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34km | The Merino
Tekapo Springs 'The Merino'
Date: Saturday 5th April 2025
Distance: 34km Out-And-Back
Start Time: 9:30am
Start/Finish Line: Tekapo Lake Front
Race Briefing: 9:15am Saturday 5th April
Minimum Age: 12yr
Any rider under 14 MUST have an adult enter the event and ride with them - this is to ensure younger riders have mechanical support at all times.
Result Categories:
1st, 2nd, 3rd Women, Men Overall,
1st Female, 1st Male 12-39, 40-59, 60+
Race Cut Off Information:
5:30pm Traffic Management Cut Off across the course.
Tekapo Springs The Merino 34km
The Race
Tekapo Springs The Merino is a new shorter option for those keen to experience the event without spending too long out on wheels. The Merino is a shorter out-and-back on the right hand side of Lake Tekapo, similar to The Shepherd but turning back just after the first Aid Station en route along Lilybank Road.
The course is predominately gravel road, with some short sections of sealed road. Riders will enjoy differing views when riding out towards the mountains and also when riding back towards Lake Tekapo village.
Riders will head along Lilybank Road towards the top of the lake. The views on the way up the lake are breath-taking - you are riding towards the mountains and enjoying lake and farm views the entire way. On your return you get a completely different perspective - looking back towards the Lake Tekapo village with Mt John as your landmark. The scenery is incredible on this side of the lake, and with it being less technical you have a great chance to take it all in without having to watch your wheels so often!!
This option is perfect for E Bikes, Gravel Bikes, and of course Mountain Bikes. Riders will enjoy the hospitality at The Shepherd's Quarters Aid Station along the way. The course also takes in the iconic Lake Tekapo footbridge, the Church of The Good Shepherd, as well as the Dog Statue - all of which you get to enjoy twice during the 34km. Lilybank Road will be closed to anyone but residents to allow for more relaxed riding for this race.
The Course
Tekapo Springs 'The Merino' Information
The Merino Start Line
Tekapo Springs The Merino start line is at the main Race Village on the Village Green in Lake Tekapo. This is near the lake edge, in front of the shops.
The start will be via a classic kiwi 'Bark Off' - when the shepherd gets their dog to bark, that is the start gun.
Riders must position themselves in order of competitiveness. There will be a 5 minute window for riders to start the race to allow for a good spread throughout the pack.
Race Registration
The Merino competitors can collect Race Packs on Friday between 3pm - 7:30pm at the Bayleys Mackenzie office in Lake Tekapo. This is at the Mackenzie Room, The Godley Hotel, Unit B/2-4 Rapuwai Lane, Lake Tekapo.
You can also register on the morning of the race between 8:00am - 9:00am. We recommend all competitors to register on the Friday if possible. This will allow for a smoother morning before your ride.
Total Elevation
The Merino has approximately 350m elevation gain across the 34km course.
Aid Stations
Aid Stations are positioned around The Merino course at approximately the following points:
- 16km Shepherd's Quarters
- 18km Shepherd's Quarters
Aid Stations will be supplied with fresh water, Pure Sports Electrolyte Hydration, and lollies.
There will be other food available - full details released closer to the event.
Toilets will be at the Aid Station.
Please ensure you have at least 1.5l of water and are carrying enough food to sustain you throughout your ride. We will be able to supply top-ups at the Aid Stations but it is best you remain self-sufficient as much as possible.
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