``` Keeping Winter Worlds Alive
Winter Worlds exists because great racing does not survive on nostalgia, crossed fingers and one bloke remembering where the cones are.
Why This Page Exists
Entry fees have changed, and rather than hiding behind vague admin waffle, this page explains why.
Safer events, proper planning, medical support, insurance, timing, systems and volunteers all matter. The race has to work on the road and on the books.
For more than 30 years I have been involved in road cycling in Canterbury.
During that time I have seen some incredible clubs, amazing volunteers and some of the best racing New Zealand has to offer.
I have also seen the other side.
Great races disappear.
Clubs struggle to find volunteers.
Committees change.
People move on.
And suddenly another race that everyone loved is gone.
Winter Worlds exists because I do not want to see that happen.
Pelo Performance was created to build a sustainable future for road racing. That means creating events that are safe, professionally organised and financially viable, so they will still be here in five, ten and twenty years' time.
Why Has The Entry Fee Increased?
The short answer is simple. Because that is what it actually costs to keep road racing alive.
Every Winter Worlds race includes:
- Qualified medical support
- Public liability insurance
- Course inspections and safety planning
- Race administration
- Marketing to grow the sport
- Marshals and volunteers
- Printing and race materials
- Timing and results
- Website, online entries and payment systems
- Accounting, compliance and event management
Before a single rider rolls away from the start line, the cost of putting on a typical race is around $900.
That does not include the many hours spent organising the event before race day and everything that happens afterwards. Sadly, enthusiasm is not yet accepted as legal tender, which seems a bit harsh.
Where Does Sponsorship Go?
One thing many people do not realise is that our sponsors are not paying to run Winter Worlds. Their support goes directly back to riders.
- ✓ Prize money
- ✓ Hub Cycles vouchers
- ✓ Series leader jerseys
- ✓ End-of-series trophies
- ✓ Photography
- ✓ Additional rider experiences
The actual cost of delivering the event is funded almost entirely through entry fees.
A New Way To Enter
This year we are introducing two options, so riders can choose what works best.
Casual Entry
Perfect if you can only make the occasional race.
Winter Worlds Season Pass
If you are planning to race the whole series, we want to reward that commitment. Enter all five rounds before the series begins and pay just $125.
That is only $25 per race. The Season Pass is for the full series and is not refundable or transferable if you miss a round, but it is the best value for riders planning to race every week.
