Cycling Southland is gearing up for a thrilling afternoon of racing as the ILT New Zealand Criterium Championships return to Invercargill on Saturday, 17 January. A top-tier field of riders has been confirmed, promising fast, aggressive racing on a newly designed 2.1km course that combines Bainfield Road and Queens Drive.
Following the success of last year’s event, this year’s championships will take place on a circuit known for its wide roads and clear spectator views, which is expected to produce exciting racing across all categories.
The Elite Women’s race will feature Olympic medallist Bryony Botha, whose strength and speed make her a standout contender for the national title. She will face a strong field of national riders all vying for one of the most prestigious jerseys in New Zealand cycling.
The Elite Men’s race will be equally competitive, with World Track Championship bronze medallists Keegan Hornblow, Marshall Erwood, Tom Sexton and Nick Kergozou all confirmed to compete. They bring serious speed and experience to the start line, adding depth to a talented group.
They will be joined by former SBS Bank Tour of Southland stage winners James Fouche and James Gardner, as well as New Zealand representative George Jackson, who returns after racing in Europe. Many riders are using the criterium as their final test ahead of the 69th SBS Bank Tour of Southland, which starts the next day on similar roads.
Cycling Southland President Julian Ineson said, “To have Olympic medallists, world championship medallists, Tour stage winners and emerging New Zealand talent all lining up in Southland is incredibly exciting. The course really rewards speed and tactical racing, and spectators are in for a fantastic afternoon of cycling.”
Racing begins at 2:00pm, kicking off with U15 categories and building through to the Elite races later in the day. Local junior riders will also compete for national titles, offering Southland’s young talent the chance to perform in front of a home crowd.
The race headquarters will be based at the Waikiwi Rugby Club, serving as a hub for spectators with food stalls, entertainment and great vantage points around the circuit. Cycling Southland encourages the public to come along and enjoy an action-packed afternoon celebrating the best of New Zealand criterium racing.
EVENT SCHEDULE
• UDC U15 Girls & GoodTech U15 Boys (Championship – separate podiums)
2:00pm – 15 minutes plus 2 laps
• Real Estate South U17 Boys (Championship)
2:30pm – 20 minutes plus 2 laps
• Mend Physio U17 Girls & U19 Women (Championship – separate podiums)
3:10pm – 30 minutes plus 2 laps
• McLeay Jewellers U19 Men (Championship)
3:55pm – 35 minutes plus 2 laps
• Calder Stewart Elite Women (Championship)
4:40pm – 50 minutes plus 3 laps
• Calder Stewart Elite Men (Championship)
5:50pm – 50 minutes plus 3 laps
Cycling Southland encourages the public to come along, support the riders and
enjoy a showcase of New Zealand’s best criterium racing as national champions are
crowned in Southland.