Welcome to the return of the Property Brokers Gravel in Paradise Series for 2026 with a 4 round series again this year, bought to you by Cycling Otago.
We welcome back into the series the 'Crop Duster' in Alexandra, Central Otago, Round 1 of the Gravel in Paradise series for 2026. This unique and majestic course is known locally as the 'Crawfords'. A gentle 400 metres of climbing over the 'Raggedys' with staggering views over Alexandra and neighbouring Clyde. Reaching the summit you are then downhill into the Moa Creek plateau where you will circumnavigate the plateau surrounded by hills where only thyme and rabbits can thrive through the harsh cold winters and sweltering hot summers. Another gentle climb out of Moa Creek returning back down Crawford Road to the start finish at the Galloway Station Hut on the famous Central Otago Rail Trail. The short course is 45kms and the long course is 57kms, both have approximately 650 metres of elevation.
The Crop Duster is the perfect first event to start the Gravel in Paradise series, it will leave you wanting and waiting for more!
There are two grades to enter this year, Competition (shorter course) and Championship (longer course) with two category classes in each grade (Ride Strong for the Farming Community and all other) and separate age groups for both males and females.
We have a single senior entry cost of only $70.00 (+$2.00 admin fee) and a junior cost of only $35.00 (+$2.00 admin fee), this is less than previous years.
Podium medals for all grades, categories and age groups plus $250.00 cash for the winner both male and female in the Championship Class (Crop Duster only) kindly donated by Willbike. Prizegiving is at Ida Bar, 26 Centennial Avenue, Alexandra post the event.
The same points system as last year will be used with your best of 3 events out of the 4 contributing to your overall scoring to determine placings. Points will be rewarded as 1st=1, 2nd=2, 3rd=3 etc down until the last placing
WIN AN $8,000.00 GRAVEL BIKE KINDLY SPONSORED BY RUSH-VELO CYCLING
All single-event entries get 1 chance in the draw to win, a complete series entry (all 4 rounds) gets you 10 chances! Series entry is also discounted if you were to ride all 4, this closes on December 31st. To be eligible to win (drawn live at the last round, the White Rocks) you need to be present
A massive thank you to all our fantastic sponsors https://gravelinparadise.co.nz/index.html#partners
A current race licence that is affiliated with Cycling New Zealand is a requirement. If you do not hold a licence, you can apply at https://www.cyclingnewzealand.nz/clubs-and-membership/becoming-a-member-2/. Or, we can arrange a licence for the series at a cost of $22.50. We will email you separately to arrange this.
Gravel 1- Championship Grade: Long Course 57kms
Calect Electrical- Championship Class Category
(series winner of this, both male and female to be crowned GIP Champions 2026 plus series medals in all age groups)
- 18 years and under – male and female
- 19 years to 34 years – male and female
- 35 years to 49 years – male and female
- 50 years to 59 years-male and female (FITGYM Wanaka – Adair Craik Series Cup – Female 50 years and over)
- 60 years to 64 years- male and female (FITGYM Wanaka – Geoff Lienert Series Cup – Male 60 years and over)
- 65 years + male and female
Farm Strong- Ride Strong Class Category
(in conjunction with Farm Strong – Fastest Farmer/Farming community entrants, both male and female to be crowned as Ride Strong 2026 Champions plus series medals in all age groups )
- 29 years and Under-male and female
- 30 years to 49 years-male and female
- 50 years + male and female
Gravel 2-Competition Grade: Short Course 45kms
Rush Velo- Competition Category
(competition medals for fastest series winner male and female)
- 18 years and under – male and female
- 19 years to 34 years – male and female
- 35 years to 49 years – male and female
- 50 years to 59 years – male and female
- 60 years to 64 years – male and female
- 65 years+ male and female
Farm Stong- Ride Strong Category
(in conjunction with Farm Strong – Fastest Farmer/Farming community entrants, series medals for all age groups)
- 29 years and under- male and female
- 30 years to 49 years- male and female
- 50 years + male and female
Sign-on will be at the Galloway Station Hut on Galloway Road from 9am until 10.15am, riders briefing, all must attend, at 10.30am. Shotgun start 11am.