About Christchurch Schools Racing
Race Day Essentials
Where & When
Races are held every Wednesday during school terms (May–September) at Old Tai Tapu Road, Halswell—just past Rossendale Wines. Registration opens at 2:40pm, with racing starting sharply at 3:20pm.
Always check our Calendar for specific event formats like Individual Time Trials or Graded Scratch races.
Race-Day Protocols
Safety first! Riders must have helmets, gloves for protection, roadworthy bikes, and appropriate school racing gear. Warm-up areas are clearly marked; please keep off roads before and after racing.
Detailed race briefings occur at the start line each week, parents and new riders should attend for essential safety information.
Parking & Drop-Off
For everyone's safety, please use The Bicycle Thief Restaurant carpark for all drop-offs and supporter parking. In poor weather, alternative parking is available at the Rossendale Winery carpark.
Follow signage and marshal instructions carefully to avoid rider penalties.
Race Team Organisers
Meet Our Volunteer Legends
These are the passionate volunteers who make our weekly races happen. From traffic management and timing to first aid and marshaling, each person plays a vital role in delivering safe, organised, and exciting racing.
Brian Thompson
Race Director & Coordinator
Brian oversees every aspect of the race series, from planning and coordination to race-day execution. He liaises with traffic management, schools, and volunteers to ensure smooth operations each week.
Hamish Ferguson
Timing & Results
Hamish provides precise electronic timing and results, ensuring all riders have accurate and timely race information available immediately after every event.
Leanne Creighton
Registration & Admin
I manage race-day registration, issuing race numbers, ensuring riders get to their race on time, look after prizegiving, and all the administration and funding work.
Brent McMecking
Course Marshal & Setup
Brent ensures the course setup and marshal stations are expertly organised, providing a safe and clearly defined route for racers every week.
Paul Watt
Course Management & Safety Liaison
Paul manages critical safety points and course operations, acting as a key liaison for safety protocols and emergency response coordination.
Gillian Krzanich & David Lipp
Start-Line & Commissaire Support
Gillian and David manage race starts and provide commissaire support, ensuring a fair, safe, and smoothly run event from the first pedal stroke.
Jordyn Adlam
Race-Day Safety & Support
Jordyn coordinates safety measures between critical points of the course, providing immediate safety oversight and rapid response to race-day issues.
Penny Thomson
Registration & Course Support
Penny assists with rider registration and supports marshaling and safety roles, contributing significantly to the friendly, organised race-day atmosphere.
Johnathon Handley-Packham
On-Course Communications
Jonathon manages bunch-alert communications, ensuring the safety of riders by liaising between course marshals and traffic management.
Pam Schreurs
Pam is one of our long-standing volunteers whose involvement began as a cycling parent and has continued long after her children finished school. Her dedication and steady presence reflect the kind of community spirit that keeps Christchurch Schools Cycling running strong year after year.
Alex Mann
Assistant Race Director & Rider Support
Alex acts as the backup Race Director and provides essential race-day support, driving the course to assist riders who have mechanical issues or injuries. He coordinates closely with Brian to quickly resolve challenges and also manages our website, ensuring timely updates and clear communications.
Gary McNaughton
Cycling Coach and Dean at Christchurch Boys High School,
Gary provides a crucial link between our event executive and the schools. His expertise in youth coaching and education helps foster strong connections, ensuring smooth communication and enthusiastic participation from our local schools.
History
20+ Years of Christchurch Schools Racing
For over two decades, Christchurch Schools Racing has given young riders their first taste of competition. From humble beginnings to becoming Canterbury’s largest weekly youth cycling event, our series has always been driven by community, commitment, and passion.
Stay in the Loop
Stay in the Loop
For the latest announcements, race highlights, and updates, visit our active Facebook page and give us a follow.
Health & Safety — Our Top Priority
Ensuring Safe and Enjoyable Racing for Everyone
At Christchurch Schools Racing, nothing is more important than the safety of our riders, volunteers, and community. Our Health & Safety Policy and Plan is robust, detailed, and continually reviewed to make sure we provide the safest possible environment every Wednesday
Professional Traffic Management: Every race day, accredited traffic management teams oversee road conditions, clearly signposted courses, and designated parking areas to protect both riders and spectators
Clear Rider Guidelines: Mandatory helmets, roadworthy bikes, correct race attire, and strict adherence to safety protocols (including no headphones or cameras while racing) ensure all riders stay safe on course
Trained Volunteers and First Aid: Our race officials and volunteers are thoroughly trained in safety procedures and radio protocols. Qualified first-aiders are always on-site, ready to respond quickly to any incident
We’ve carefully considered and prepared for:
Emergency and Contingency Planning: We have detailed emergency response plans for all scenarios, from minor incidents to serious emergencies. These plans are regularly reviewed and improved to keep pace with best practices
Open Communication & Transparency: Regular safety briefings, clear rules, and ongoing communication with schools, parents, and the community ensure everyone knows what to expect and how we handle safety-related issues
Your peace of mind is crucial to us, and we're committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety, enabling every student to confidently enjoy the thrill of racing each week.
