Sport + Motorsport
The Tour of Southland turns 70 this November — and it's bringing back the legends to prove it.
Australasia's longest-running multi-stage cycling event, the SBS Bank Tour of Southland, will hold its 70th edition from November 1 to 7, less than a year after the rescheduled 69th edition was finally delivered in January 2026 following a weather-forced postponement.
The anniversary isn't being treated as a footnote. Organisers are building a week of historical throwbacks around the racing, headlined by a "Legends on Tour" evening on Friday October 30, where fans can hear from past champions in person.
Among those returning is Brian Fowler, whose eight Tour victories remain unmatched in the event's history.
Cycling Southland president Julian Ineson said the milestone reflected something bigger than the racing itself. "Reaching 70 editions is an incredible milestone and a testament to the dedication of the volunteers, sponsors, communities, riders, and supporters who have contributed to the Tour over many decades," Ineson said.
"The Tour has always been about more than just the racing. It is about the people, the stories, and the communities that have helped make it one of New Zealand's most iconic sporting events. Bringing former champions back to Southland allows us to celebrate that history and share it with a new generation of cycling fans."
Tour Director Waine Harding, who delivered the January event and is now preparing his second in under twelve months, said the interest from competitors was already building. "Following the challenges that resulted in the 69th edition being rescheduled to January, we are excited to return to our traditional November timeslot and deliver a celebration worthy of this historic occasion."
Harding said the prestige of the 70th edition was drawing attention well beyond New Zealand. "There is significant excitement around the cycling community for this edition. The prestige of winning the 70th SBS Bank Tour of Southland is not lost on riders. We are seeing considerable interest from both domestic and international competitors who want the opportunity to be part of this historic event and compete for one of the most respected titles in Australasian cycling."
The course has been revised. Organisers say a comprehensive route review has produced changes designed to make racing harder across the week, with details to be announced in the coming months. Competitors can expect Southland's roads and landscapes to do most of the talking.
The 70th SBS Bank Tour of Southland runs November 1 to 7.