Central Otago Wakatipu Cycle Club

Winner of "The Best Little Cycling Club in New Zealand" at 2009 Cycling NZ Awards. We emphasise having fun while racing. Catering for all, ranging from the beginner ‘Weekend Warrior’ through to elite riders

Central Otago-Wakatipu Cycle Club was founded in 1990 as Wakatipu Cycling Club, affiliated to Cycling Southland and catering for Queenstown & Central Otago districts. The club name was changed in 2007 to better reflect the wider membership as we draw riders from Alexandra, Cromwell, and Wanaka plus their surrounding districts as well as Queenstown.

We race regularly through the summer months, making best use of the marvellous countryside that we have the good fortune to inhabit here. Races like our Queenstown to Glenorchy, and Hawea to Makarora return take riders along beautiful lakeside routes as the roads wind up and down at the base of the mountains.

Currently we race every weekend from daylight saving onwards until late April, catering for a good spread of rider abilities from beginner through to elite. Everyone is welcome along, with the racing adjusted around those who turn up to try and ensure all get a chance to be part of the event

The competitive but friendly spirit of the club has proven a good grounding for youngsters, several of whom have represented New Zealand at Junior level in various events over the last five years. A glance at the club’s Roll of Honour shows the achievements of club members. Quite a few Multisport stars hone their biking skills with us, and Club member John Alabaster has won 2 coveted time trial titles at the World Veteran Road championships at St Johann in Austria.

However the most important part of the club are the members who come along and race. We also have plenty of riders who usually participate from time to time as part of training for other sports. Apart from racing in the sun (well...usually racing in the sun!) a drawcard is the socialising afterwards, downing a coffee and lunch at the many great cafés the area has to offer. This is a great chance to relax and unwind, let the other riders know how unlucky you were not to win… and make new friends!

So if you fancy giving cycle racing a go, check out the calendar at http://wakatipucycling.co.nz , contact one of the club captains or secretary, turn up on the day - and enjoy!

Our motto is "Cycle in Central - it's more fun in the sun!” especially when after the race we enjoy a bite to eat or a coffee and swap tall stories about why we didn't win ........you only lose if you don’t have fun!"