Nov 27th, 09. A unique opportunity for recreational cyclists to ride with New Zealand's pros is filling up fast according to Simon Hollander, event organiser of the Elite Nationals.

For the first time recreational riders can ride the elite championship course with NZ’s top cyclists including Hayden Roulston ©Graham Watson

Hollander says entries are open until the 15th of December but given the interest so far, the limit of 200 places could easily be reached sooner.

Interest has been far reaching, from the far north to the far south. Hollander told RoadCycling.co.nz those who have entered have said, “What a great chance of a life time to ride the elite course and one with some history dating to the 1974 Commonwealth Games and what a bonus that we get to ride with some stars."

In addition to several of BikeNZ’s Elite riders, including Hayden Roulston, being available to ride with recreational riders, a number of NZ’s top riders will be testing the course a day prior to battling it out for national honours.

“We see NZ’s top cyclists such as Hayden Roulston and Gordon McCauley racing on TV, but rarely do everyday cyclists have the opportunity to ride and chat with our professional international road cyclists,” said Hollander.

“It was our desire to let the booming number of recreational cyclists experience the excitement and strategies of world class racing. To succeed on the world stage our top cyclists must head to the tough racing of Europe. To have these guys come and share their experiences with everyday riders is exceptional.”

The Elite National course, taking in centre city racing and the tough climbs of the Cashmere hills, is based on the same course (albeit in reverse) used in the 1974 Commonwealth Games. Recreational riders tackle the 15.6km course four times, experiencing the steep climbs and fast descents under closed conditions.

The recreational ride has been restricted to only 200 places as organisers maximise entrants’ exposure to top level road racing and the crème de la crème of NZ cycling.

Entries are now open at www.elitenationals.co.nz. The premium package for the select riders includes a free Elite Nationals race jersey from Tineli, and a chance to win $2,500 worth of SKINS and a $6000 Pinarello FP3, plus free downloadable photos from the event.

The SKINS Grand Prix presented by Tineli will take place just before the National Elite women’s race at midday on Saturday January 9th , while the national Elite men start at 10am on Sunday 10th January.

For more information visit www.elitenationals.co.nz