Longest running stage race in

In 1956, the idea was hatched to host a cycling race to mark Southland’s centenary.

From those humble beginnings grew the SBS Bank Tour of Southland, and event that exceeds in size, distance, and significance anything its original founders could have imagined.

Back for its 65th edition this year, it is the longest running stage race in New Zealand, and is fortunate to be able to return this year, albeit without international competitors.

Over the years the race has seen many of the greats of New Zealand cycling etch their names on the illustrious list of winners, while many more have honed their trade on the roads of Southland before heading overseas to achieve even greater success.

Brian Fowler leads the way with the most overall titles claimed, eight in total between his first win in 1985 and his last in 1995.

Hayden Roulston claimed four overall victories between 2006 and 2010, with the great Tino Tabak claiming three titles from 1965 to 1967, and Warrick Dalton also claiming three titles between 1959 and 1969.

Two time champion Michael Vink will be looking to join this illustrious club when he lines up ion 31 October with the Transport Engineering Southland - Talley’s team.

After finishing second twice, in 2016 and 2017, Vink claimed back to back titles in 2018 and 2019, with another second place overall in 2020.

Last year the yellow jersey contest came down to bonus seconds on the final sprint of the final stage, and Vink will certainly be hoping to make the result more secure well before Stage 8 this year.

Neither 2020 tour champion Aaron Gate, nor pink jersey winner Corbin Strong will be at the tour this year, with both still in Europe after having represented New Zealand at the UCI Track Cycling World Championships last weekend, leaving Vink as a strong favourite for the title this year. However, it will be anything but plain sailing as there will be plenty of riders looking to challenge his dominance.

The Bolton Equities Black Spoke Pro Cycling team is bringing a powerful lineup to the race, with former national road race champion and 2020 Harcourts Sprint Ace winner James Fouche´ likely to make his presence felt.

The team also boasts the services of Olympic Omnium silver medal winner and former Omnium world champion Campbell Stewart, 2020 Tour of Southland sixth place finisher Luke Mudgway, former Harcourts Sprint Ace winner and world scratch race bronze medallist Tom Sexton, and last year’s eighth place finisher Logan Currie.

The PowerNet team will also bring a strong lineup with former Jesco King of the Mountains winner and fifth place overall in 2020, Ollie Jones, leading the lineup.

The team will have multiple option for the overall with runner up in 2019, Alex Heaney, also taking the start for the team.

Creation Signs - MitoQ brings a team rich in talent, with top mountain biker and seventh overall in last year’s tour, Ben Oliver, leading the team.