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.
Round 2 of the Gravel in Paradise series for 2026 is the 'fast and furious' circuit of the Puketapu Gravel 'n' Tar. An exhilarating and scenic circuit with spectular views out over East Otago and a backdrop of Puketapu, 'Sacred Hill'. The short, sharp climbs and technical sections offer something for every level of rider, guarenteed to leave a smile on your dial! Hang on tight to those bars as you are in for on hell of a ride! The Championship class will do 4 laps and the compeition class 3. Starting at the DG Murray Hall on Horse Range Road, Palmerston, Otago and finishing on Fleming Rd with a short ride back to the start.
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 spot prizes kindly sponsored by My Ride Dunedin. Prizegiving at the Waihemo Lodge in Palmerston 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 65kms (4 laps)
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 50kms (3 laps)
Rush Velo- Competition Class 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 Class 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 DG Murray Hall, East Otago High School, Horse Range Road, Palmerston from 9am until 10.15am, riders briefing, all must attend, at 10.30am. Shotgun start 11am.