Cycling: Elite field set for a fast Taranaki showdown

Paul Duynhoven

The 2026 edition of the Round the Mountain Cycle Race gets underway this weekend, bringing together elite national contenders, rising local talent and one of the most experienced local veterans still chasing a win in the race.

The iconic race first raced in 1911, looping around the slopes of Mt Taranaki, remains one of the country’s most demanding single‑day road events in the handicap format. With its unpredictable coastal winds, long exposed straights, and grinding climbs.

The winner will have the prestige of being the latest name on the giant sterling silver Britannia Cup.

Unfortunately last years race winner Georgia Simpson is unable to race and go for two wins in a row.

A Grade: Haden, Wilson and Bottcher Headline the Field

This year’s premier grade is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

2024 winner Glenn Haden from Whanganui returns after setting a new course record last year on his way to fastest time with a phenomenal 42km per hour average for the race.

Recently he set the New Zealand 1 hour record on the track (Masters M2 World Record) and finished second at the Elite Nationals time trial.

With favourable conditions expected on Sunday the race record could be lowered again.

Rising talent Matthew Wilson from Cambridge will be a favourite coming off second place at the January 2026 Tour of Southland and a third place in the road race at the Elite Nationals.

With a willingness to ride hard and attack if A grade hit the front he will be hard to match.

Manawatu rider Caleb Bottcher will provide stiff competition after a year riding overseas on the US gravel circuit.

Local Hopes Chase Glory

Taranaki cycling fans will have plenty to cheer for in the B Grade, where three local riders look primed for solid performances.

New Plymouth riders David Goodall, Jakob Lester and Jesse Hofmans could all be chances.

Jesse Hofmans at 16 years old will be a strong chance for the fastest junior rider.

With the handicap format giving all riders a chance for glory Taranaki riders spread across the other grades may have strong chances of coming out on top too.

The evergreen Peter Schrafft from Hawera at 70 years old continues to defy age year after year.

In 2025 he finished fourth and was the first Taranaki rider home in a bunch sprint.

If his D grade companions work well together he could find himself at the sharp end of the race again at the finish.

The race of 126km will start from Spotswood College on Sunday morning with F grade departing at 8am and the other grades leaving at regular intervals from there with A grade starting at 9.28am.

The race finishes near Inglewood on Dudley Road with a final stretch heading back up towards the mountain to test the legs.

Spectators are welcome with parking at the Dudley Hall.

The race is anticipated to finish between 12.20pm and 12.35pm depending on the wind conditions.

Prizegiving is set to commence in the Dudley Hall at 1.30pm.