Cycling Southland will host an afternoon of fast-paced racing on Saturday 17 January when the ILT New Zealand Criterium Championships are held, with a world-class line-up confirmed across all championship categories.

Building on the success of last year’s event, the championships will be staged on the new fast, flowing 2.1km circuit incorporating Bainfield Road and Queens Drive.

Featuring wide roads and excellent sightlines for spectators, the course is perfectly suited to aggressive, attacking racing and is expected to produce thrilling contests throughout the afternoon.

The Elite Women’s championship will be headlined by Olympic medallist Bryony Botha, whose power and speed make her ideally suited to the demanding criterium format.

She will line up against a strong national field as riders chase one of New Zealand cycling’s most coveted jerseys.

The Elite Men’s race promises to be equally compelling, with a quartet fresh from the World Track Championships bronze medal win — Keegan Hornblow, Marshall Erwood, Tom Sexton and Nick Kergozou — all confirmed to race.

Their proven ability to sustain high speeds and dominate fast circuits will add significant depth and quality to an already impressive field.

They will be joined by James Fouche and James Gardner, both former stage winners at the SBS Bank Tour of Southland, along with New Zealand representative George Jackson, who has spent the past few seasons competing in Europe.

As expected, a particularly strong field has entered the Calder Stewart Elite Men’s race, with many riders using the championships as a final hit-out before the 69th SBS Bank Tour of Southland begins the following day on the same roads.

Cycling Southland President Julian Ineson said the quality of riders confirmed highlights the growing stature of the event. “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 gets underway from 2.00pm, with a strong contingent of local junior riders lining up in their respective championship events — an exciting opportunity for Southland athletes to race for national honours on home roads.

Race headquarters will be based at the Waikiwi Rugby Club, providing an excellent hub for spectators, families and supporters, with food options, entertainment and outstanding vantage points around the circuit.

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.