After previously failing to finish New Zealand’s 100km Le Race twice due to crashes, James Krzanich was not keen on trying a third time, but at the last minute he decided to line up and give it a go.

It was a great decision.

The 25 year-old had the ride of his life last weekend at Le Race. With an aggressive downhill attack in the final kilometers he opened a gap that nobody could close and finished solo in 2:40:19 from a field of 500. Although Art Aitken chased valiantly he had to settle for second place, 30 seconds behind Krzanich. Jeremy Presbury was third another 45 seconds later.

After crossing the finish line Krzanich was not even sure he won, “I wasn’t certain if there was anyone else further up the road and it wasn’t until someone said congratulations right at the end that I was confident I’d actually won” he said.

Sharlotte Lucas, 33, won the women’s race, claiming her record fifth Le Race championship in 2:55:25. Charlotte Clark was second in 2:57:58 and Michaela Rogan third at 3:08:26.

Men’s age group winners: U17 Andre Free 2:46:53, 35+ Kyle Gray 2:49:18, 45+ Glenn Rewi 2:53:01, 55+ Simon Yarrell 3:12:05, 65+ Jeff Neumann 3:12:57, 75+ Paul McLachlan 3:37:01

Women’s age group winners: U17 Jade Richardson 3:54:46, 35+ Thea Taylor 3:11:43, 45+ Fiona Carswell 3:44:01, 55+ Julia Spark 3:38:19, 65+ Emma De Lacey 4:05:32

This year’s Le Race was the 26th edition of the storied race from Cathedral Square in Christchurch to the finish line in the coastal town of Akaroa.

The next edition will take place Saturday 21 March 2026.

Complete Le Race results HERE

Photo Credit: Facebook/leracenz

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