SKODA NATIONAAL SCHOOL ROAD CHAMPIONSHIPS

More than 400 riders from 70 schools from Kerikeri to Invercargill will celebrate a return, after three Covid-hit years, for the 53rd SKODA National School Road Championships in Manawatu this weekend.

The cycling students from around the country will be racing on Manawatū District roads and tracks for three days 1 to 3 October.

Run by Cycling New Zealand Schools, the 2022 SKODA National School Road Championships invites schools to enter their students as a great chance to showcase road cycling talent against all other schools from around NZ.

The NZ Schools Cycling Association, now known as Cycling NZ Schools, was established in 1968 to address the falling numbers of cyclists participating in the sport. Now, they promote enjoyment, participation and competition on bicycles for all school-age children. The idea to introduce cycling into secondary schools across New Zealand in the hope that it would help the development of cycling, certainly seems to have paid off - if our international cycling reputation todayis anything to go by.

An event consisting of a 16km Team Time Trial was scheduled for the, former Governor General, Sir Bernard Fergusson cup, with the event continuing to carry his name today. This event was held in the Levin- Manawatū region from 1968 until 2018 when the event was moved to the South Island as a trial to encourage more South Island representation.

Now the champs are held in the term three school holidays on a rotation basis between North and South Islands.

The Manawatū Event Schedule includes Saturday Team Time Trial starting at Rongotea School, Sunday Road Race starts at Halcolmbe School, and Monday Points Race at Manfeild.

From its inception, events and age groups have been added as demand required. including in 2000 when racing for Year 7 & 8 pupils was introduced.

 Learn more here at schools.cyclingnewzealand.nz