Race the valley.
Chase the divide.
A classic 109 km handicapped road race from the Canterbury Plains into the Southern Alps. Long, honest and unforgettable.
2026
to the Alps
limit
Building Canterbury homes. Backing Canterbury riders.
Canterbury’s most honest road race
Wide valleys. Relentless undulations. One road to the mountains.
The Main Divide drives deep into Canterbury’s high country, rolling away from the plains and straight toward the Southern Alps. The scenery is next-level. The climbing is not negotiable.
This is proper endurance racing: the kind that rewards patience early, grit late and respect for the terrain the whole way through. Gran fondo spirit, with the urgency of a real race.
Darfield to the Southern Alps
Earn every kilometre.
Open interactive route ↗
Fast plains give way to rolling high-country tarmac and a finish that makes you work for it. Marshals guide the flow; they do not stop traffic.
Read the race-day essentials →Everything at a glance
Sunday, 18 October 2026.
One long handicapped road race
Groups are released according to handicap, bringing the race together on the road to the finish. Race smart early. Empty the tank late.
Limited to 120 riders
Once the field is full, entries shut. Someone faster than you is already thinking about entering.
$39 early / $55 standard
Enter early and keep the savings for race-day fuel. Optional return transport may be selected during entry.
Real racing, open roads
Stay left, obey New Zealand road rules and follow marshal instructions. Riders must know the race manual.
Final start location, registration time, transport and safety briefing will be confirmed closer to race day.
Coming soonBEYOND. Every kilometre is earned.
Big effort. Proper prizes.
Prize pool $1,000
A prize pool built to reward the ride—not only the sharp end of the field.
- King of the Mountain Fastest eligible male on Porters Pass
- Queen of the Mountain Fastest eligible female on Porters Pass
- Age-group prizes Because suffering is universal
Entries are limited
Claim your spot before someone faster does.
The Main Divide is capped at 120 riders. Enter early, commit to the work and meet us on the start line.
Entry portal
Ready to race?
Not quite ready to enter? Register your interest and we’ll keep you updated. Otherwise, head straight to the entry page.
Quick answers
Before you line up.
What kind of race is The Main Divide?
A single 109 km handicapped road race. Riders start in groups based on ability, giving the field a chance to come together before the finish.
Are the roads closed?
No. The event takes place on open roads. Follow New Zealand road rules, stay left and give way when required.
How does return transport work?
Optional return transport is selected during entry. Final pricing, booking deadlines and arrangements will be confirmed in the race manual.
Can anyone enter?
Riders need the fitness, bike handling and road awareness required for a demanding 109 km open-road event.
Backed by good people
Partners of the race.
A huge thank you to the volunteers who make racing possible. If you have ever marshalled a corner in the wind, you are basically a saint.
