“Cycling NZ is fortunate to have strong and supportive clubs like Timaru and Te Awamutu with the experience, time, energy and expertise to take up the challenge of staging an important event like the Elite National Road Championships.”
Te Awamutu Sports Cycling Club president Marc Gascoigne said the club was excited to host the championships and welcome New Zealand’s top cyclists to the Waikato region.
“I’m proud to be President of the TA Cycling Club. Our members are passionate about cycling and are always eager to pitch in and help run events, both on the road and the track — the 2026/27 Elite Road Championships will be no exception,” Gascoigne said.
“Not only do we have a strong, dedicated, and experienced committee but we’re fortunate to have cycling legend, Stephen Cox working alongside us. This will be a huge event for the Waipā District — aptly known as the Home of Champions — and we can’t wait.”
It will be the first time the Te Awamutu Club has hosted the Elite Road Championships since 2009 when Gordon McCauley won for a record fifth time.
The championships have been staged on several occasions in the Waikato, most recently in Tokoroa in 2023, Cambridge for the preceding three years, and Te Awamutu in 2009 and 2000, won by former Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Glen Thomson.
Other venues in the Waikato to host the championships include: Morrinsville in 1995 (winner Neil Shattock); Hamilton in 1992 (Dean Peterkin); Kiwitahi near Morrinsville in 1983 (Eric O’Brien); Tokoroa in 1978 (Jack Swart); Kiwitahi in 1971 (Vern Hanaray); Kiwitahi 1964 (G Grey); Karāpiro in 1956 (L Parris) and Matamata 1951 (A Sweeney).
Details on dates and courses will follow.
