The 2026 Canterbury Championships
All roads lead to Glentunnel for a one-day showdown that will crown Canterbury’s best against a backdrop of rolling West Canterbury hills. Time trial in the morning, road race at midday — one venue, one atmosphere, no second chances. It’s honest terrain, proper racing, and titles that have to be earned the hard way.
15th of March 2026
The 2026 Canterbury Championships
15th of March 2026
One venue. One day. One proper Canterbury title on the line.
⏱ TIME TRIAL – Morning Session
Start Time: 8:00 am
Registration: From 7:00 am (Venue TBC – likely the Glentunnel Hotel)
Distance Options:
• 15km
• 24km
Final category allocation confirmed after entries close.
The TT rolls out from Glentunnel over classic rolling West Canterbury terrain. Exposed, honest and fast if you’re brave enough to commit. Seniors start first, stronger younger categories last.
Start lists published after entries close.
🚴 ROAD RACE – Midday Session
Start Time: Approx. 12:00 pm
Seniors first, juniors last. Roughly 5-minute gaps between grades.
Some grades may race together depending on entries.
Separate medals awarded per age group.
We expect racing to wrap up around 3:00 pm.
📍 COURSE FORMAT
There are two road race courses this year:
Main Championship Course (Approx. 95km)
Out-and-back from Glentunnel toward Lake Coleridge, returning via the dog-leg climb before descending back toward town and finishing just outside Glentunnel over the one-way bridge.
Undulating. Hilly. Championship terrain.
Distance: 95km for:
U19M
U19W
U23M
U23W
Senior Men
Senior Women
MM1–MM8
MW1–MW2
Secondary Course (Same roads as the 24km TT loop)
This group will race on the shorter circuit, using the same footprint as the 24km Time Trial course.
Distances:
Under 13 Boys & Girls – 24km
Under 15 Boys & Girls – 48km
Under 17 Boys & Girls – 48km
MM9 & MM10 – 48km
MW3–MW6 – 48km
This keeps racing competitive and safe while still delivering proper championship effort.
🏅 MEDALS & MINIMUMS
Minimum of 6 riders required for a separate grade start.
Age groups may be combined for racing but medals awarded per category.
🎉 PRIZE GIVING
Held immediately after the final race finishes.
Location to be confirmed (likely Glentunnel Hotel).
Short, sharp and celebratory.
🛑 VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
• 4 marshals for TT
• 5+ marshals for Road Race
Text Alex – 027 277 6659 if you can help.
This is a new format. One course footprint. Everyone racing on the same day. That slight Gran Fondo feel — except this one comes with Canterbury medals.
West Canterbury doesn’t give you anything easy. It makes you earn it.
Which is exactly what a Championship should do.
Enter Now!
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