A proper multi-day road stage race is coming back to New Zealand.
WHY THE EPOCH TOUR EXISTS
“Epoch” refers to a defining period in time — a moment that marks change.
The Epoch Tour is about restoring that sense of occasion to road racing in New Zealand.
A race riders deliberately build their season around, not just another weekend added to the calendar.
The inaugural 2026 edition will run as the Epoch Tour of Canterbury, setting the foundation for something designed to grow, evolve, and endure.
Delivered by experienced race organisers, athletes, and coaches, this tour is built on credibility, not hype.
A PROPER WOMEN’S STAGE RACE
The Epoch Tour places a major emphasis on women’s racing.
This will be one of the only true women’s-only multi-day stage races in New Zealand, delivered with the same intent, structure, and respect as the men’s event.
Women’s racing will not be an add-on.
It is a core part of the tour.
Multiple stages. Real classifications. A genuine opportunity for women to race a stage event built specifically for them.
This matters — and we’re committed to doing it properly.
FOUNDATIONAL PARTNERS
The Epoch Tour is backed from the beginning by Brent Jones and David Cresswell as foundational partners.
Their involvement is about more than sponsorship.
It reflects a shared belief in building something meaningful, credible, and long-term for New Zealand cycling — and in backing people and ideas that are built with intent.
Their support provides stability, confidence, and energy behind the tour from day one, helping ensure the event is delivered to the standard it deserves.
ABOUT THE DIRECTORS
MARK PRUTTON — Race Director & Technical Lead
Marc brings a rare blend of athletic credibility and race delivery experience to the Epoch Tour. A successful rider in his own right, he’s been part of several professional Teams, Cycling New Zealand and Cycling Southland at performance levels and has deep insight into what it takes to succeed in multi-day competition. Marc’s track record in running large tours and coaching at the highest level gives this event a backbone that riders can trust. He’s the one shaping the courses, the classifications, and the racing integrity — building something that’s not just another weekend on the calendar, but a race with real meaning for athletes serious about their craft.
ALEX MANN — Community Builder & Marketing Lead
Alex is a known name across the Canterbury cycling scene, the quiet engine behind many of the region’s most engaging events. From organising Winter Worlds and local club races, to running weekly time trials and large criterium events, he has a knack for bringing riders together and boosting participation at every level. Alex looks after entries, the website, rider communications, and the overall experience — ensuring this tour feels good from the first click to the final stage. His deep roots in schools racing, club culture, and Canterbury’s racing community give the event both reach and heart.
Together, Marc and Alex combine credibility and community spirit. One builds courses that matter; the other builds the audience who’ll rise to meet them. The result? A stage race that’s serious in intent, and welcoming in execution.
