Our Story
The fact that you are reading this page tells us that you care about why we are hosting Edition Zero Gravel - we appreciate that care.
Read on to discover what motivates us, the purpose of Edition Zero and the impact we are seeking to have.
​
Adventure | Challenge | Community
​
The Gravel race you have been waiting for
Established in 2021, initially as a bikepacking weekend, then as a concept shared with friends.
Edition Zero arrived in 2022 with 246 riders taking to the start line to test their gravel skills and endurance.
2023 saw a dry, dusty and sunny day with 276 riders taking in the four different course options.
​
Redefine your understanding of adventure
Being hosted in the town of Waimate and the South Canterbury region, the race starts and finishes in a town filled with rich
cycling history, come and discover challenge like never before.
​
Designed to inspire and challenge
With four course options taking in some of the finest rolling farm land in NZ while finishing
with a couple of laps of the Victoria Park Velodrome, this is not to be missed.
​
Created to deliver community impact
Everything you need to know can be found below, subscribe to our mailing list for
all the latest information including to get the first word on when entry opens.
​
Edition Zero is your next gravel adventure
Our History
The inaugural weekend saw Waimate fill up with riders from all over NZ (AUS and the UK also featured on the start list) ready for a weekend of adventure.
​
Friday registration saw riders hunting for their name on the pavement, goodie bags galore and a happy welcoming vibe.
Saturday dawned bright and clear, perfect for a nice ride in the country side. As the day progress the weather in the South Eastern end of the course deteriorated which added to the challenge.
​
With the top three Mains riders home in just under 8hours, the bench mark has been set and the course deemed a 'corker'.
​
Despite the obvious exhaustion, riders were well stoked with their achievement and many vied to return in 2023.
​
2022 Results can be found here...
Joe Nation created a great video, enjoy it here
Our Purpose | Impact
At the core of everything is community. Edition Zero has been created with specific intent to create a welcoming gravel racing community that is hosted by community. A community where you can be challenged, not just by riding your bike, but in assisting, cheering and making the finish the best welcome in sport.
Our aim is to leave people with new friendships and redefined definitions of challenge and adventure while Waimate flies its welcome banner and shows everyone Rural NZ community at its finest.
Edition Zero is not possible without the support and assistance of many community groups, clubs and volunteers. We are grateful to many many people for making this all possible.