The 5 Passes, in order of ascent are Evans, Weka, Lewis, Arthur's and Porters. A trip over the main divide and back again.

This truly is a fantastic event with loads of laughs and a friendly atmosphere, it just doesn’t get any better!  5 Passes is now in it’s 9th year and is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the best biking events in the country. The purpose of the Tour is to give cyclists the opportunity to experience a four day bike tour along breathtaking scenery in the South Island, with the yellow jersey, KOM, sprint competitions, and team time trails just like the pro riders, but in a fun and friendly environment.

Riders select one of five grades to ride in, A-D and social and ride as part of a 4 person team. Each day is broken into stages. These stages have neutral (means no racing) sections to allow time for enjoyable relaxed riding and a chance to get to know the other people on the Tour. Approximately half of the total distance is neutral riding which makes completing the tour a very achievable goal. It also means plenty of recovery time to allow riders to enjoy the scenery and the company of the like minded people in their bunch. Outside the neutral stages the competition points and Jerseys are up for grabs with the opportunity to test yourselves against the best climbers and sprinters in the tour, or just carry on biking at your pace enjoying the magnificent scenery we travel through. Most of all this event is about having fun on and off the bike, making new friends and pushing your limits to a new level. Join us on this years tour the rewards are huge.

Programme 2009

• Thursday 29 October - Evening Prologue and registration
• Friday     30 October  - Day 1 - Christchurch to Hanmer Springs
• Saturday 31 October - Day 2 - Hanmer Springs to Greymouth
• Sunday   1 November - Day 3 - Greymouth to Arthur's Pass
• Monday   2 November - Day 4 - Arthur's Pass to Christchurch - evening Awards Dinner

Totals - 600km biking.

Day Profiles: click here for see large version...

Registration Fees

• Registration fee $ 1260.00
  $ 150.00 non refundable deposit paid on entry
• Full payment required by 31 August 2009

Entry

Entry is on line only. Entry will be limited to 100 riders on a first in basis

Registration Fees include

• Accommodation for three nights 30 Oct, 31 Oct and 1 Nov
• All meals
• On road nutrition, electrolyte drink etc
• Support team personnel & Support team vehicles
• Sponsored prizes and merchandise
• Awards dinner meal

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your entry you will be refunded as per the following dates and percentages

• Cancellation before 1 October 2009 - Full refund less deposit
• Cancellation after 1 October 2009 - no refund

Competitions

- Yellow Jersey - fastest accumulative time

- KOM - Polka Dolt Jersey - King of the Mountain points leader

- Sprint Ace - Green Jersey- Sprint points leader

The competitions run for each grade. There are no jerseys for the Social grade.

Team Category

Competitors are encouraged to enter as a member of a team of four riders with a team name. A great opportunity to get a sponsor and wear their name throughout the tour! Individuals who do not enter as part of a team will be placed in a team. We have a team competition running through the tour with 2 Team time trails stages. The team time for the time trails will be added to the individuals time for the overall GC (General Classification) 

Information

Contact Peter O'Brien, peter@cisport.co.nz

Peter O’Brien
Race Director