Connect, ride, and improve your fitness and skills, while making the most of summer evening. 

We’re excited to announce our summer Criterium Series is coming soon—and everyone is invited!  Whether you've never pinned on a race number before or you have a trophy cabinet full, we have a grade for you!

If you’re new to racing, there’s no better place to start.  This is Club racing, and we're welcoming, supportive, and are an enthusiastic bunch, bursting with helpful advice.  If you’re just curious to see what it’s all about, you’ll find friendly faces and plenty of encouragement at every turn. It's safe, well marshalled, and either off road or on very, very quiet roads. 

This is graded racing - and we run grades A (fast and furious) through to E (a great place to start and finish your cycle racing career).  This means you can choose the grade which suits your level the best.  If you're unsure, please speak with our Race Manager on the night, and they'll assist you in selecting the appropriate grade. 

Each week brings fast-paced laps, enthusiastic supporters, and countless chances to build your skills and test out tactics. With categories for every age and ability, there’s a place for you—whether you’re racing for glory or simply enjoying the ride. Spectators, family, and friends are always welcome, so bring the whole crew along and cheer each other on!

To keep things interesting and challenging, this year’s series features three different courses!  Each course is a unique challenge, so you’ll have the chance to test your skills on a variety of circuits.

Southwards Car Museum (Otaihanga) - approx 800m laps around the carpark (all off road), with a small hill (which seems larger on each lap)

Camelot (Otaihanga) - approx 2.3km laps around King Arthur and Greendale Drives, connected by a short gravel path. Hillier, scenic, and and chance to develop more road-tactics. It's also very scenic - not that you'll notice.

Nga Manu (north Waikanae) - approx 2.4km laps on the road leading into the Nature Reserve, this virtually flat course is all about the turns, powering out of them will make the hills of the other two courses a fond memory. 

Start Your Post-Christmas Fitness Goals With Us! The holidays are a great time to relax, but now is the perfect opportunity to try something new.  The Kapiti Criterium Series is an ideal way to boost your fitness, improve your cycling, and grow your confidence. If you’re just beginning, our Club members are always happy to share tips and offer support.  And with graded racing, you are with people at a similar level to you.

Registration is at the Club caravan at each event - racing is free for all 2026 members and $10 for non-members (it costs just $60 to join). Bring your bike, bring your friends, and a willingness to have fun and give it a go!

Dates and Courses

Southward Car Museum - 20 and 27th Jan, 3 and 10th Feb

Camelot (King Arthur Drive) - 17 and 24th Feb, 3rd Mar

Nga Manu (Nga Manu Reserve Rd) - 10 and 17th Mar (with 24th Mar as reserve date)

Registration is from 6pm. D&E grades start at 6.15pm, A, B and C grades are away at 6.40pm.

Prizes

The Crit series is proudly sponsored by Searletech. Mike Searle is a super experienced mechanic and also a pretty sharp racer at our events. Talk to Mike for all your bike's needs - he also offers Club members 10% discount.

Points accumulate through the series, culminating in the Summer Trophy - one of the largest and most prestigious (if ugliest!) trophies the Club possesses. As a points-based competition, the winner can come from any grade - but consistency is King! 

Cancellations

If wet, we will cancel the event. Check our KCC Racing Facebook group around 3pm on the day of racing. 

Article added: Wednesday 31 December 2025