Incorporating the local “route du jour” the two passes (Redwood pass and Taylor Pass) and additions. Starting over the Taylor Pass (with high speed gravel descent to Awatere valley) your journey ventures further south. From Seddon school we take in the wonderful scenery on Marama road followed by some high speed gravel through Waterfalls Road and onward to lunch at Lake Grassmere. Stage 3 normally has some chunky gravel (we mean large metal) leading to a sharp climb to Yealands Estate then a speedy sealed descent into Seddon. Stage 4 is a seal and gravel run home over Redwood Pass with some fun off-camber gravel bends to keep you sharp
Most suited to cyclocross and mountain bikes but rideable on your roadie.
Starting in a chilly 2 degrees the field rode hard through stage 1, an unfortunate mishap causing a wrist injury to George (resulting in him spectating for the remainder of the day) while Nick ended up slightly perforated due to a close encounter with a barbed wire fence (but was pronounced fit to continue by our St John Ambulance team). Sticky surface conditions on Stage 2 didn't slow the field and everyone rolled on to the Dominion Saltworks for the traditional coffee and pie lunch.
Stage 3 found some riders had delivered their all on earlier stages and the pace really cracked on with an exciting downhill bunch sprint finish to the stage. Stage 4 was also the scene of a huge sprint battle to the line, the overall title still up for grabs right to the finish. Some classy racing at the front end with Ari Scott pipping Campbell Pithie by a single point in the overall standings to take the mens title for 2020. A 3 way battle at the top saw Francesca Bradley take the title with a win on Stage 4 sealing the deal for her.
Tour de Gravel 2020 results are here Placings are based on the low point system (1 for 1st, 2 for 2nd and so on) with total elapsed time only coming in to the calculations if riders are tied on points.
Tour de Gravel 2020 is done and dusted. Look out for info on dates and the route for 2021. In true Awatere fashion some of the locals got in on the act with a flock of sheep and a few wandering cattle making sure riders kept their wits about them. Thanks to all the brilliant folks who fronted up for a magic day on two wheels and special thanks to our key team members Mondo, Allister, Vicki, Bill and David, we couldn't do this without you.
All entry fees are paid on registration. See Enter link above
One bike
One rider
Solo entry $100
One bike
Two riders
Double the fun
$180
Teams of 2 riders - $180
Teams of 4 riders - $300
Share the fun
Divide the stages up
Thank you to all our sponsors
