School racing, proper racing, big weekend energy.
Two days of championship racing at Ruapuna Raceway, bringing together school riders from across the South Island for time trials, team racing and road races on a closed circuit.
A cracking weekend for school riders.
The South Island Schools Road Cycling Championships is where riders get the chance to test themselves, represent their school, race as a team, and learn what proper racing feels like — without having to dodge sheep trucks, potholes, or the usual open-road nonsense.
Individual Time Trial
Riders race against the clock over one lap of the Ruapuna circuit. No hiding, no wheels to sit on, just legs, lungs and a quiet chat with yourself about life choices.
Team Time Trial
Team racing builds skill, communication, confidence and trust. It is one of the best ways for school riders to learn how to ride smoothly and work together.
Road Race
Sunday brings the bunch racing: positioning, patience, attacks, sprints, and the small tactical disasters that make bike racing such a beautifully ridiculous sport.
Weekend programme
Final timings may be updated closer to the event. Team managers should always check the official event manual and race-day communications.
Saturday 4 July
- Registration opens from 8:30am
- Managers meeting at 9:15am
- Racing starts at 10:00am
- Individual Time Trial: U13, U14, U15, U16, U17, U20
- Team Time Trial from approximately 1:00pm
- Racing finishes around 4:00pm
Sunday 5 July
- Gates open from 8:00am
- Registration from 8:45am
- Warm-up from 9:00am
- Road racing starts at 10:00am
- Grades race from U13 through to U20
- Racing finishes around 3:45pm
More than just pinning on a number.
Schools racing gives young riders a safe, structured place to learn the craft: riding in a bunch, holding a line, pacing an effort, working in a team and handling the pressure of race day.
Course map
Racing uses the Ruapuna circuit layout, including the Grand Prix circuit with dipper. The individual time trial is one full lap, and the Team Time Trial and Road Race use multiple laps depending on grade.
Key event details
The short version for parents, riders and schools. The long version lives in the event manual, because every event needs at least one document that looks like it could stop a small draught under a door.
Location
Canterbury Car Club, Ruapuna Raceway, Christchurch.
Who can race
School riders from eligible affiliated schools, racing in the appropriate school age categories.
Spectators
Spectators are welcome. Please follow venue instructions and keep clear of race areas, warm-up zones and official working spaces.
Uniform
Correct school racing uniform is required. Check the event manual and Cycling New Zealand Schools rules before race weekend.
Parking
Parking is available at the venue. Please drive slowly and follow event parking instructions.
Results
Provisional results will be posted at the event. Final results will be made available through official schools cycling channels.
Event documents
These documents are mainly for schools, team managers, officials, safety reviewers and anyone who enjoys a good PDF with their morning coffee. Parents are welcome to read them too — we won’t judge.
Event Manual
Programme, race information, registration details, rules, distances, ceremonies and key event notes.
Safety Management Plan
Safety structure, risk management, first aid, emergency response, communications and incident procedures.
Document links may be updated as final versions are approved.
Ready to race?
Get your school sorted, check the event details, and make sure your riders are entered. The South Island Champs only comes around once a year — no pressure, apart from all the pressure.
Enter the Championships
