This was a new event on the Twizel Hard Labour Weekend Calendar in 2009. This year (2010) it takes place on Sunday 24th October.  In its first year, it was a 60 km, two lap road cycle alongside Twizel's iconic canal system taking in the splendor of the Mackenzie High Country and Lake Ohau.
 
   In 2010, due to popular demand, we will add an extra lap to make a 90km race for those individuals that want it while retaining the 60km option as well. Entry to the 60 km race is open to individuals and teams.

START/FINISH is at Ben Ohau Station: To get there from SH8 turn west 200 metres south of the bridge over the Twizel River, and follow Glen Lyon Road for 6 km (do not go down the unsealed Old Glen Lyon Road). Ben Ohau Station is on the left, the start/finish is 500m beyond the homestead and over the Fraser River on your right. It is visible from the road. Portable toilets will be provided. Shelter is limited - bring warm clothes as it can be cold, especially at the start.

Course
The race begins at Ben Ohau Station and competitors will cycle up Glen Lyon Rd to the canal and over a one lane bridge then travel in an anticlockwise direction to The Lake Ohau outlet and then to the Ohau A control gates, a predominately flat ride. The course then descends to the Ohau A Power Station turn around point. Competitors then climb back up to the canal and travel back to the one lane bridge (one lap of 30km). Individuals will then continue on and complete another lap. Team riders will turn right at bridge and head back to the start, where they will swap with their team mate. All intersections will be marshalled.

View Canal Caper in a larger map or download course map as pdf

Warm Up
Competitors may only warm up within the marked race course. This means you may warm up on Glen Lyon Rd between the start area and canal and on the canals left of the bridge. Under no circumstances can competitors warm up on Glen Lyon Rd heading toward Twizel.

The Start
There will be a mass start on Glen Lyon Rd outside the event staging area at 0900. Team riders and individuals will start together. Competitors are asked to seed themselves, with faster riders at the front and slower nearer the back.

The Finish
The finish of the race will be on the canal approximately 300m before the intersection of the canal and Glen Lyon Rd. It will be well marked. From there to the start area where your times and placing will be recorded is to be a neutral or no race zone. Competitors are required to remain in the order they crossed the finish line and slow down sufficiently to negotiate the intersection safely and enter the finish chute in a controlled manner.

Support Vehicles
Due to the narrow nature of the roads being used for this event, support vehicles may not follow their riders around the course. Supporters may not drive up to canals to watch their riders as this will create a problem with vehicles on the race course. The distance from start area to canal is approx 700m and there will be sufficient time to walk this while the riders are completing their first lap.

Event Rules

1. Everyone must show consideration for the race officials and the other competitors, attend the race briefing and obey road rules and marshals at all times.
2. You will be cycling on public roads and must share the road with other users. THERE ARE NO ROAD CLOSURES for this event. Competitors are reminded that when their slow speed impedes the normal and reasonable flow of traffic they are required as soon as reasonably practicable to move as far left as is practicable when this is necessary to allow following traffic to pass. Absolutely no crossing of the center line is permitted. Race officials will disqualify any competitor crossing the center line or not obeying race or road regulations.
3. The return leg of the canal from Lake Ohau Outlet to Ohau A contains a section of very  narrow seal with no road marking. Caution must be taken on this section and competitors are required to cycle as close to the left of the seal as practicable.
4. The canals are popular with fishermen so you will no doubt encounter parked cars on the side of the canal, please be aware of these and take caution when approaching.
5. Cycle helmets must be of a standard recognized by Land Transport NZ and worn during warm up and during the race.
6. Road or Mountain bikes may be used, they must be well maintained and in appropriate condition in which to safely complete this event. Aerobars may be used for the event but you must be confident about bunch riding and when it is safe to use them.
7. Absolutely no ipods or similar personal music devices may be worn during the race or while warming up prior to race.
8. Dropping of litter during the race will result in disqualification.
9. All competitors must carry basic repair equipment and wear clothing suitable to the conditions.
10. Competitors are advised to carry sufficient fluids for the duration of the race.
11. If you are forced to withdraw from the race please notify nearest official or inform the race director as soon as possible.
12. In the unlikely event of  the canal road being closed due to severe weather conditions the organizers reserve the right to cancel the race.
13. Have fun, enjoy the scenery. Have a sausage at the BBQ following your race.

Registration
Download the entry form (pdf 189kb)