Season of Cycling News

Two record breaking wins at this year's Le Race, held on Saturday 20 March, made it a historical event.

Michael Vink, 18, had a record time of two hours and 37 minutes, just ahead of the previous time held by Jeremy Yates of 2 hours and 39 minutes.

"It's one of the hilliest races in New Zealand and deceptively hard, especially the last 30 K's where no one can site on.

"It's really good, not only to win but it's even better to be the fastest overall, ever," he says.

Retired professional Jo Buick from Christchurch upstaged leading Australian professional Carla Ryan, winning in a record female time of two hours and 58 minutes.

"I loved it, and winning was such a nice surprise," she says. "It was great conditions and I went in with no expectations - the result was great."

Buick, who trains half the amount she did as a professional four years ago, crossed the finish line two minutes and 43 seconds ahead of the Australian and 2007 winner.

The 100 km Christchurch to Akaroa race has been going since 1935 and has evolved into the mountain stage version of the Tour De France for New Zealand.

The Around Brunner event is another one that's wrapping up the season and is being held this Saturday 17 April.

Organisers say more than 1000 people have registered, making it the largest team race in the South Island

Event Director, Dale Coulter, says there are 168 teams and tandems, as well as almost 700 individuals entered across the elite race.

"It's a good honest West Coast workout that anyone can do and includes a Sunday morning recovery bunch ride and evening function.

"We have been encouraging cyclists to stay the weekend which will provide a great opportunity for local cafes and restaurants to do really well out of it," he says.

Subway-Avanti Pro Cycling team members and National Points Series leaders Gordon McCauley and Matt Gorter, the experienced Paul Oldlin and last year's surprise winner of the elite race Brent Allnut lead the male elite entries.

Karen Fulton and Jeannie Kuhajek from Nelson, and Cathy Hamer from the West Coast, lead female elite entries.

Labour MP for Hutt South, Trevor Mallard, has also entered the event, which is in its fourth year and covers 130 km starting and finishing in central Greymouth.

For more information visit www.aroundbrunner.co.nz.