The 25th Le Race took place in New Zealand on Saturday 23 March, with youngster Nate Pringle winning the classic 100 kilometer point-to-point road race and Matilda Raynolds claiming the women’s title.

20 year-old Pringle (Oxford Edge Cycling Team) started the race in Christchurch city center and climbed atop the winner’s podium in Akoroa after a grueling two-and-a-half hours of racing through the Southern Alps on New Zealand’s South Island, including 2000 meters of vertical ascent. He finished in 2:32:43, just two minutes shy of the course record.

“We were riding in a group of about eight and I made my move on the final climb, because the last thing I wanted to do was a bunch sprint,” said Pringle from the winner’s podium.

Ollie Jones (2:32:58) and Cameron Beaumont (2:32:59) completed the men’s podium.

In the women’s race experienced Australian elite rider Matilda Raynolds (Team Bridgelane WE) was surprised to win after struggling up the first major climb. The 36-year-old managed to recover on the descent and eventually ride away from her rivals to win solo.

“It just shows you to never give up, even when you think all is lost. I just stuck with it and to be honest I am a bit shocked that I ended up in front. Every time when I thought about giving up, I would just look around and soak up these amazing backdrops all over this course. I really hate this race because it’s so bloody hard, but I don’t think you will find a race anywhere in the world with such incredible views,” Raynolds said afterwards.

Raynolds finished in 2:57:48, nearly eight minutes ahead of second placed Annamarie Lipp and Emma Grant.

Over 500 amateur and elite cyclists participated in Le Race 2024.

Complete Le Race results HERE

Photo Credit: Facebook/leracenz

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