It is not just the Tour of Southland cyclists who have to push through a heavy head wind - the organisers have been enduring a buffeting as well.
The ongoing battle for sponsorship remains a challenge, and the UCI's rule changes have stripped the tour of some of the stars the event has attracted in the past.
There was a time when the tour might have hoped to build on its strong local profile and become more of a global event.
But with UCI rules making it difficult for top riders to race for teams outside of their professional or national team, the days of New Zealand's top cyclists gracing the Tour of Southland appear over.
Event manager Bruce Ross remains upbeat about the event's future despite the obstacles.
''There are some regulations by the UCI but it does not ban all riders coming here,'' Ross said.
''The tour has got a very good reputation internationally as a safe and successful race. It is now in its 58th year ... and that contributes to the success.''
Ross has been managing the tour ''too long'' - since 1985.
''There are always certain complications which come with the event. Traffic management is a major part of the event planning now and, of course, the continual intriguing battle to attract sponsors to the sport.
''I have to be positive about it [the future] and I certainly am. I can see the event getting bigger and there has already been talk that, in years to come, it could become part of the national road series of Australia.''
One of the upsides of missing some big names is that the event is wide open from a competitive point of view.
''There are a lot of riders here who are relatively new to the Tour of Southland but are keen to make their mark. It has been a great springboard for launching careers.''
Wellington rider Joe Cooper shapes as an early favourite. He leads a formidable-looking Avanti Racing Team featuring last year's runner-up, Taylor Gunman.
''He comes here with a big reputation and I've always rated Joseph as a top contender and he is one of my favourites for this year.
''[Gunman] is a very good rider also and showed his strength during the Coronet Peak climb last year. I dare say it will come down to team tactics, and who is the best-placed rider on the road, as to who they will be working for.
''It is not only the Avanti Racing Team - there are some very strong combinations and I think we are going to see some fireworks throughout.''
Southland will be hoping Invercargill's Tom Scully can add to his stunning year.
He has a points race silver medal from the world track championships and a Commonwealth Games gold medal to go with it.
The 24-year-old is riding for Kia Motors-Ascot Park team alongside 2012 champion Mike Northey.
Mosgiel rider Brad Evans is perhaps Otago's best prospect.
He claimed second in the Benchmark Homes cycling series this year, despite sidestepping some races to compete in the United States.
He may end up riding for PowerNet lead rider Roman van Uden at the expense of his own race, though.
Tour of Southland
November 2-8
Prologue: 4.2km lap of Queens Park, Invercargill
Stage 1: Invercargill to Gore, 168km
Stage 2: Invercargill to Bluff Hill, 138km
Stage 3: Riverton to Te Anau, 148km
Stage 4: Te Anau to Coronet Peak, 186km
Stage 5: Invercargill to Lumsden, 158km
Stage 6: Time trial, Niagara, 13km
Stage 7: Winton to Invercargill, 87km
Riders to watch
• Brad Evans shapes as the best local prospect. The Mosgiel rider has been in strong form this season, claiming second in the Benchmark Homes cycling series despite skipping a few races to do some track racing in the United States. He is in a strong PowerNet team alongside Roman van Uden and Paul Odlin.
• Joe Cooper and Taylor Gunman head a powerful-looking Avanti Racing Team and may well end up competing with each other for the top spot on the podium. Gunman was the runner-up last season but Cooper is fresh from victory in a road series in Australia and the Wellington rider has emerged as the early tour favourite.
• Invercargill rider Tom Scully has had a huge year. He won gold in the points race at the Commonwealth Games and also claimed silver at the world track championships. He is part of the Kia Motors-Ascot Park team which includes 2012 champion Mike Northey.
