Gravel and Tar Classic

Gravel and Tar is a one-day cycling race, held annually in the Manawatu region of New Zealand, since 2016, finishing in Palmerston North. It is rated 1.2 and has been part of UCI Oceania Tour since 2018.[1] The race is primarily on sealed roads, however the highlight of the race is the multiple gravel sectors (usually 5 or 6) throughout the course. The race is now considered to be the toughest one-day elite race in the Oceania region.[2] The race is held in January each year, making it one of the first races on the UCI Calendar, and a key chance for teams and riders to gain early UCI points. The event has seen teams enter from countries such as Sweden, Japan, the US, and Australia, alongside with the best New Zealand men's trade teams.

Gravel and Tar

Race details
Date	January
Region	Manawatū-Whanganui
Discipline	Road
Competition	UCI Oceania Tour
Type	one-day
Web site	gravelandtar.com
History
First edition	2016 (2016)
Editions	6 (as of 2021)
First winner	Logan Griffin (NZL)
Most wins	No repeat winners
Most recent	Aaron Gate (NZL)

Palmerston North was the starting location of the race for its first three years, before the race start moved to its current location in Feilding[3] in 2019. The race course often transverses the gravel roads on the watersheds near Pohangina, and the peloton is easily fractured due to punctures & crashes on these sectors. As a result of these fractures the race will very rarely see large bunches finish together, and many racers miss the time cut or are unable to finish.[4]

The Gravel and Tar La Femme is the women's version of the race, held on the same day, and introduced in 2019. The La Femme race also holds a UCI 1.2 rating, and is one of a few elite female cycle races in the world where the prizemoney on offer is the same as the men's race.[5] The race generally follows a shorter but similar course to the men's race, starting and finishing in the same locations.[6]

In 2021, the race has expanded to include a series of wraparound events over the race weekend, being labelled the Manawatu Cycling Spree.[7] This includes:

• Gravel and Tar Classic
• Gravel and Tar La Femme
• Slicks and Stones 100 - The Slicks and Stones 100 – an event for all amateur cyclists – who wish to challenge themselves by riding close to 100km of the elite Gravel and Tar circuit. [8]
• Slicks and Stones Lite - In 2021, there’s also a shorter Slicks and Stones 46km circuit for those wishing to try their skill on an easier course, known as the Slicks and Stones Lite,[9] with the Slicks and Stones eBike Challenge , another new category, also taking place over the 46km circuit.[10]
• Retro Bike Ride - The Retro Ride is a friendly event to get people moving and have fun with a retro cycling theme - it’s for all people who have a retro bike or simply like dressing up in retro gear. Donations and proceeds from this event go to the Arohanui Hospice in Palmerston North.[11]
• Family Fun Ride - A "get moving" family event that is part of the festival to enable cycling participation for all ages and abilities. This is a fun and friendly event for the whole family, meandering along the riverbank parkway of the beautiful Manawatū to finish at Memorial Park.[12]
• Arapuke Mountain Bike Challenge - The Arapuke Classic, organised by the Manawatū Mountain Bike Club, takes riders over their choice of three courses, from 13 to 41 km of single track, in the Tararua Range foothills on the doorstep of Palmerston North. For 2021, there’s also an e-bike category over 25kms. [13]
• Nieuw Normal Extreme Mountain Bike Challenge - An extreme mountain bike event, held at the new Green's Estate venue.[14]