Jan 11th, 10.  Christchurch staked its claim as the cycling capital of New Zealand with Tour de France style crowds and thrilling racing in the first of three times the city will host the National Championships.

Crowds watching up Dyers Pass Road ©RoadCycling.co.nz

The course travelled through suburban streets, up the 1.5km Dyers Pass Road 12.5% gradient climb, down the steep descent of Hackthorne Road, around picturesque countryside to the start/finish point at the Pioneer Stadium.

The 12 lap course (8 for the women) created what turned out to be both a challenge for the riders and a perfect viewing platform for spectators to watch the action unfold.

Julian Dean, pro tour rider for Garmin Transitions, who rode over 10,000 km and 63 stages over three Grand Tours last year, was very complimentary of the course.

"It was great, and the crowd and the ambiance was good. It's going to be a good couple of years here," Dean told RoadCycling.co.nz.

Thousands of fans turned up to line the streets, with the Dyers Pass Road hill climb covered with fans, tents, couches, and cowbells. 

Karen Fulton from Nelson, one of the top 10 finishers in Saturday's women's race said having the cowbells ringing was great motivation up the tough climb.

Tandem nuns cruising up Dyers Pass Road supporting Heath

Thirsty penguin waiting for the action

Micheal Vink fan kitted out with supporters gear

Many of the fans were in costume or wearing t-shirts and team kit in support of their favourite riders.

Heath Blackgrove, Rachel Mercer and the Subway Avanti team share the award for the most visual spectator fans.

The atmosphere on the hill was electric, much like the heralded Alpe d'Heuz stage of the Tour de France.

There was a mix of cycling enthusiasts from around the country, local families who were enjoying learning more about cycling and children who were keen to get a photo of the kiwis they'd seen on the TV racing in the Tour de France.

Fans getting in early on Dyers Pass Road to wait for the action ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Team support for Subway-Avanti up Dyers Pass Road ©RoadCycling.co.nz

With the circular nature of the course it was possible to drive or walk to different locations ensuring fans were able to catch the action from various vantage points. The best form of transportation was, of course, a bicycle.

The crowd waiting for the sprint finish ©RoadCycling.co.nz

Heath Blackgrove, winner of the 2009 Tour of Southland and 4th placed yesterday, also had nothing but praise for the 15.6km circuit.

"I think it's a great course, and it's great to see a decent crowd out today," Blackgrove told RoadCycling.co.nz

"It was also a good hard race in the end," he said.

There are no official crowd numbers, but RoadCycling.co.nz "counted" thousands. All were having a great time, and looking forward to next year being even bigger.

"You don't pay too much attention to the crowd, but it's awesome," said Blackgrove.

"That is what the nationals need, we haven't had this for years and years, it was awesome."

Uphill finish?

Peloton racing through the country flats before hitting the hill again ©RoadCycling.co.nz

The current course finished on a flat section with a short sprint to Pioneer Stadium on Rose Street.  

Race Director Simon Hollander, who should take much of the credit for the fantastic weekend of racing, said he is looking for feedback and suggestions for improvements for the 2011 course.

One option which will be considered is finishing the race at the top of the Dyers Pass Road.

When asked if a modification to the course such as this would make it more interesting, Blackgrove responded.

"Fine by me, I can't sprint," he said.

Julian Dean might have another opinion though!