Aoraki Schools Cycling Championships

19 May 2026

The conditions were relatively cold and foggy throughout the day, of racing on the closed circuit at Levels Motor Raceway. From Mount Hutt College, we had Oscar and Jack Gorrie, Blake and Kaidyn Broomhall and new road cycling recruit Mountain Biking Downhill racer, Baxter Florence.

The opening event was the individual time trial, the “race of truth”, where riders competed alone against the clock over the 2.3km lap. With no drafting or team tactics allowed, success relies entirely on individual power, mindset, and pacing. Our riders performed exceptionally well, with only seconds separating many competitors across the field. A standout performance came from Jack, who claimed victory in the senior competition with a time that was close to the course record. This result had him finishing a clear 14 seconds faster than the leading rider from Timaru Boys’ High School over the short and technical course.

After a short break, riders returned to the track for the scratch race, a longer and far more tactical event. In the Under 16 category, Oscar and Blake rode strongly to secure a podium finishes. Blake was narrowly beaten into second place through the final sprint. In the senior race, Baxter gained valuable experience riding within a bunch environment, while Kaidyn demonstrated great strength and composure near the front of the field to finish fourth overall in a bunch sprint. At the front of the race, Jack, a year 12 rider, attempted multiple attacks in the closing laps, but the more experienced year 13 rider from TBHS covered every move. The two contested a thrilling two-person sprint finish. A hard-fought title placing narrowly stolen on the line.

The final event of the day, the team time trial, required riders to work together to produce the fastest combined time possible. The trio of Blake, Oscar, and Baxter showed excellent communication, consistency, and teamwork to finish strongly in fourth place, just behind Timaru’s highly competitive B team. Kaidyn and Jack combined strongly to secure a well-earned silver medal against a strong Timaru A team.

Overall, the championships were a successful experience for the team. We encourage anyone keen to get into Road Cycling, for competition or merely for fitness, to consider getting involved in other upcoming events this year. With the South Island Championships at Ruapuna Raceway approaching later this term, keep an eye out on the sign-up sheet at the office.

Final Results:

Individual Time Trial Over 16

1^st Jack Gorrie

2^nd C. Toomey (TBHS)

3^rd Kaidyn Broomhall

Individual Time Trial Under 16

1^st T. Stevenson (TBHS)

2^nd Blake Broomhall

3^rd Oscar Gorrie

Scratch Race Over 16

1^st C. Toomey (TBHS)

2^nd Jack Gorrie