14/09/2026
🚴 CAN WE PUT 70 RIDERS ON THE GORGES START LINE?
Here is a straightforward update about Canterbury road racing.
We currently have around 20–25 riders entered in each upcoming event:
• Gorges Grand Prix, 10 October
• Main Divide, 18 October
• Waikari Classic, 12 December
Last year these races attracted more than 100 riders.
THE GORGES DECISION
I need to make the final financial and operational commitment to Gorges at 5.00 pm this Friday, 18 September.
To proceed, we need 70 paid entries.
If we do not reach that number, I will cancel Gorges early, before committing further costs. Existing entrants will receive a refund or voucher.
This is not a threat. It is simply the point where intention needs to become entry.
Main Divide and Waikari remain on the calendar and will be assessed separately.
Road racing requires traffic management, safety planning, volunteers, timing, prizes and months of work. I love organising it, but I cannot keep carrying the time, cost and responsibility for events attracting only 40 or 50 riders.
I also accept that I need to make these races exciting, safe and worth entering. If my work has not connected strongly enough, I need to learn and improve.
If you are considering Gorges, enter now. You might be nervous, unsure of your fitness or worried about being dropped. That apprehension is part of racing.
You do not need to feel completely ready. You just need to be willing to have a crack.
Epoch Properties and Pringle Homes have contributed tens of thousands of dollars to Canterbury cycling. I am also enormously grateful to Whoosh, Scotty Browns, Hub Cycles, Hayden Roulston Real Estate, Sons & Co, Friday Solutions, Sprout Accountants and all our other supporters.
Now we need riders on the start line.
👉 Enter Gorges:
[www.gorgesgrandprix.co.nz](http://www.gorgesgrandprix.co.nz)
👉 Enter Main Divide:
[www.themaindivide.co.nz](http://www.themaindivide.co.nz)
Let’s reach 70 and put on a bloody good bike race.
Alex Mann
Pelo Performance
