Bay View resident Lans Hasselman was at the finish-line with his family today to support his friend Shaun Demanser who took part in the Tineli Gran Fondo Ride.
They were having a great time, despite the wind, but were a bit disappointed more people weren't on the sidelines to support the riders, he said.
"It's a great thing for the Bay.
"We think it's a fantastic set up, I just think that the street should be packed.
"This is a national event, it would be nice to see more people here."
The group stayed to watch the women's race and would be back again tomorrow for the men's.
They also watched people ride past from their house in Bay View last year.
Mr Demanser, who hasn't been involved in the carnival before, said the ride this morning was thoroughly enjoyable with the wind being manageable.
"It's a good course and good road."
Auckland resident David Parkinson happened to pass the event while visiting family in Hawke's Bay and had to stop to have a look because he used to be a road cyclist.
"It's good to be able to watch something I used to love, it used to be a big part of my life" he said.
"They've got good weather for it."
Taradale resident Greg Forrest said, as an avid cyclist, he was a spectator at the event each year.
"I'm here to see good racing.
"It's a great event and well-organised. Napier should be proud."
Anyone unable to watch from the sidelines can view a live stream of the races from www.elite-road-nationals.cyclingnewzealand.nz.
Other events throughout the five-day carnival include today's Tineli Gran Fondo Ride, Bay Espresso Winery Fun Ride, iWay Family Fun Ride, Avanti Dress Your Bike Competition and Black Barn Vineyards Criterium.
The BDO Elite Road National Championships - Men & U23 Race will be held tomorrow.