Cycling Southland’s 2026 calendar is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. It’s packed schedule of racing that reflects the region’s deep passion for the sport. From carnivals to national competitions, cycling remains one of the great success stories of Southland sport, driven by a strong local organisation with backing from ILT along the way.
The year began on a high note with the ILT Criterium National Championships on January 17. The closed-circuit event brought fast-paced action to Invercargill and gave spectators the chance to see some of New Zealand’s best riders compete up close.
That momentum continues with the 69th SBS Bank Tour of Southland, running from January 18 to 24. Rescheduled after last year’s State of Emergency, the January edition keeps all the spirit and challenge of the classic Tour. With some circuit adjustments, including the starting and finishing on Bainfield Road at Waikiwi Rugby Clubs. Locals will once again able to watch riders race past their letterboxes and workplaces.
Delivering a major event of this scale takes a great deal of work. Cycling Southland’s staff and volunteers play a key role. Many give their time and experience year after year, some for more than a decade, serving as marshals, drivers, or officials.
Cycling Southland President Julian Ineson said their experience is invaluable.
“The experience certainly helps make operations smoother,” he said. “Many of our volunteers have looked after the same corner or same team for years. And while that experience is a real asset, we’re always keen to welcome new volunteers.”
“For many, it’s not just about the cycling,” Mr Ineson adds. “It’s about the great experience and friendships made along the way.”
Cycling Southland is responsible for much more than this iconic event. The club runs a full calendar of road and track races throughout the year, and with two major milestones ahead, 2026 will be particularly significant. November will mark the 70th anniversary of the Tour of Southland, and it will also be 20 years since the club made the Velodrome their home.
The Velodrome remains a cornerstone of cycling in Southland and a source of pride for the region. This world-class facility, also supported by ILT, is often praised by visiting riders for its quality.
“ILT have been a huge part of our success, they’ve always been in our corner supporting the club,” says Mr Ineson. “Some of the earliest support went into a development squad based at Kew Bowl, where bikes were provided to help people try cycling for the first time. That support has made a lasting impact.”
Southland continues to produce national and international talent, including Olympians and Commonwealth Games competitors. It’s an impressive record for a regional club, reflecting both the strength of its programmes and the support behind them.
ILT and the ILT Foundation’s involvement in cycling extends beyond major events. They provide operational funding for Cycling Southland, helping to maintain regular fixtures and offering scholarships for aspiring cyclists.
That support helps ensure that cycling in Southland remains accessible to participants of all levels, from grassroots riders learning the basics to elite athletes competing on the national stage.
As ILT reflects on its decades-long partnership with Cycling Southland, the focus remains on working alongside the club to deliver opportunities that benefit both athletes and the wider community.
ILT President Paddy O’Brien said the relationship is built on shared values and a long history of collaboration.
“Our partnership with Cycling Southland is one we’re very proud of,” he says. “It’s an enduring relationship built on shared values. We’ve always believed in standing alongside local organisations that create opportunities for Southlanders to participate and succeed.”
“Cycling Southland does exactly that. From grassroots riders taking their first laps at the Velodrome to elite athletes competing on the national stage, their work represents what community sport is all about. ILT is proud to support that pathway, helping to keep cycling strong and accessible across the region,” said Mr O’Brien.
It is a partnership strengthened by every event, every volunteer, and every young cyclist who decides to give the sport a try.
