The Puketapu Gravel ’n’ Tar in Palmerston was held last month as the second event of the series.
Cycling Otago race convener and gravel director Grant Campbell said the event attracted 114 riders across all categories.
‘‘A brilliant day in Palmerston, great turnout — we had a good mix of riders.
‘‘All reports back from everybody is they loved Palmerston, they loved the circuit because it’s fast; it’s high.
‘‘They were deceived by actually how much climbing there was ... it created a really good challenge.’’
Joshua Haggerty and Rachel Thow lead the men’s and women’s championship series respectively after posting wins at the Gravel ’n’ Tar.
Ben Jagger won the men’s Ride Strong category backing up his win in race 1 in Alexandra while Mo Topham won the women’s category.
Both also lead the overall series in their respective categories.
The series now shifts to its third event in just over two weeks — which is a new addition: the Matakanui Express, in Omakau.
‘‘[It is] a significantly longer distance. However, not as much elevation in it.
‘‘I think total elevation might only be about 500 or 600 metres as opposed to over 1000, so it’s definitely a lot flatter course.
‘‘It sort of opens it up for a slightly different market.’’
