Close to 600 cyclists donned lycra and hit the gravel for the reprise of the legendary Karioi Classic.
After a four-year break, founders Dirk De Ruysscher from the Cyclery Raglan and Lisa Thomson partnered with the Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation (WRDMO) to run the event this year.
“Overall, the event was a great success and feedback from the competitors was very positive. We had quite a few comments about how brutal and challenging the event was, but we consider that as a compliment,” Dirk laughs. “The nicest compliment was from someone who said that our event was so different from the corporate run events and that is exactly what we are aiming for.”
At the finish line, welcoming riders back, Lisa says it was a nice vibe, seeing both locals and visitors finish, alongside their waiting supporters.
“One local said – I loved the Karioi Classic, the team did a great job and I need to do a few months training, instead of a few weeks in prep for the next classic,” Lisa says.
Special trophies were designed and made by Doug Ford and each competitor received a ceramic medallion handcrafted by Karla Stevenson from The Monster Company.
Lisa and Dirk are grateful to local businesses that provided spot prizes, funding, accommodation packages, upcycled bags and more.
“We also couldn’t do an event like this without our volunteers who did a fantastic job. Our volunteers are an invaluable part of making the Classic happen,” Dirk says.
WRDMO chair Charlie Young says the revitalisation of Raglan’s iconic winter sporting event was only made possible due to the generous support of the volunteers, sponsors and community.
“The social and economic benefits from hosting this event cannot be understated and has once again showed that the ‘Raglan Vibe’ is still alive and well. The WRDMO is hopeful the Karioi Classic will become a regular attraction for avid cyclists throughout Aotearoa,” he says.
Karioi Classic results – for full results visit my.raceresult.com/326841/results
The Long One – 85km / 2400m
1st Male – Tom Sexton – 2:43:10.0
1st Female– Brittney Grace Litton – 3:29:43.0
The Short One – 58km / 1500m
1st Male – Tom Grinsted – 2:03:06.0
1st Female – Sarah Pilington – 2:23:30.0
Special Awards
Lee Knight Trophy – Mark Reynolds
Rory Birk Perseverance Award – Shona Fogden 70+ age group 58km
by Janine Jackson
