Young cycling talent Nate Pringle announced himself on the big stage after winning Golden Homes Le Race, getting close to the course record.
The 20-year-old finished just ahead of a chasing bunch to win the 25th anniversary of the 100km classic from Christchurch to Akaroa, one of the most gruelling one-day races in the country.
“We were riding in a group of about eight and I made my move on the final climb, because the last thing I wanted to do was a bunch sprint,” smiled the young Christchurch rider, after recording 2hrs 32min and 43 seconds, merry two minutes behind Michael Vick’s course record.
In the women’s race experienced Australian elite rider Matilda Raynolds was visibly shocked to win the classic race after a difficult start up the first major climb.
“I am more a diesel so need a bit of time to warm up, so that first climb straight after the start was just horrific and I was slowly dying on that first climb,” said the 36-year-old who managed to recover on the decent of Gebbies Pass to get away from her rivals.
“It just shows you to never give up, even when you think all is lost. I just stuck with it and to be honest I am a bit shocked that I ended up in front,” said Raynolds who moved to Christchurch last year and is enjoying her new surroundings.
“Every time when I thought about giving up, I would just look around and soak up these amazing backdrops all over this course. I really hate this race because it’s so bloody hard, but I don’t think you will find a race anywhere in the world with such incredible views. Raynolds finished in 2hrs 57min and 48min, nearly eight minutes ahead of second placed Annamarie Lipp and Emma Grant.
In the men’s race, Nate Pringle had little time to enjoy the views as a strong bunch of eight were climbing up the last steep parts on Summit Road, after missing his final water station.
“I was cramping all the way over those last climbs, but managed to squeeze out one burst and managed to drop the rest of the group,” said Pringle, who thanked the rest of his Oxford Edge team-mates so setting him up well for the final jump to the finish line.
Pringle is still a relative novice in cycling races, only switching to a bike in 2019 after years of rowing.
“I still have a lot to learn, so in early May a few of us will be heading over to Andorra to train and do some racing in Belgium to really learn how to race in a big bunch.”
In Europe, he will be hoping to emulate the feats of other previous winners of Le Race that include world champions and Commonwealth Games medallists like Hayden Roulston, Brian Fowler and Kate McIlroy.
“Le Race has been the jumping board for many young riders into a career on the international stage and professional circuit,” said race director Sheree Stevens.
“And we are proud that we have been the first big step for so many elite riders but also an iconic event for thousands of weekend warriors.”
Caption: Nate Pringle wins 2024 Golden Homes Le Race
Caption: Matilda Raynolds after winning Golden Homes Le Race
Men’s leading classifications
- Nate Pringle 2.32:43
- Ollie Jones 2.32:58
- Cameron Beaumont 2.32:59
- Finn Mitchell 2.32:59
- Charles Smart 2.33:02
- Elliot Robertson 2.33:16
- Daniel Whitehouse 2.34:33
- Guy Yarrell 2.37:07
- Noah Hollamby 2.37:21
- Finnegan Murphy 2.40:51
Women’s leading classifications
- Matilda Raynolds 2.57:48
- Annamarie Lipp 3.05:29
- Emma Grant 3.07:12
- Julia Grant 3.15:36
- Alia Wentz 3.15:52
- Sami Donnelly 3.16:51
- Sarah Jenkins 3.18:58
- Finella Guttmann 3.19:26
- Jessica Wood 3.21:05
- Piper Karras 3.21:27