West Coast athlete Sharlotte Lucas continued her dominance of the iconic Golden Homes Le Race with her 6th title and first back-to-back victory in the 100km classic today.
Lucas punched the air as she crossed the finish line in front of a festive crowd at the Akaroa Recreation Ground in a time of 2:54:31, almost a minute faster than her winning time from last year.
Lucas was in the leading bunch from the start of the gruelling 100km classic at Christchurch’s Cathedral Square and never looked back, eventually pulling away to win comfortably from Emily Sopers and Thea Taylor but not quite able to challenge the course record of 2.49:13, set by Kate McIlroy in 2019.
Pre-race contender, 30-year-old reigning UCI Esports World Champion, Kate McCarthy, was forced to withdraw soon after the start.
“It’s a great feeling – I love winning bike races and it’s pretty cool to have won this race six times.
“We had a fast group, with a good working bunch into a bit of a head wind for most of it, so wasn’t the fastest day.
“I’m starting to like the course more,” she laughed. “It’s so cool to start in the city and finish in Akaroa. Obviously it’s pretty hilly, but I can suffer over the climbs and I’m pretty good on the descents.”
The Hokitika 34-year-old previously won Le Race in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2023 and 2025, and has finished second on three occasions.
In the men’s race, 2024 runner-up Ollie Jones timed his run perfectly, attacking eventual runner-up Noah Hollamby during the descent to take his debut victory after “about 10” attempts in a fast 2:34:50.
“This has been on my list to tick off for a while now – I’ve been on the podium a number times so I’m stoked to cross the line first today.
“Last time I probably attacked too hard too early and was failing towards the end. I felt really in control today, I attacked at the right times and that paid off.”
Race director Sheree Stevens was thrilled with the event which attracted riders of all levels from Canterbury, around New Zealand and overseas.
“Le Race is the only race like it in New Zealand and provides a real challenge for elite and recreational riders.
“This event has been the scene of many moments of personal triumph over 27 years and it was no different today.
“I congratulate all the winners and placegetters, those who were racing against themselves and also the people who’ve overcome a challenge just to get to the start line.”
Christchurch 16-year-old Noah Johnstone showed his potential finishing 10th overall and winning the under-17 classification in 2:44:37 while Jeff Neumann celebrated his 23rd year racing the event by winning the Masters 65-74 years classification.
More information: Race director Sheree Stevens 021 440 488.
Results
Men (overall)
OLLIE JONES 02:34:50
NOAH HOLLAMBY 02:35:36
JACK DRAGE 02:36:28
Women (overall)
SHARLOTTE LUCAS 02:54:31
EMILY SOPERS 03:00:54
THEA TAYLOR 03:02:38 (also first in Masters 35-44 classification)
