Reputation: Regional New Zealand event.
[01]
Course Overview
New Zealand South Island gravel adventure.
154 mi
Distance
11,500 ft
Elevation
Waimate, New Zealand
Location
November 28, 2026
Date
~200
Field Size
$150-250
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / jaselikesbikes
Photo: YouTube / jaselikesbikesThe 2026 Mains is a 248-kilometre course with approximately 3,500 metres of climbing and 75% gravel. It starts and finishes at the Victoria Park Velodrome in Waimate, uses GPX-only navigation, and has four aid stations with two drop-bag points.
Signature challenge: A 248-kilometre, 75%-gravel course with approximately 3,500 metres of climbing, GPX-only navigation, and no personal or team support on course.
40
MILE
Cannington Aid Station
The first official 2026 Mains aid station and drop-bag point is at 64 kilometres, about 40 miles into the course.
75
MILE
Water Aid Station
The second official 2026 Mains aid station is at 121 kilometres, about 75 miles into the course.
103
MILE
Cattle Creek Aid Station
The third official 2026 Mains aid station and second drop-bag point is at 166 kilometres, about 103 miles into the course.
131
MILE
Waihaorunga Aid Station
The final official 2026 Mains aid station is at 211 kilometres, about 131 miles into the course.
RIDERS REPORT
Deep gravel section MI 4
About 6K in, the gravel gets pretty deep. This is where crashes happen - rider went down in the deep gravel in front of other riders.
Velodrome finish MI 140
You have to do two laps around the velodrome at the finish in Waimate. The velodrome was built in 1891.
The gravel varies from thick to not so thick. You're always searching for the smoothest line if there is one. Lots of straight roads and rolling hills.
Long straight roads everywhere, pretty relentless. The back gets screaming from the lack of suspension on the rough surface.
[04]
From the Field
The thing about gravel is that there's long straight roads everywhere and you're always searching for the smoothest line if there is one. Some thick gravel some not so thick, it's pretty relentless.
jaselikesbikes · 3.8K views
About 6K in the gravel hit, it's pretty deep here and that's what happened - got a bit of graze on my elbow. Stay on your line there's no one front or behind now.
jaselikesbikes · 3.8K views
The event was really well organized by Andy and his crew. It looks like they put the community at the forefront of Edition Zero.
jaselikesbikes · 3.8K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Edition Zero? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
November 28, 2026 EDITION ZERO
RIDERS REPORT
Rider wished they were on their Epic Evo instead of their current bike due to the rough terrain and back pain from lack of suspension.
[08]
Train for Edition Zero
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
8
Climbing
7
VO2 Power
4
Threshold
5
Technical
6
Heat
2
Altitude
4
Race Specificity
6
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Queenstown (ZQN) or Christchurch (CHC) varies by location
Lodging
South Island has good lodging options but expensive.
Food
South Island has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day before typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Stay on your line when riding through the deep gravel sections to avoid crashes.
Pace conservatively - rider was able to pass 5-6 people who were slowing down after the turnaround point.
Finished Camelbak by 70k mark (halfway point), so plan hydration accordingly for the full distance.
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmWET
1
Vittoria Terreno Wet
excellent wet grip
2
Schwalbe G-One Overland
excellent wet grip
3
Pirelli Cinturato Gravel S
excellent wet grip
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Vittoria Terreno Wet 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Edition Zero?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 56°F and lows of 41°F, with a 69% chance of rain on any given day, and gusts reaching 30 mph. New Zealand spring weather delivers extremes: '2022 we had snow on one side of the course and bright sunshine on the other!' Charlotte Clarke's pre-race recon hit winds so severe she was 'pinned by the wind against a fence, hanging on for dear life' while Caleb struggled with a bike that 'wouldn't stay upright.' Race day 2025 brought surprisingly hot conditions that eliminated drafting benefits. Similar climate challenges to SBT GRVL.[2]
How are the logistics for Edition Zero?
George Bennett, fresh off European WorldTour racing, worried about basic logistics: 'I was worried about aid stations; I was worried about getting there in time for sign on.' Drop bags collected at registration create complexity, and GPS navigation is mandatory for Mains since the course isn't fully marked. Waimate remains a small agricultural town with infrastructure challenges for mass participation events. "Given this is an adventure and people are travelling from all over to attend, this event is strictly unsupported. This means that there is no personal on course support."[1]
How adventurous is Edition Zero?
'It's 250 kilometres with no towns. There are smatterings of dairy farms, but it's limited to the very start and end of the course,' explains race founder Andy Chalmers. The route crosses pristine gravel where 'there isn't a lot of traffic going up and down the roads every day.' Finishing at the 1891 velodrome adds historical theater to the remote backcountry exploration.[1]
How prestigious is Edition Zero?
2025 Unbound winner Cam Jones targeting Edition Zero and setting a 7:24 course record signals growing credibility. Race founder Andy Chalmers noted 'This year it was very evident that people had targeted it. It wasn't just another race on their calendar. It was something they were putting specific effort towards.' International participation is building, but prestige accumulates over decades, not seasons.[2]
Should I race Edition Zero?
If you have a big budget and want a New Zealand experience—maybe. For most riders—there are better options.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Edition Zero Entree 25ridewithgps.com/routes/53436658
- Other Sources Charlottelucyclarkecharlottelucyclarke.substack.com/p/edition-zero-gravel-2025
- Other Sources Greatkiwigravelgreatkiwigravel.com/post/edition-zero-2025-newsletter-one
- Other Sources Climbbikeskiwww.climbbikeski.com/2025/12/12/edition-zero-gravel-2025/
- Other Sources Greatkiwigravelwww.greatkiwigravel.com/post/edition-zero-2025-newsletter...
- Other Sources Nzcyclingjournalwww.nzcyclingjournal.com/inside-edition-zero/
- Other Sources Pushbikeswww.pushbikes.co.nz/blogs/news/edition-zero-gravel-race