Armstrong Peugeot Festival of Cycling 2006

Visit the official Armstrong Peugeot Festival of Cycling Web site.

New Zealand's premier cycling festival takes place in Christchurch on the first weekend of December 2006. The Armstrong Peugeot Festival of Cycling had its very successful inaugural run in 2005 and organisers are hoping to repeat the success.

Last year, nearly 1,000 cyclists joined the festival, while thousands of Christchurch residents cheered them on. Hailed as an international event, cyclists from all over the world participated, including American, Australian and New Zealand champions. World champions Greg Henderson and Katie Mactier were the headliners.

2005 race director Simon Hollander said, "Having so many class riders says a lot about the stature of the event.... But for us it's just as important that recreational and rookie cyclists want to take on the challenge."

Two-Day Celebration of Cycling in Christchurch

Schedule: 2-3 December 2006, Saturday-Sunday

The Armstrong Peugeot Festival of Cycling was meant to be a celebration of New Zealand cycling in Christchurch that will bring together cycling enthusiasts of all ages, abilities and aspirations.

Cyclists can sign up for the two main events:

Armstrong Peugeot City Criterium - cycling Euro-style, on an exciting 1-km closed-circuit course around Christchurch's Oxford terrace cafe strip. This is a major national event featuring many New Zealand cycling champions.

Armstrong Peugeot Harbour Ride - 75-km scenic ride around the iconic elements of Christchurch's Port Hills and Lyttelton Harbour. Taking in Gebbies and Evans Pass, riders will climb and descend 625 vertical metres through spectacular surroundings.

Other Events - Last year, the festival had many events for riders of all abilities, with graded racing, celebrity tandem events, penny farthing competitions and Steve Gurney's Crazy Commuter competition. This December 2006, the organizers expect to have the same exciting variety of activities and attractions for cycling in Christchurch.

For further information about this New Zealand cycling festival, you can visit the official Armstrong Peugeot Festival of Cycling Web site.

Long Bays Route and Cycling in Christchurch

The Harbour Ride will use a popular route known as "Long Bays". Local cycling clubs have been using this route since 1930, when it was established as a race on the Christchurch club cycling calendar. The route has historical significance, with past winners including New Zealand champions, Olympians and Commonwealth champions.

Christchurch is officially a "cycle friendly city". The local Council is actively developing a cycle culture as well as a cycle network throughout the city that links popular destinations, such as malls, shops, cinemas, parks and beaches.

The city is flat, allowing easy ride to most destinations. But there are also plenty of uphill cycling tracks around the Port Hills.

You can view more information about accommodation options in Christchurch, as well as attractions and activities in Canterbury.