pool:
- $100 Hub Cycles Voucher — First Woman
- $100 Hub Cycles Voucher — Fastest
- $300 Hub Cycles Voucher — First Across the Line
- $200 Scotty Brown — 1st Junior Home
10 × $100 Mark Pots (one pot per mark — and yes, it shifts hands)
FAQ
Is this race on open roads?
Yes. This is open-road racing under NZ road rules. Marshals guide and warn at key corners, but they do not stop traffic. If it’s not safe, you give way.
What’s the format?
A handicapped road race with 10 marks. Riders start in groups (marks) and chase each other down. First across the line wins, and the money can shift during the race.
How long is the course and what’s the climbing like?
82.34 km with roughly 500 m of climbing. Mostly fast and rolling, with a few sharp pinches near Pyramid Valley.
Where does it start and finish?
Start is in Sefton. The course loops the Sefton Block, heads out via Amberley to Pyramid Valley, then returns through Amberley to a quieter road finish near Sefton.
What time does the race start?
8:30am (handicap starts by mark). Please arrive early for sign-on and briefing.
Do I need to state gender and junior status?
Yes. Entry requires you to select gender and Junior/Adult. The Junior prize is for anyone still at school.
How do the Mark Pots work?
Each mark starts with a pot. Catch the mark in front and you can collect part of their pot. Get caught from behind and you lose part of yours. It’s a handicap… with consequences.
What prizes are on offer?
See the Prize Pool section below — there are vouchers plus 10 x $100 mark pots that can change hands during the race.
How do I wear my race number? (Important)
Our numbers are tie-on bibs. Do not just thread the little rings — they can slip loose. You must tie a proper knot so the number can’t rotate or fall off.
What happens if my number isn’t visible at the finish?
If your number is missing, twisted, covered, or unreadable, we can’t guarantee your placing or any prize. Finish-line officials can only record what they can clearly see.
Are aero bars allowed?
No aero bars in the bunch. Standard road race safety rules apply.
Can I enter late / on the day?
Entries are limited and may close early. If online entries are closed, it’s closed — plan ahead.
