Some of New Zealand’s biggest cycling names are returning home to compete in the 2026 Elite Road Cycling National Championships in Te Awamutu from 5–7 February. This year marks a record number of 15 Kiwi riders from UCI World Tour teams set to race, adding significant depth and star power to both the men’s and women’s fields.
The men’s line-up includes 10 World Tour riders and several others from UCI Pro Teams. Defending champion Paul Wright returns with fellow Kiwi Ben Oliver as part of the new Modern Adventure Pro Cycling team, led by American cycling legend George Hincapie.
Leading the charge is the NSN Cycling team, featuring 2021 national champion George Bennett, Corbin Strong, and Dion Smith, who joins the team after seven years on the World Tour. NSN is guided by former Olympian and World Tour rider Sam Bewley, and also includes promising talent Kiaan Watts from its development team.
Other big names include Sam Gaze (Alpecin–Deceuninck), Lewis Bower and Josh Kench (Groupama–FDJ United), Reuben Thompson (Lotto–Intermarché), 2024 champion Aaron Gate (XDS Astana), and time trial specialist Finn Fisher-Black (Red Bull–Bora–Hansgrohe). Several Kiwis from UCI Pro Teams will also feature, such as Josh Burnett (Burgos–BH), Olympian Tom Sexton (St George Continental), and riders from the Whoosh NZ Cycling Project.
The women’s field is equally competitive. Olympic medallist Ally Wollaston (FDJ–Suez) leads the charge after a successful Tour Down Under. She’s joined by 2024 under-23 champion Ella Wyllie (LIV AlUla Jayco), Mikayla Harvey (SD Worx Protime), and Henrietta Christie (EF Education–Oatly). Track stars Sami Donnelly and Bryony Botha, along with UCI Esport World Champion Kate McCarthy, will also compete.
There is strong interest in the under-23 category, with Groupama–FDJ riders Lewis Bower and Reef Roberts among the top names. Teams like Pista Corsa, Proformance Racing, and Whoosh NZ Cycling Project are expected to add to the intensity.
Cycling New Zealand High Performance Director Ryan Hollows said that New Zealand riders are respected globally and the current depth of talent is likely the strongest in the nation’s history.
“It is fantastic for our developing riders and fans that so many of our World Tour riders are coming back home and we can watch them in action,” he said.
“This is a rare opportunity to see our world class road riders in action, and also support out our Para-cycling world championship medallists in Nicole Murray, Devon Briggs and the tandem with Emma Foy and Jesse Hodges competing.”
Racing begins with the time trials on Thursday, using a course based at Roto-o-Rangi School. Distances range from 18.3km to 44.2km, with hand cycles, trikes, and other Para-cycling categories included.
Road races take place over the weekend, with elite men racing 188km and elite women covering 122km on circuits using Norwegian and Ruahue roads. Under-19 riders and Para-cyclists also have dedicated race distances and circuits.