More than 130 competitors took part in the 120km road race from Milford to Te Anau on Wednesday, and race director Matt Sillars said it would be held within the next year, on a date to be confirmed.
"It's certainly the intention. We've got funding to get it going. The feedback we have had is everyone will go out and spread the word."
The original concept for the race was mooted six years ago, at a Fiordland College meeting. The race was to have been held last year, but low entries meant holding it off.
Sillars said for a new event, he was thrilled with how it turned out for the riders and traffic.
"The guys seemed pretty pleased and no-one was held up too much. It was a trip into the unknown and we came out the other side with no scars."
He said what set the race apart from others was its "alpine style", which was unique to Australasia.
While the race attracted New Zealand's "cream of the crop", including national champion James Williamson, Jeremy Yates, Brett Tivers, Chris Macic and Southland's Tom Scully, there were many recreational riders who competed.
Participants also had the option of the shorter 63km Eglinton Challenge, from Knobs Flat to Te Anau.
Race winner Yates, who announced his retirement from international cycling this week, said the course was "surprisingly difficult", but as good as any other he had raced in his professional career.
"From Milford, it was especially difficult. It was like something you see in Europe and on the Tour de France."
The 29-year-old said he had always been keen to come to Milford, but had never got around to it.
"I think mum and dad honeymooned here, so I had been told how beautiful it was. The scenery is second to none. I saw a bumper sticker reading 'When God made New Zealand he was just showing off'. I think that sums it up really."
Yates was especially pleased with how he finished the race, building a lead of 1min, and said he had not been able to ride 100km solo in 10 years.
He and partner Serena Sheridan, who was placed second in the female section, will move to Christchurch after his last race, the Tour of Manawatu, next weekend.
The newly qualified builder has registered his construction company, Jeremy Yates Construction Ltd, and will relocate to "help rebuild Christchurch".
"I'm 30 this year. I've got new challenges, new goals. It's time for a change. Cycling is a young man's game. It has been a real pleasure and I've achieved a lot in my career."
