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 3, The Matakanui Express is new for 2026, starting and finishing in Omakau this circuit will take you up picturesque sheltered roads to the base of the Dunstan Mountain range, passing through the tiny settlements of Matakanui, Drybread and Lauder these settlements all date back to the mid 1800's where gold mining settlements were established. This 50km circuit (1x short course=50km's /2x Long course=100-km's) is relatively flat with just a couple of short climbs and total elevation of less than 300 metres, stunning views, sheltered roads and fast gravel will all combine to make the Gravel in Paradise "Matakanui Express" one not to miss!
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.
Prizegiving will be held in Omakau, podium medals across all grades, catergories and age groups with valueable series points on offer. My Ride Dunedin will sponsor spot prizes.
All Ride Strong entries go in the draw to win a $1,200.00 holiday voucher sponsored by Farm Strong and drawn at the last round.
All entries go in the draw to win a $10,000.00 3T Primo WPMT Gravel Bike kindly sponsored by Euro Cycling NZ and powered bt Rush-Cycling, drawn live at the last round. Make sure you are registered at https://eurocycling.co.nz/pages/gravel-in-paradise-2026 to go in the draw! You must be registered and present to win...
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
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 100kms
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
Euro Cycles- 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 next to the Omakau School, Race Course Road, Omakau, Central Otago from 9am until 10.15am, riders briefing, all must attend, at 10.30am. Shotgun start 11am.